CMTC holds auditions to scout aspiring models, actors, singers, and dancers who are ready to take the next step in their pursuit of a career as a model, actor, or performer. Anyone, regardless of experience, may audition for CMTC, but not everyone will be invited to attend the convention. Only those who successfully audition are eligible to compete at CMTC.

To be eligible to compete at CMTC, models, actors, singers, and dancers must be at least four years old. There is no maximum age limit for models, actors, singers, and dancers.

Models, actors, singers, and dancers compete in various competitions over four days. The competitions have been designed true to the industry to provide aspiring models and talent with real-world experience. The invited agents, scouts, managers, producers, casting directors, and other industry experts (the “industry reps”) watch and judge the competitions, evaluating the skills and potential of contestants. Many of the industry reps in attendance also host seminars and workshops throughout the five days of the convention to teach contestants firsthand about the industry.

During the competitions, workshops, and seminars, the industry reps keep track of contestants that they are interested in by noting contestants’ numbers on the “callback” page of the CMTC program book. On the final day of the convention, also known as “callback day,” contestants meet with the industry reps who have requested to meet/interview them. Callbacks are a chance for industry reps and aspiring models or talent to get to know each other and discuss possible representation; this is a major step in beginning a career in the modelling or entertainment industries.

Competitions include Photography Go-See, Runway, Swimsuit, Cover, Commercial Print, TV Commercial, Improv, Self-Tape, TV/Film Casting, Kids Casting, Singing, and Dance. For detailed descriptions of these competitions, please visit the Competitions section of the Convention Info page.

Yes. Competing in modelling and talent competitions increases a contestant’s exposure to more agents, casting directors, and scouts, potentially resulting in more callbacks and opportunities.

Contestants are eligible to enter one of seven categories based on their age, gender, and personal interests: Child 4-7, Child 8-11, Female 12-15, Female 16-19, Female 20+, Male 12-17, and Male 18+. *If a contestant is unsure of what category to enter, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

CMTC 2024 is taking place from Wednesday, May 1, 2024 to Sunday, May 5, 2024.

CMTC 2024 is taking place at the the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel For more information on CMTC 2024’s Host Hotel, we recommend visiting the Host Hotel section of the Convention Information page of the CMTC website.

Attendees are advised to book accommodations directly through CMTC’s host venue before the deadline date. For booking information, please refer to your contestant Confirmation email that you would have received upon registering for CMTC 2024. Be sure to request accommodations within CMTC’s room block to receive a discounted rate. A limited number of accommodations are available within this discounted room block. Once the room block reaches capacity, the hotel will only have rooms available at the regular rack rate; therefore, CMTC advises contestants and visitors to book their hotel rooms as soon as possible. For more information, contestants should refer to their registration confirmation email or visit the Host Hotel section found on the Convention Info page of CMTC’s website. 

When booking your hotel room, please note:

Event Check-In will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel.

Singing and Dance competition preliminaries will be held on the evening of Wednesday, May 1, 2024. For contestants registered in the Singing and/or Dance competition, CMTC 2024 check-in time will be from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. For those not registered in the Singing and/or Dance Competitions, CMTC 2024 check-in time will be from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Callbacks on Sunday, May 5, 2024, will end at 12:00 Noon. 

No. Contestants are not required to stay at the Host Hotel. Contestants are responsible for booking their accommodations and can choose to stay wherever they wish. However, it is highly recommended that contestants stay at the Host Hotel or close by due to the busy nature and packed itinerary of the weekend including back-to-back competitions, seminars, and workshops.

A portfolio is not necessary to attend CMTC. However, it would be beneficial to have a few images in a portfolio if you would like to show your print potential to the industry reps in attendance. These images do not need to be taken by a professional photographer.

You do not need professional photos to attend CMTC. If you do not have access to a reasonably priced photographer, CMTC recommends using photos that you or a family member/friend has taken. Photos taken on devices such as iPhones and Androids can often produce high enough quality images that can be used for competitions and self-promotion at CMTC.

