Join Us
Looking for challenge, a creative outlet and sense of true community? Check us out!
Canadian Showtime Chorus® is a competitive singing group for women, specializing in a Capella four-part harmony. Our Chorus is made up of women ranging in age from 18 to "I'm not telling" and from all walks of life. Members are from Ottawa and the surrounding region. These women are inspiring and each has a unique story on how the chorus has touched and changed their lives.
We are always interested in talking to potential New Members. Learn new music. Learn a visual plan. Make new friends. Immerse yourself in the world of unaccompanied 4 part harmonies. It will give you goosebumps.
Questions? Please reach out to [email protected]
Can’t get enough CSC?! Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianShowtimeChorus
Twitter: @CDNSHOWTIME
Instagram: @canadianshowtimechorus
TikTok: Canadian Showtime Chorus
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you rehearse and how often?
We rehearse every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre (NCAC), located at 35 Stafford Road in Bells Corners. We also have special coaching sessions several weekends per year (Friday night and all day Saturday) with our Director or a visiting coach. These coaching sessions help to bring our performances to the next level.
Can I visit a rehearsal?
Absolutely – we love an audience! Like every good host, we do like to know when to expect guests. Please contact our Membership Services Coordinator in advance at [email protected] to let us know you're coming.
Do I need previous experience in singing in a chorus or group?
Not at all! If you've never experienced the joy of belonging to a singing group, that is even more reason to start! You will love the experience of sharing your voice in a four-part harmony setting.
Do I need to be able to read music?
We provide digital learning tracks and sheet music to learn our music. The ability to read music is an asset, but not a requirement. If you’ve ever wanted to sight-read music, this is just one of the many skills you can learn by singing with us.
Do I need to pass an audition before joining?
Yes, but we promise it will be fun! :) First, there is an initial assessment to see how your voice fits in the chorus – please come prepared to sing any song without accompaniment that showcases your vocal talents. After you’re invited to join our program, we’ll give you the opportunity to get to know the chorus while learning and performing a piece of music with us. During this time, you will learn more about the Barbershop style and chorus life in general. Our designated music specialists will meet with you regularly to support your learning, guide practice in a small group, answer your questions, and provide feedback.
Once you are ready or at the end of the eight-week program, a performance readiness assessment (aka “audition”) is completed in a small, friendly setting. Rest assured that with consistent check-ins and mentoring throughout the New Member Program, your experience will not only be a learning one, but one of encouragement and support along the way.
Do I have to attend all the rehearsals?
Rehearsals are where we come together to work on our goals for upcoming shows and competitions. Of course, we prefer that our members attend all rehearsals; however, we understand that people lead busy lives and may have to miss the occasional Tuesday. We believe that you’ll have so much fun making music with your friends that you won't want to miss a single moment!
How is the chorus managed?
The saying, "many hands make light work”, is very true of our chorus as we have wonderful members who volunteer to support all facets of chorus life. With a group of over 65 members, there are many opportunities to get involved in just about anything – costuming, show production, competition planning, administration, fundraising, and so much more.
We also have a management team that is elected by members to take on the task of managing the affairs of the chorus. Management team positions include a Team Coordinator, Finance Manager, Chorus Program Coordinator, Membership Growth Coordinator, Membership Ambassador, Fundraising Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, and Secretary & Communications Coordinator. The Chorus Director is also a member of the Management Team.
How many productions/shows/competitions do you perform in per year?
Our regional competition takes place every year in St. Catharines, Ontario. Picture yourself on a weekend away with 1000+ other Sweet Adelines, singing, learning, laughing, and making new friends from other choruses all over our region!
This past spring, we were awarded the title of Region 16 Chorus Champions, and will be proud to represent our region at the international competition in Louisville, Kentucky in the fall of 2023. Every journey to international contest has been an incredible thrill, and we’ve been grateful to be able to represent our region in Nashville, Indianapolis, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and New Orleans.
We also regularly produce public shows, which we stage in Ottawa, and often offer several local performances a year.
Are there costs involved?
Just like any other hobby or sport, there are some expenses involved. As a chartered chorus of Sweet Adelines International, we pay membership fees at local, regional, and international levels. There are travel costs for regional and international contests, as well as some initial costs for costuming. However, we try to keep fees manageable through many fundraising efforts that we encourage chorus members to get involved with.
