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Program Information
Jodi Spotted Bear, Literary Journalism 2018 Banff Centre. Photo by Jessica Wittman
Overview
Banff Centre is thrilled to be named as a recipient of a gift from The Slaight Family Foundation to support theatre creators during the post-pandemic recovery period. Banff Centre welcomes the opportunity to support the development of new plays at this crucial juncture, in particular those with links to Western Canada. We encourage playwrights and other theatre creators (and their collaborators) to apply.
What Does the Program Offer?
Up to twelve Canadian theatre creators (including, but not limited to playwrights, composers, librettists, improvisors, directors, dramaturges) will be offered 2 week residencies to develop their new plays. We welcome applications from individuals or small co-creative teams with up to 5 collaborators. In addition, a small team of professional actors will be available to support readings if required.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to refine their work to be considered for production. Several plays and projects may be in residence at the same time, with the possibility of connections and artistic sharing.
Residencies will begin on a Monday and end on a Saturday. Applicants will select a 2 week window from the options below:
- November 20 - December 2, 2023
- December 4 - December 16, 2023
- January 8 - January 20, 2024
Note: Applicants requiring access to a piano/music studio should apply for the January date window only. Studio spaces in November and December do not have access to piano/music studio.
Who Should Apply?
Canadian theatre creators who are exploring big ideas, taking risks, and asking questions about how we live and the role of theatre today are welcome to apply. We are looking for strong narrative drive, diversity (in form, discipline, culture, and community), striking language, and collaboration. Bring us your bold new plays that have an eye to premiere within the next two years.
We especially welcome applications from theatre practitioners who reside in or have current and ongoing artistic connections to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Territories. Applicants and collaborators must be Canadian, Permanent Resident or eligible under the terms of the Jay Treaty. Please note, we are only able to accept scripts written in English for this opportunity.
What's Included
Full Flex Meal Plan
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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The Full Flex meal plan is equivalent to $58 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
Single Room
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services
The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:
- Open hours: 9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
- Library accounts for borrowing materials.
- Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
- Library research assistance, by appointment.
- Archives research, by appointment only.
Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.
Gym Membership
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Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.
Participant Resources
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Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our Participant Resources team.
Box Office Discounts
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Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Studios & Facilities
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Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared production facilities in printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, digital media and more (subject to additional fees) Collaborative groups share studio space.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in [one of our performance venues / an open studios event in Glyde Hall].
Travel Grant
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A grant towards your travel costs to and from Banff.
Fees & Financial Assistance
The application fee for this program is covered by the generosity of the Slaight Family Foundation.
Successful participants will receive a full scholarship to cover program fees and a travel allowance to help with expenses.
*Regional maximums for travel expenses apply.
Please note: Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Due to the generous support of the Slaight Family Foundation there is NO APPLICATION FEE to pay for this program.
Please skip Step 2.
Cover Letter
Please provide a one page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this residency, what you are hoping to achieve, and how it will support your project.
Resume
Please provide a one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience of the lead applicant.
Project Proposal
Please provide a 1-2 page overview of the theatre work you hope to bring to Banff, including themes and context.
Portfolio
Please include the entire draft of the script you are working on, or an excerpt of no less than 20 pages.
Collaborator Information
Please provide a list of the collaborators that you will be bringing to Banff should you be accepted, their role within the project, plus brief bios. Note - 5 collaborators maximum.
Requested Dates
Please provide your requested dates for this two week residency (note, projects requiring a piano are restricted to January only)
Additional Information
- If you are applying as an individual, you must complete both the online application form and a SlideRoom application.
- If you are applying as a group, the group leader must complete both the online application form and a SlideRoom application. Please submit only one SlideRoom application per group.
Adjudication
Adjudication is based on artistic merit, the potential impact of the program on artists’ practice and careers, project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project, and the project’s fit with Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions as described in its strategic plan. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6182
