Canadian Showtime Chorus

Join Us

Do you love your young children dearly but if you don't soon get a regular "Mom's night out" you – will – go – crazy?!

Or now that your kids are grown up and [mostly] gone, do you need a new challenge – one just for you?

Do you need some regular joy in your life?

Come out and sing with us! You'll meet a warm and friendly group of women from all walks of life and in all different stages of life who share the uncommon joy and wonder of singing in harmony. Like you, they don't have "great" voices – and like them, you too can learn the art and technique of singing 4-part a-capella harmonies that will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck!

You can spend another night watching TV on the couch at home, or you can have that weekly night out for yourself, enjoy the company of new friends, and go home at the end of each rehearsal with that great feeling of satisfaction in knowing that you're a little better singer and artist and perfomer than at the start of the evening. It's not only fun to see the transformation in your own abilities – it's even more fun to be part of a group learning to perform and compete at the highest levels of excellence at the international level.

Come out and see for yourself…

Our regular weekly rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 7:15 pm to 9:30 pm at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre in Bells Corners (35 Stafford Road), Ottawa. Please join us anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for new members and if so when can I join?

Because we have a very comprehensive New Members Program, Canadian Showtime Chorus usually holds new member recruitment once a year, typically in the fall. We're always on the lookout for talent so if you are interested, contact our Membership Services Coordinator, at her chorus e-mail address,

, or call the Nepean Creative Arts Centre, 613-596-5783.

Where do you rehearse and how often?

We rehearse every Tuesday from 7:15pm to 9:30 pm at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre Stafford Road, Bells Corners. We also have special coaching sessions, usually two weekends (Saturday) per year with either our Director or a visiting coach / choreographer from another region. These coaching sessions help us work together to bring our performances to a higher level.

Could I visit a rehearsal?

Yes - we love an audience!!

However, like every good host, we do like to know when to expect guests. Please contact our Membership Services Coordinator in advance, at her chorus e-mail address, , or at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre, 613-596-5783 to let us know you're coming.

Do I need previous experience in singing in a chorus or group?

No. If you've never experienced the joy of belonging to a singing group, then it's an experience you won't want to miss. You will love the experience of hearing your voice in a four-part harmony setting.

Do I need to be able to read music?

We provide learning CD's and sheet music to learn our music. The ability to read music is an asset but not a requirement. One of the benefits you might get from belonging to the chorus is that you may eventually learn to sight-read music.

Do I need to pass an audition before joining?

Yes, but not right away. We give our new members the opportunity to learn about the chorus and several weeks to learn a piece of music, all through participation in our New Members Program. Once new members learn their music, the audition will consist of singing your part in a quartet setting. An audition sounds daunting, however you don't have to sing alone and we try to make the audition process informal.

Do I have to attend all the rehearsals?

After having joined Canadian Showtime Chorus, you will find that question will answer itself. You will have so much fun making music with your friends that you won't want to miss a rehearsal. Rehearsals are where all the plans for our shows and competitions come together to make being on stage the wonderful experience it is. Of course we like members to attend all rehearsals but we also recognize that people lead busy lives that may cause them to miss the occasional rehearsal - this is when you call a friend and catch up on what you missed.

How are the chorus affairs managed?

This is an appropriate spot for the saying "Many hands make light work." With a chorus of almost 100 people, members have an opportunity to get involved with just about anything they want to – be it costuming, show production, sets, administration, fundraising etc.

We do have a management team that is elected by members to take on the task of managing the affairs of the chorus. Management team positions comprise: Team Leader, Finance Coordinator, House and Music Services Coordinator, Membership Services Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator and Secretary. The Chorus Director is also a member of the management team.

How many productions/shows/competitions in a year?

Regional competition takes place once a year in Syracuse N.Y. Picture yourself on a weekend away with 1500+ women singing, learning and meeting and making new friends from choruses in our Region. Oh and after all the fun and hard work of competing, there's the shopping!!!

If we win our regional competition (or achieve a high second place score internationally), which has happened in the last few years, you then have the honour of representing your region at the International level. We've had a great time on the road to internationals in Nashville, Indianapolis and Las Vegas - think about an audience of 10,000 + and you'll get what a rush belonging to this chorus brings.

We regularly produce a show, which we stage in Ottawa. These are some of the best times the chorus has - especially backstage waiting for the lights to go on and the curtains to go up. Add to that a couple of local performances a year and you have a good idea of what belonging to this great chorus is all about.

What are the costs involved?

Every hobby entails costs and this one is no different. As a chartered chorus of Sweet Adelines International, we pay membership fees at local, regional and international levels. There are also travel costs for competition, however, we try to keep the costs down through our fundraising efforts.