The main purpose of CMTC is to provide education, experience, and exposure to new faces entering the world of modeling and the entertainment industries. New faces who attend CMTC with no training or professional photos will benefit from the seminars, workshops, and competitions through learning from leading industry representatives. CMTC seminars, workshops, and competitions create an excellent foundation for new faces and can be added to talent resumes. The reps in attendance at CMTC are scouting for new faces and do not expect contestants to know all of the ins and outs of the industry. They are looking for personality, perseverance, passion and potential. 

The difference between a headshot and a comp card is the size of the image and who is using/receiving the material. A headshot is the standard promotional tool for an actor/talent. A headshot should be a clean image of the talent from the chest up. Digitally, headshots are used to submit talent for projects/bookings. Printed headshots for talent are used as business cards. They are typically 8×10 in size. The talent’s name should appear on the front of the headshot, with the actor’s talent resume attached on the back. 

A comp card is the standard promotional tool for a model. It is usually 5×7 in size and has a strong facial expression picture of the model on the front printed with the model’s name. The back of a comp card usually has 3-4 more images of the model along with the model’s measurements and contact information (if over the age of 12). If the model is under 12 years old, then the model should include guardian contact information and the model’s date of birth.

Having these promotional tools are not required at CMTC, however, they are beneficial during callbacks to provide to the industry reps your contact information along with a reminder of your look.

There are many working models, actors, and talent that started their careers through CMTC – and the list is constantly growing. CMTC alumni are national and international models, actors, performers, and influencers. They can be seen on the big screen, on your favourite TV channels, streaming platforms, in commercials, print campaigns, billboards, in stores, new media, and more. CMTC is proud to have been part of the careers of many top models and actors coming from Canada including supermodel Liisa Winkler, actress Peyton Kennedy (Grey’s Anatomy and Netflix’s Everything Sucks!), Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, actress/dancer Jessica Lord (Disney’s Find Me In Paris), actor Connor Kalopsis (The Grinder and Days of Our Lives), and many, many more!  For more information on CMTC alumni, we encourage you to check out the Success Stories page of CMTC’s website. You can also follow along on our social media (@cmtcinc) to receive updates about CMTC alumni.

The agents, scouts, managers, producers, casting directors, and industry experts (the “industry reps”) invited to attend CMTC are among the best in the modelling, talent, and entertainment industries around the world. These industry reps come from major markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, London, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Seoul, Miami, Montreal, Toronto, and many other locations.

CMTC is a “closed” convention. Therefore, only a select list of industry reps receive an invitation to scout, judge, and present seminars at the event. The closed nature of CMTC ensures that contestants are only seen by respected agents, managers, producers, and casting directors who have an established reputation in the modelling and talent industries for finding and promoting new faces in various markets.

For reviews on CMTC from the reps who have attended, click here. 

If you open up any magazine, you will be struck by the variety of looks that are “in style.” You will undoubtedly see many hairstyles, different facial structures, and body shapes; everything from the girl- or guy-next-door look to edgy looks and everything in between. This observed variation demonstrates an important point: all types of looks are in demand at all times to fulfill the needs of designers and other clients.

Regardless of look or style, you must take care of your mind and your body. Similar to athletes, as a model, your body is your business, so it is your job to keep your body as healthy as it can be. However, it is important to keep in mind that a healthy life is one of balance – not extremes. CMTC discourages extreme dieting and exercise to meet sample sizes set by the high fashion modelling industry because these behaviours oppose the value we place on a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Instead of trying to drastically change your body type, we encourage aspiring models to consider the different avenues available within the fashion industry such as commercial modelling, which includes commercial print, advertising campaigns, and TV commercials.

There is one very important quality that all agents, managers, and casting directors value that often gets overlooked: personality. There are a lot of beautiful people in this world, but what separates those who are successful from all the rest is an amazing personality. Everyone prefers to work with someone that exudes positive energy, enthusiasm, motivation, and professionalism. Agents, managers, and casting directors are no exception to this rule.

