What are the benefits of joining the World Championships of Performing Arts as a contestant in the Team Canada delegation?
- SELF-CONFIDENCE DEVELOPMENT, as a direct or indirect consequence of performing with and against other world-class talents;
- CAREER DEVELOPMENT through go-sees, where qualified contestants get to meet and greet Casting Directors, International Talent Scouts, elite Modeling Agents, and A & R Executives of U.S.-based music record labels;
- EDUCATION by means of free Bootcamps and Workshops by the very mentors, coaches, and instructors of big-name Hollywood performing artists;
- A SHOT at almost half a million dollars’ worth of scholarships from the Millennium Dance Complex, the New York Film Academy, and the New York Conservatory for Film and Television;
- COMPETITION for gold, silver, and bronze medals as it is in the Olympics;
- A POSITIVE STREAM OF ACTIVITIES which helps keep candidates away from destructive vices, crime, and moral decay;
- A CHANCE to show the world that Canada is, after all, a wellspring of talent brought about by its very social diversity and ethnic tolerance;
- And lastly, FUN! This is going to be a lifetime experience the Team will never forget!
Why is there a World Championship of Performing Arts?
A. During the 1984 Olympic Games which was held in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., Griff O’Neil, former executive of the Miss U.S.A. and Miss Universe Beauty Pageants, was struck by the realization that there existed several international competitions for athletes at country levels in the form of the Olympics and other regional sports events, but none whatsoever for performing artists. Recognizing this need, he immediately mobilized all the forces needed for the development of this new idea. A few years later, WCOPA was born.
How did the Olympics influence WCOPA? What do they have in common?
A. Since WCOPA was inspired by the Olympics, both have Opening Ceremonies. WCOPA has what it calls the Parade of Nations. This is one of the most colorful and awaited components of both events, where flags of their respective countries are carried in full view of all spectators. WCOPA made it into a separate thing by introducing national costumes which can win awards for their respective countries too! During the competition proper, all contestants vie for gold, silver, and bronze medals. Becoming a medalist is a big deal for both events. A country joins the competition as an entire team, even if by nature some events are individual efforts and others are group undertakings. Also, both WCOPA and the Olympics have Closing Ceremonies. WCOPA’s Closing Ceremonies take the form of a live worldwide webcast, which is the Grand Finals night where the best of the best are pitted against each other and the Grand Champions of the World (Junior and Senior categories) are selected by noted Hollywood judges.
What does WCOPA have that the Olympics doesn’t?
A. A number of things! First, WCOPA is geared toward the education of its competitors. So there are WorldStars Boot Camps being held prior to the competition, from which participants can learn so much about their field of performance and the entertainment industry in general. These make up a total of twelve hours of intensive training, conducted by top Hollywood coaches and performers. Secondly, as if this weren’t enough, nearly half a million dollars of scholarships are being given away to deserving contestants! Thirdly, WCOPA also hosts go-sees which are the very opportunities that all participants should take advantage of, to personally interact with Hollywood’s inner circle—talent agencies, TV and movie directors, recording moguls, elite dance schools, leading acting academies. The list goes on and on.
How many countries will participate?
A. About sixty countries will be sending their contingents to both the Senior World Championships and the Junior World Championships from July 22-31, 2022 at Anaheim, California, U.S.A.
How do I join as a contestant?
A. You will need to fill up a form on this webpage. Then we will get back to you with additional instructions.
To see more of WCOPA Canada, please click here.
To go to the main WCOPA site, please click here.