Program Information
Dates
Application Deadline: December 11, 2024
Program Dates: June 24 – July 29, 2025
Overview
Directed by faculty, guest faculty and staff, participants will develop the core skills required to become a professional props builder. This program offers hands-on experience in the creation, management, and maintenance of props as part of the Banff Centre's Interplay programs.
Description
Throughout the program, participants will benefit from mentorship from faculty, guests and Banff Centre staff, expanding their knowledge and professional network. Learning goals may include:
- Developing comprehensive skills in prop construction, modification, and maintenance.
- Experience with fabrication techniques including woodworking, wood turning, the use of various plastics, sewing, painting, sculpting, drawing, and practice with various hand and power tools.
- Develop skills in prop organization, inventory management, and logistics.
- Understanding the workflow and collaborative nature of the theatre props department.
- Providing support for the design and build of props for the new opera version of The Handmaid’s Tale.
- Enhancing problem-solving skills and the ability to work efficiently under the time constraints of live theatre.
- Expand professional network and portfolio.
This hands-on experience will deepen your expertise and readiness for a career in theatre Prop Departments.
Requirements
Applicants should have a combination of formal training and/or professional experience in prop design, theatre production, and/or visual arts. Required skills include:
- Strong creative ability, visual sense and enjoys working with their hands.
- Ability to realize a designer’s vision and adapt to changes inherent during the rehearsals process.
- Basic crafting skills and familiarity with tools and materials used in prop construction.
- Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Please note, Banff Centre Professional training programs are instructed in English.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Itinerary
Week 1
- Participants will receive orientation and hands-on training within Banff Centre’s Props Dept.
Week 2 - 4
- PTP's begin integrated training in the program.
- Formal instruction and material exploration will be ongoing as participants are mentored by staff, faculty and industry experts.
Handmaid’s Tale is provisionally scheduled to open on July 26, 2025.
Faculty
Carolyn Choo
Carolyn Choo (she/her) is an accomplished props artisan currently residing on the traditional Lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱ SÁNEĆ Peoples.
Her professional work in theatre and opera has appeared on national and international stages with renowned companies such as the Canadian Opera Company, Shaw Festival, Banff Centre, and most recently in the Czech Republic, for the Prague Quadrennial of Space and Performance 2023.
In addition to her professional work, Carolyn shares her expertise as an educator. She has been a guest speaker at her alma mater, Toronto Metropolitan University, and served as the Properties Master for the School of Creative and Performing Arts at the University of Calgary. Presently, she holds the position of Properties Coordinator for the University of Victoria, Department of Theatre.
Carolyn is dedicated to creating inclusive learning spaces and believes in the deep connection between our surroundings and creativity. She views the Banff Centre for the Arts as an exciting and welcoming place for learning and exploration in the world of props.
Faculty
What's Included
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 Regular meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.
Accommodation
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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.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives (509)
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Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and meal plan)
$14 723.80
Scholarship Amount Applied
$11 897.90
You Pay (accommodation & meal plan costs after scholarship applied)
$2 825.88
Application Fee
$65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.
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Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs.
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Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs.
To receive the standard scholarship please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
For additional support to help fund your experience at Banff Centre, view a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancelation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
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.
Holiday Closure
The student application and payment system is now closed for the institutional rest period.
It will reopen at noon on Thursday 2nd January.
The Admissions Office closes Thursday 19th December and reopens Thursday 2nd January.
Resume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Personal Statement
A summary of your goals, how you plan to achieve them, and how this experience will assist you.
Portfolio
Up to three samples of recent relevant artistic work. Please provide a description, including the method used.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
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.