Two main forms of modelling exist: commercial and high-fashion. Commercial models – also known as “real people” models – appear in advertisements for goods and services. They can model for television, magazines, newspapers, billboards, and any other type of advertisement. Commercial models are intended to be people that consumers and target markets can identify with. Commercial modelling ranges depending on the brands, but it is generally representative of a more approachable and realistic look.  

All ages, ethnicities, shapes and sizes of people are represented within the field of commercial modelling. Models may be younger or older. Models over the age of 90 are still accepted for print advertisements and campaigns, depending on the product that is being marketed. Although there are no age or body type requirements, commercial models must have an outgoing personality and be able to act; this is because commercial models are often required to adopt various “roles.” For example, the model may be portraying a waiter or waitress in one advertisement and switch to another role – such as a doctor – for a different advertisement.

High-fashion modelling, on the other hand, is probably the most publicly recognizable form of modelling. Most fashion models work in international fashion capitals such New York, Paris, Milan, London, and Tokyo. Fashion models work primarily in promoting top luxury designer lines, both in front of the camera and on the runway at national and international fashion shows. Fashion models have to meet certain body type requirements, depending on their age, gender, and the sample sizes set by designers of various brands. Furthermore, body type requirements for this field of modelling are changing all of the time and vary from market to market.

Unlike the modelling industry, physical attributes are not an issue in the acting and commercial print industries. For example, there are no height or other measurement requirements that must be met in order to act. By simply turning on your TV you will see that actors come in all shapes, sizes, and looks. That being said, aspiring actors should always be well-groomed, polished, and presentable when meeting with agents, managers, producers, casting directors or other industry professionals. That is not to say that aspiring actors do not have to meet any requirements. Quite obviously, for instance, they should be able to act. They should know their craft, practice, and take every opportunity to learn and train. They should attempt to build their resume, even if it is just by participating in school plays or local independent productions. Finally, as with models, actors are encouraged to try and develop or strengthen positive personality traits. Everyone prefers to work with someone that exudes positive energy, enthusiasm, motivation, and professionalism. Agents, managers, producers, and casting directors are no exception to this rule.

A complete acting resume should include previous work experience in acting and any other relevant work experience. If you are a new face getting started in the industry, your resume will reflect that. This is not something to stress about as almost every single actor has been in a position of having an empty acting resume. Therefore, a new face should include any relevant skills, training, and education including workshops, sports, languages, and special skills. While you should not exaggerate your qualifications, it is important not to sell yourself short as these special skills and experiences can help you make it into the casting room. Once you have more experience, try to remove some of the older and/or less important material from the resume. It is important to keep your resume clean and organized to appear more professional.

Contestants are not required to bring a talent resume to CMTC. CMTC is designed for new faces and the industry reps in attendance do not expect the new faces to have extensive talent resumes or experience. If contestants are familiar with creating talent resumes or already have one on hand, it is recommended they bring them to CMTC to pass on to industry reps. For those who are unfamiliar with talent resumes, no worries, – there will be seminars/workshops at CMTC that cover what a great talent resume contains and looks like.

Reminder: CMTC contestants should add the seminars, workshops, and competitions they attend and participate in to their talent resumes. 

TIP: Don’t forget to include the name/company of the industry reps who are presenting the seminars/workshops you attend at CMTC (i.e., Linda Kash Improv Workshop). These are reputable individuals/companies to reference on your resume.

Over 75% of contestants that attend CMTC do not have a mother agent and attend CMTC as an “independent.” The benefit of attending CMTC as an independent is that any of the industry representatives in attendance at CMTC can become your mother agent if they see potential in you.

Food and accommodations are not included in the cost to attend CMTC. The contestant registration base fee includes access to the convention, all seminars and workshops throughout convention weekend, access to all dance and theme parties, having your photo featured in the CMTC program book (provided it meets the submission requirements and is received by the deadline date), and a certificate of participation. There is also the opportunity for callbacks and trophies for top contestants.

