Program Information
Dates
Application Deadline: December 11, 2024
Program Dates: June 24 – July 29, 2025
Overview
The Wardrobe Technician professional training program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes and skills required to support the wardrobe department in a professional theatre setting and serves as valuable experience supporting a production from design to closing night. Mentored by faculty, guests, and Banff Centre wardrobe, and production staff, participants will gain hands-on experience in the essential aspects of costume and wardrobe management as part of the Banff Centre's Interplay programs.
Description
This program provides opportunities to enhance specialized skillsets and gain experience in a working wardrobe from design to build. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Collaboration with directors and designers on all stages of production, including design, prototyping, and fittings.
- Developing practical skills in costume construction, alteration, and maintenance.
- Gaining experience in wardrobe organization, inventory management, and costume logistics.
- Greater understanding of the workflow and collaborative nature of the theatre wardrobe department.
- Enhanced problem-solving skills and efficiency under the time constraints of live theatre.
- Close mentorship and one-on-one learning from industry professionals and subject matter experts.
- Expand professional network and portfolio
This hands-on experience will deepen your expertise and readiness for a career in theatre wardrobe management.
Requirements
Applicants should have a combination of formal training and/or relevant professional experience in costume design, theatre production, or fashion, as well as strong creative ability. Required skills include:
• Basic sewing skills and familiarity with sewing machines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
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 Wardrobe 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 Banff Centre staff, faculty and industry experts.
The Handmaid’s Tale is provisionally scheduled to open on July 26, 2025
Faculty
Jessica Oostergo
Jessica is a Set and Costume Designer, born and raised in Vancouver BC, and a new resident of Edmonton. Her design work has been seen on stage and screens across North America.
Her recent design credits include: the Sound of Music (Grand Theatre); A Streetcar Named Desire, Almost A Full Moon (Citadel/Theatre Calgary); The Sound of Music (MTC/Citadel); Ring of Fire, The Legend of Georgia McBride (Arts Club); Sunrise Betties (ITSAZOO); Bunny, Stupid F*cking Bird (Search Party); An UnDeveloped Sound (Electric Company), and Julius Caesar (Bard on the Beach).
Jessica previously worked as the Assistant Head of Wardrobe for Bard on the Beach for seven seasons and taught design foundations and set design at Studio 58. She has worked as a costume builder for tv, and costumed various music videos throughout her career. Jessica also studied UX/UI design and continues to create websites and other digital projects that are not only efficient and intuitive, but also evoke visual stimulation of any user.
Jessica is a three-time Jessie Richardson Award Winner for her achievements in design, with a total of 7 nominations. She is a graduate of Studio 58 and Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
Visit jessicaoostergo.com!
Lead Faculty
What's Included
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
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.
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.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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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.
