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Program Information
Photo: Rita Taylor. Composite: Court Brinsmead
Overview
VR Storytelling Fundamentals is an intensive two-week program for artists and creative practitioners interested in storytelling, performance, design, interactive media, and related disciplines. Participants will be introduced to the core concepts, tools, and workflows of immersive narrative design in virtual reality.
Through a combination of theory and practice, participants will explore spatial storytelling, writing and directing for 360° environments, spatial audio, and end-to-end VR production using 360° camera technologies. The program culminates in the creation of prototype VR experiences and the development of a personalized roadmap for future work in this rapidly evolving field.
Description
Throughout the program, participants will:
- Explore the creative, technical, and narrative foundations of virtual reality storytelling through seminars and discussions.
- Gain hands-on experience through practical labs focused on VR tools, workflows, and immersive content creation.
- Experiment with storytelling techniques unique to 360° and immersive environments.
- Collaborate with faculty and peers through interdisciplinary exercises and creative projects.
- Engage in research and development activities investigating emerging approaches to immersive media.
- Develop and present prototype VR experiences in a supportive learning environment.
Who Should Apply
Multidisciplinary artists and creative practitioners with professional experience at any stage of their career are encouraged to apply. No prior experience in virtual reality is required.
This program is designed for creative practitioners working in areas such as:
- Directing and storytelling
- Performance and movement
- Design for live, digital, and immersive experiences
- Sound, music, and audio production
- Video, digital media, and content creation
- Game design and interactive media
- Producing and project leadership
Applicants should have an active creative practice and a strong interest in exploring new approaches to storytelling and audience engagement through immersive technologies.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Participants must be available to attend the program and elements for its entire duration; variable participation dates will not be considered.
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 to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Itinerary
- Week 1
Participants are introduced to one another, the working environment, and the core concepts of VR storytelling. Through lectures, hands-on training, headset-based content exploration, and two collaborative creative exercises, they begin testing ideas and developing short immersive narrative prototypes.
- Week 2
Participants focus on a longer collaborative VR creation project, supported by ongoing R&D, technical development, and creative refinement. The week concludes with a final invited sharing of the work developed during the course.
Learning objectives:
- Explore the evolution of virtual reality, including influences from theatre, gaming, and film on contemporary storytelling.
- Identify and differentiate core VR technologies, assessing how they shape narrative design and user experience.
- Analyze audience agency, empathy, and participation, positioning users as active participants in immersive environments.
- Apply spatial storytelling principles, including spheres of influence and intimacy, to craft compelling VR narratives.
- Develop VR-specific writing approaches, including narrative voice, spatial structure, and scripting for 360° formats.
- Plan immersive story concepts using radial storyboards and audience pathway design.
- Direct and collaborate with performers in 360° space, incorporating techniques for blocking, presence, and performance.
- Evaluate the impact of camera placement, movement, and transitions on immersion and narrative coherence.
- Integrate spatial audio and music to guide attention, enhance emotion, and support storytelling.
- Understand full VR production workflows and experiment with diverse narrative forms while critically evaluating immersive works across artistic, technical, and ethical dimensions.
Faculty
Christopher Lane
Christopher Lane is an internationally recognized director, producer, consultant, and educator working at the intersection of theatre, virtual reality, and emerging technologies. His projects blend live performance practices with digital innovation, including The Hunt: A Shakespeare Story, the VR musical prototype Sunshine, and the VR Backstage Tour for the Chichester Festival’s Digital Stages Project, which won the 2022 UK Theatre Award for Digital Innovation. He served as Creative Director of the UK-based VR storytelling studio Relative Motion from 2017 to 2023, where their Shakespeare VR production was recognized by UKRI as among the most influential immersive experiences of the past two decades. Lane has also consulted and trained for major institutions including the Banff Centre, the Stratford Festival of Canada, Stockholm University of the Arts, the Royal Opera House, and Theatre Aquarius, sharing expertise in VR/XR storytelling and digital performance. With over 25 years in theatre direction/production and advanced degrees from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Lakehead University, and the University of Western Ontario, he continues to shape immersive storytelling across stage, screen, and education.
Lead Faculty
Andy Purves
Andy is an award-winning lighting designer whose work spans theatre, opera, circus, and educational projects. He was Technical Director of the UK-based VR storytelling studio Relative Motion from 2017 to 2023, where he helped produce and technically direct a slate of immersive works, including Shakespeare VR, which UKRI identified as one of the most influential immersive experiences of the past two decades.
He has also contributed to internationally collaborative projects such as In a Thousand Silences with The Freedom Theatre and the British Council, and Tosca VR for Ulster Touring Opera’s HoloEdge platform. Andy brings deep experience in lighting design, immersive production, and the technical craft of bringing story to life in spatial media. For more information on Andy’s theatre work visit www.andypurves.com
Lead Faculty
Kim Belair
Kim Belair is the CEO and co-founder of Sweet Baby Inc, a narrative development company based in Montreal. Part of the games industry since 2013, she has worked on projects including Sable, Alan Wake II, Spider-Man 2, South of Midnight, Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver, and many more. Beyond her narrative work, Kim is an advocate for more resonant representation in games, and for generally making things better for workers in an often-unfair industry.
Guest Faculty
What's Included
Meal Plan
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The meal plan is equivalent to $68 credit per day.
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.
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.
Studio Space
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Participants will work across a range of Digital Arts studio spaces, in addition to having access to a shared artists’ co-working hub.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
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.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$65 for individuals or groups, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships to support participants in our programs. Details are outlined below:
Banff Centre Arts Scholarship: All arts participants receive a scholarship covering 100% of tuition and 25% of meal plan and accommodation costs, made possible through generous endowments and donations.
Canadian Indigenous Scholarship: Canadian Indigenous applicants receive support covering 100% of tuition, meal plan and accommodation costs.
To be considered for Banff Centre scholarships, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
Explore additional ways to fund your experience by reviewing our curated list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution in the province of Alberta. We are required to issue tax receipts for applicable financial assistance and awards received, and eligible tuition charged, as per the Income Tax Act and Canada Revenue Agency. To learn more, please visit Tax Information for program participants and/ or P105 Students and Income Tax 2025.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Cover Letter
A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.
Portfolio
Submit 2–3 work samples that demonstrate your creative practice, storytelling abilities, and relevant experience. Materials may include links to websites, videos, games, or interactive projects, as well as PDFs of writing, design work, storyboards, or other supporting materials.
Technical Skills
- Select your areas of experience from the list provided in SlideRoom
- Describe your most relevant technical experience (150 words max.)
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the 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.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180