Attendees are advised to book accommodations directly through CMTC’s host venue before the deadline date. Be sure to request accommodations within CMTC’s room block to receive a discounted rate. A limited number of accommodations are available within this discounted room block. Once the room block reaches capacity, the hotel will only have rooms available at the regular rack rate; therefore, CMTC advises contestants and visitors to book their hotel rooms as soon as possible. For more information, contestants should refer to their registration confirmation email or visit the Host Hotel section found on the Convention Info page of CMTC’s website.

One way many models and talent finance attending CMTC is through sponsors or fundraising. Examples of fundraisers include car washes or bake sales.

There have been countless attendees that have been able to raise enough funds through sponsorship to attend CMTC. Sponsors may be family, friends or local businesses that provide financial or other support. If a business sponsors a CMTC contestant for an amount over $25.00, CMTC will list the sponsor’s business name inside the CMTC Program Book.* Each contestant, visitor, and rep receives a copy of the program book at CMTC. Aside from those who receive a free program book, guests and visitors can purchase extra program books at the Merchandise table during convention weekend. All money raised stays with the contestant to allocate towards anything related to CMTC (i.e., registration fee, flights, accommodations, etc). Contestants are responsible for seeking their own sponsors. Examples of sponsors are local businesses such as dentists, lawyers, salons, and shops. For more information, contact [email protected] for assistance. 

*Contestants must submit their sponsor information using the Sponsor Submission Form. This form can be found in the Contestant Hub. The password for the Contestant Hub can be found in your registration confirmation email.

Contestants obtaining sponsors must submit their completed sponsor listings on or before March 1, 2023, for the names of their sponsors to be published in the CMTC Program Book. It is the sole responsibility of the model/talent/parent to ensure that all sponsors and the amount sponsored are listed. CMTC cannot guarantee that sponsors received after the above date will be published in the CMTC Program Book, although we will make every effort to do so.

Due to the upfront nature of event costs (e.g., hosting audition and free information seminars, hotel venue commitment, room block reservations, staging, sound and lighting, event security, flying in agents and other dignitaries from international markets, publishing and printing promotional material and program books, and year-round event planning staff costs), we have a uniform policy that registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business trip, family emergency, illness, pregnancy, etc. We know that plans change and unexpected things come up, but we feel it is most fair to apply a uniform policy to all, instead of an arbitrary line of who merits a refund and who doesn’t. All participants acknowledge and accept this policy during the registration process.

While refunds are not possible, contestants who register in 2023 can request to defer their registration for one (1) calendar year. Under extenuating circumstances, and at the discretion of CMTC only, a credit may be given towards the next convention. To defer your registration, you must pay your registration fees in full on or before March 1, 2023. You must then complete the Request to Transfer Form found in the password-protected CMTC 2023 Contestant Hub (the password to this page can be found in your contestant confirmation email). The date on which you submit the Request to Transfer Form will determine the percentage of your registration fees that will be carried over to the next convention:

Request to Transfer Date- Fees Carried Over

• On or before March 2, 2024 – 75%
• On or before March 15, 2024 – 50%
• On or before April 1, 2024  – 25%
• After April 15, 2024 – 0%

Unfortunately, no. Not all contestants attending CMTC will receive a callback. The answer to this is not simple. Perhaps the contestant did not perform well because they were unprepared or nervous. Perhaps there were no agents, managers, producers, casting directors, or scouts (“industry reps”) searching for the contestant’s look or skills at that particular time. However, not receiving a callback does not mean that contestants should give up on their dreams. It could simply mean that they need to focus more on training and preparation. 

Much of this business is about persistence and being in the right place with the right people at the right time. CMTC provides the time and place for aspiring models/talent to learn from industry professionals, practice their skills, and promote themselves on a national and international scale. Indeed, after taking home the skills learned and connections made at CMTC, some contestants return to CMTC several times before receiving callbacks, signing with representation, and starting their careers. 

