2026 Spark Application Form

2026 Spark Teen Performance Application Form
Do you love theatre, spoken word, movement, dance, music, and the arts? Do you want to work with local performing artists to strengthen your craft? Then the Spark Teen Performance 11-day summer training program is for you!

Whether you are new to theatre or have been on stage a few times before, Spark offers a welcoming space for teens to create a performance and have a whole lot of fun in the process!

Running July 15-26, 2026, with a final performance at the Hamilton Fringe Festival. Only 9 spots available. Priority will be given to first-time applicants. Apply today!
Responses may be entered using text, audio, or a video submission answering all the questions. For audio answers, aim for 2 minutes max for each answer. For a video submission, aim for 12-15 minutes max. If you prefer, you can also apply over the phone or in an in-person meeting. Call 289-698-2234 or email spark@HFTco.ca to make arrangements.

You will need to provide the contact info for a personal character reference. Your reference could be a teacher, coach, mentor, etc. Please ask for a reference outside of family members. Make sure you have your reference's permission to include them here. You'll want to let them know about Spark and why you think they should support your application. Let them know we would be contacting them between now and June 14.

Successful applicants will be notified by June 15, 2026.

DEADLINE: complete and submit this form by June 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Submission Tips:

Be yourself in your responses!

If you wish to save your progress at any point, and complete the form at a later time, you can do so using the 'Save Progress' button at the end of the form.

When you have completed the form, please use the 'Submit' button.

Use the Text Resizer buttons just below (labeled A- and A+) to enhance readability.

This form has been enhanced with additional ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications Suite) attributes.
How are you submitting your application? Check all that apply, if you are using a combination of submission methods.*

Text answers (typing into this form)Audio answers (recording into this form)A video submission (recording a video, uploading to YouTube or Vimeo, and providing a link to the video)I'm not sure what to do, I'd like some help!
We'd love to help! You can call 289-698-2234 or email spark@HFTco.ca to:
- talk to a Spark staff member and complete an application over the phone;
- arrange a face-to-face meeting with a Spark staff member, online or at a physical location, and they can record your answers for you; or
- get more information about filling out this application form on your own.
Your Contact Info (The Basics!)
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Pronouns (optional)
We invite you to share your pronouns, but we understand that not everyone is comfortable to do so, may not wish for their pronouns to be shared outside of the program, and that pronouns can and could change for individuals.

Getting To Know You

We'd love to hear more about YOU, and why you want to participate in Spark!
Tell us about yourself—who you are, your interests, anything you’d like us to know about working with you!*

(suggested 150 words, overflow to 200 words max)0/200
Record audio: Tell us about yourself—who you are, your interests, anything you’d like us to know about working with you! (suggested timing: 2 minutes)*
Share any performing arts experience you have, and in which disciplines (ex. theatre, movement/dance, musical theatre, etc.). If you do not have performing arts experience, share what it is about the arts that you appreciate/are interested in! *

(250 words max)0/250
You may choose to upload a resume or CV of your PERFORMING ARTS experience. Do not share a photo of yourself. Make sure YOUR NAME is in the file name!

Cancelof
Record audio: Share any performing arts experience you have, and in which disciplines (ex. theatre, movement/dance, musical theatre, etc.) If you do not have performing arts experience, share what it is about the arts that you appreciate/are interested in! (suggested timing: 2 minutes)*
Why would you like to be part of the Spark program?*

(250 words max)0/250
Record audio: Why would you like to be part of the Spark program? (suggested timing: 2 minutes)*
What area of performance do you want to explore during the program? (Select all that apply.)*

Movement; DanceActing; TheatreWriting; Spoken Word, PlaywritingMultidisciplinary PerformanceOther
Record audio: What area of performance do you want to explore during the program? Options are: (1) Movement, Dance; (2) Acting, Theatre; (3) Writing; Spoken Word, Playwriting; (4) Multidisciplinary Performance; (5) Other - you tell us what! (suggested timing: 1 minute)*
Share a story with us!

It's your chance to show us your creative vibe. Your story can be a piece of writing, or a dance, spoken word, manga, a song -- it's up to you.

You can do it in writing, OR share it as a video, OR as an audio recording.*

*Please choose ONE only!

If you choose to submit a VIDEO of your story, please record it and upload to YouTube or Vimeo and share the URL in the space provided below. The video recording of your story should be 2 minutes or less. Make sure YOUR NAME is in the title of the video or the description, so we know who we're watching! Double check that your video is NOT password protected, so we can watch it without needing to contact you in advance.
Share A Story (in writing).*

(500 words max)0/500
Story/Performance (in an audio recording). Suggested timing: 3 minutes max*
Video Application Instructions (optional submission method)
If you choose to record a VIDEO application, please upload it to YouTube or Vimeo. Please answer ALL the questions in your video (one video per applicant). Try your best to limit your video to between 12-15 minutes.

Make sure YOUR NAME is in the title of the video or the description, so we know who we're watching! Double check that your video is NOT password protected, so we can watch it without needing to contact you in advance.

CLICK HERE to read all the questions you need to answer in your application.
Your Video Application URL:*
DO NOT password protect. Make sure your name is somewhere in the title or description!

Personal Reference

Please provide the name, and an email address or phone number (or both!) of a character reference we may contact to learn a bit more about you and your interests.
Your Reference's Name*

First NameLast Name
How can we contact your reference? Select all that apply.*

EmailPhoneOther
Your Reference's Email*
example@example.com
Your Reference's Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
How do you know this person? Let us know if they are a teacher, employer, supervisor, mentor, etc.*

Ready to submit? Woohoo!

Please review and confirm the following statements in order to submit your application.
I confirm:*

My contact information is current and correct.I will do my best to be present at all Spark program days, in person, in Hamilton, Ontario.I currently plan to be present at the final presentation during the Hamilton Fringe Festival on Saturday, July 25 (exact time TBC).I currently plan to be present on Sunday, July 26 for a one hour closing discussion/pizza party!If I cannot be present for any reason, I will communicate this with the Spark leaders in advance / as soon as I am able.I understand that there will be a short Zoom interview for participants being considered for the program. I agree to completing an interview with program leaders as part of the application process.
Should be Empty:

2026 Spark Teen Performance Application Form

Your Contact Info (The Basics!)

Getting To Know You

Video Application Instructions (optional submission method)

Personal Reference

Ready to submit? Woohoo!