Surrey, B.C. – As elite teams from across the globe travel to Rio de Janeiro this summer, talented performing artists will be headed to Long Beach, California to compete in a very different kind of Olympic Games.
Touted as the “Talent Olympics,” the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) will see singers, musicians, dancers, actors and models from over 50 countries compete in front of 75 judges for gold, silver and bronze medals, and up to $380,000 in scholarships.
Local Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) business student Argel Monte de Ramos will represent Team Canada in both the senior vocal and senior acting categories this July.
“I keep on pinching my face to see if this is true or not,” said Monte de Ramos, a Surrey resident. “If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up."
Monte de Ramos auditioned for the WCOPA back in 2013, but due to financial difficulties, he was unable to attend the competition that year. “That’s why I auditioned again last year,” he said. “I promised myself that I would do my best to continue this journey.”
The invitation-only competition will give contestants like Monte de Ramos the opportunity to network with entertainment industry professionals, and participate in seminars and workshops taught by some of the most highly sought-after experts in music, dance and acting.
Though Monte de Ramos is studying business and human resources at KPU, his true passion is in performance art.
“I am performing constantly in events around Metro Vancouver, such as night markets and open mics. I also act and sing for musicals,” he said. “As of now, I would like to be a professional singer or actor in the near future and own my own business that I manage.”
“Argel is a very talented, versatile singer and actor who thrives on collaborating with others to create all kinds of performances,” said Fred Ribkoff, an instructor at KPU who teaches a course in exploring the arts through drama and theatre.
Monte de Ramos and ARTversity club members at KPU are hosting a special fundraising concert at KPU Surrey on May 19 at 6 p.m.
For more information, contact argel.performingarts@gmail.com or visit this website.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
A photo of Argel Monte de Ramos is available on Flickr.
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Hayley Woodin
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c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
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