No. CMTC’s function is to provide the opportunity for aspiring models and talent to educate themselves and showcase their potential in front of the best agents and scouts for the modelling and entertainment industries. Who gets signed for representation is entirely at the discretion of the agents, scouts, managers, and casting directors. Given the competitive nature of the modelling and entertainment industries, no one can guarantee jobs or success for models or talent. So, in short, attending CMTC does not guarantee success. CMTC does, however, provide an opportunity to be successful.

Throughout the convention weekend, a variety of seminars and workshops are offered for attendees during which they receive performance and competition tips, supplemental hands-on coaching, insider industry knowledge, and candid talk about the realities of becoming a professional model or performer. These seminars and workshops are conducted by national and international industry-recognized professionals who want to ensure that attendees are prepared to take the next step toward beginning a career as a model or performer. The seminars and workshops at CMTC are designed for new faces and cover the most current trends in the modelling, acting, and entertainment industries.

It is difficult to assign a monetary value to what is really an investment in one’s personal development and future. The value of the CMTC experience will be different for each person. Many attendees – including industry reps, contestants, and parents – have reported that they grew personally and professionally from the CMTC experience. Others have reported that they received valuable feedback and direction from industry professionals, helping them focus on areas for improvement and adjust their behaviour in order to achieve their goals.

Perhaps the most valuable part of attending CMTC is the establishment of professional relationships for aspiring models and talent. For most people trying to break into the business, they go the route of seeking representation by emailing or dropping off a photo, resume or comp card to an agency in the hopes that they will stand out from the hundreds of similar submissions received by that agency on a daily basis. If they do not already know someone in the business that works in a major market, the chances of a face-to-face meeting with a career-maker such as an agent, manager, producer, or casting director are extremely low. Aspiring models and talent may spend many years, much energy, and a lot of money just trying to get a foot in the door or get noticed. What CMTC provides is an opportunity to meet – and be seen by – not just one industry rep, but over 70 agents, managers, producers, and casting directors from national and international markets at one time.

To read reviews from past contestants, click here.

To read reviews from industry reps, click here.

The amount of people in attendance at CMTC each year varies depending on the maximum capacity of our host hotel. In years past we have had anywhere from 400 to 800 contestants. The number of contestants per division varies. The number of modelling and talent agents, scouts, managers, casting directors, producers, and record label representatives in attendance at CMTC is based proportionally to the size of the divisions each year.

For CMTC 2019 we had the following number of contestants in each division:

Child 4-7: 60 Contestants
Child 8-11: 90 Contestants
Female 12-15: 130 Contestants
Female 16-19: 135 Contestants
Female 20+: 90 Contestants
Male 12+: 55 Contestants
Talent: 60 Contestants

Images and video footage captured by CMTC staff are for the purpose of creating event highlight reels. We also try to post the best images and videos on our social media. We do not, however, make images and video footage available to individual contestants or visitors. Therefore, we encourage contestants and visitors to take their own pictures and capture their own video footage throughout convention weekend! Share your CMTC 2024 photos with us using #CMTC2024.

Judging scores at CMTC are confidential and will not be disclosed to individual contestants. It is important to remember that your potential cannot be reduced to a single score or ranking. CMTC is about education, experience, and exposure. Therefore, the award process is a very small part of what we stand for. So, to discourage over-competitiveness, we have adopted a strict policy of keeping scores confidential. 

Receiving an award for a high score in a particular competition does not mean you will receive more (or less) callbacks than someone who did not receive an award. The contestants selected for callbacks are hand-picked by the individual reps based on many different factors including who they see potential in and who’s talent/look/personality would be a good addition to their agency’s roster.

Due to privacy laws, CMTC cannot disclose the contact information of the agents, managers, producers, casting directors, and scouts (the “industry reps”) that attend the event. You must obtain the contact information of industry reps at callbacks or through their respective organizations. We recommend that you try searching for representatives’ contact info online and, when you reach out to them, let them know you are following up based on your participation at CMTC.

Callbacks are made available online on CMTC’s website between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on the Sunday of convention. Contestants are responsible for taking note of their callbacks and meeting with agents and scouts during this time. CMTC does not release callback information to contestants after the Sunday of convention.