Theatre Arts Intensive Residency for Directors
Application Deadline November 12, 2025
Program Dates Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026
Overview
This one-week intensive for emerging directors, led by acclaimed director Weyni Mengesha, offers a transformative opportunity to deepen artistic practice in a focused, collaborative environment. Participants will engage in masterclasses, scene study, and group discussion, exploring vision, leadership, and process.
Weyni brings her deep expertise and a unique approach to fostering bold, socially resonant work. Ideal for directors at the early stages of their careers, this program provides creative mentorship, peer exchange, and space to refine your voice in stunning surroundings.
Description
This program supports emerging directors in refining their artistic voice, strengthening collaborative practices, and building the skills needed to lead creative processes with confidence and clarity. The program goals include:
- Articulate a Clear Directorial Vision
Develop the ability to conceptualize and communicate a compelling artistic vision for a production—from first read to final rehearsal. - Deepen Actor–Director Collaboration
Strengthen techniques for working with actors through scene study, rehearsal practices, and feedback, with an emphasis on trust and clarity. - Explore Leadership and Process
Examine the director’s role as both creative leader and collaborator, gaining practical tools for fostering inclusive and courageous rehearsal rooms. - Engage with Dramaturgical Thinking
Refine skills in script analysis, interpretation, and narrative shaping to serve story, character, and thematic resonance. - Build Your Artistic Network
Connect with fellow emerging directors and mentors to exchange strategies, share challenges, and cultivate long-term artistic growth.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Requirements
This program invites applications from:
- Early-career directors with less than 5 years experience eager to strengthen their craft.
- Directors seeking mentorship and guidance from an experienced leader in the field.
- Those with post-secondary training in theatre, directing, or performance studies, or equivalent professional experience.
Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan): $1 888.95
*Financial aid of up to: $1 275.22
We are pleased to offer a limited amount of financial aid to support participants in our program.
To apply for financial aid please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials in Slideroom at Part 3 of the application process.
- Funding amounts vary and do not cover 100% of the total program fee.
- Participants should expect to pay a minimum of 25% of the total program fee.
We are pleased to offer financial aid for Canadian Indigenous participants, which covers up to 100% of the total program fee.