Step into a world of creativity, self-expression, and storytelling with the Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts Program (VPA) at Ernest Manning High School! With a rich tradition of excellence and innovation, our program is a dynamic space where students explore the power of music, drama, visual arts, and communication arts—from painting and performing to digital media, filmmaking, journalism, and creative writing. No matter your passion, there’s a place for you in our vibrant and supportive arts community!
An Unforgettable High School Experience: High school is more than just academics—it’s about finding your voice, discovering your talents, and building lifelong friendships. The arts play a transformative role in this journey. Whether crafting a story, stepping onto the stage, composing a song, or designing a set, you’re developing confidence, collaboration, and communication skills that will stay with you forever.
Award-Winning Excellence in the Arts: Our music, drama, and film media arts programs are among the best, with prestigious awards and show-stopping productions and films that captivate audiences.
Endless Creative Possibilities: Whether picking up a paintbrush, directing a short film, delivering a powerful monologue, or designing digital media, our courses offer hands-on experiences that nurture your artistic abilities and creative problem-solving skills. Whether exploring a new interest or diving deeper into a passion, VPA courses provide personal fulfillment and intellectual growth far beyond the classroom.
The Power of Communication: In today’s world, strong communication skills are essential. Our Communication Arts program helps students develop media literacy, public speaking, journalism, and storytelling—critical skills in any field, from business to the performing arts. Whether you dream of being on stage, behind the camera, or at the center of a breaking news story, we help you confidently shape your future.
A Launchpad for the Future: Each year, many of our graduates continue their artistic journeys at the post-secondary level, with some launching successful careers in film, television, journalism, music, theatre, and design. Even those who pursue different fields carry the skills, creativity, and passion they developed in our program into their future endeavors.
Join a Legacy of Creativity & Innovation: Our proud alumni—many of whom have thrived in creative industries—continue to mentor and inspire the next generation of artists and communicators at Ernest Manning. By joining the VPA program, you become part of a community of thinkers, storytellers, performers, and creators who leave a lasting impact.
High school is your time to discover, explore, and express who you are. The arts transform learning, shaping confident, creative, and thoughtful individuals who make a difference.
Visual and Performing Arts Includes
- Communication Arts: Film + Media Art; Graphic Design; Journalism (EMTV)
- Performing Arts: Drama; Advance Acting & Touring Theatre; Technical Theatre; Dance
- FineArts: Fine Art; Art AP: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Sculpting
- Music: Band; Instrumental Band; Instrumental Jazz
- Leadership in the Arts: Drama, Film + Media Arts , Graphic Design, Visual Art, Music
Leadership in the Arts
Leadership in the Arts is a cross-disciplinary program encouraging critical thinking and creative, entrepreneurial, and innovative learning. This course will prepare students to continue participating and being leaders in the Arts regardless of their future careers. The Arts play important roles in shaping communities, culture and the economy. Leadership in the Arts extends disciplinary learning from Art, Drama, Creative Writing, Film and Music outside the walls of the school and builds an understanding of how students can continue to be involved in the Arts as professionals, community leaders and entrepreneurs. This course will have a strong community focus and will reflect local opportunities for the Arts.
Leadership in the Arts is designed to inspire students to become engaged thinkers who make discoveries through inquiry, exploration, experimentation and reflection. As students strive for personal success, you will balance your interests and abilities with a vision examining the community's needs. Collaboration is an integral part of this course. Investigating opportunities with artists, organizations, community leaders, and businesses is necessary for student growth and developing a personal identity as a future leader in the Arts. The Arts provide many opportunities for participation in a creative life in addition to being a practicing artist. Community leadership in the Arts is essential for cultural and economic growth. This course will support students in understanding the vast opportunities for lifelong involvement with the Arts.
Students must be enrolled with good academic standing in one or more of the following 30 Level / Advance courses: Art 30; Art 30A; Band 30; Concert Band 30; Drama 30; Film + Broadcasting, Advance; Graphic Design, Advance.
Student who have earned a minimum of 30 credits in one or more of the above 30 Level / Advance courses with competition of Leadership in the Arts 35 will receive a CBE Fine and Performing Arts Certificate.