New Play Actor Training 2025

Patricia Cerra, Emilie Leclerc, Banff Playwrights Lab 2019. Photo by Donald Lee.

Application Deadline May 14, 2025

Program Dates Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025

Overview  

New Play Actor Training provides an opportunity for actors to develop and implement the skills needed to meaningfully workshop new theatre. Participants will engage with a diverse list of texts at various stages of development under the tutelage of guest directors and playwrights. Actors will work on text analysis, be provided with a technical toolkit to assist with cold reading, and practice providing articulate and helpful feedback to creators.

Description

Actors can spend a large portion of their careers workshopping and acting in premieres, but there is very little training specifically for this practice. This program offers early career and established performers the opportunity to explore new plays, alongside lectures, Q & As, coaching's, and on your feet practical application in the skills directors and playwrights look for when working with actors. Participants will receive:

  • Mentorship with leading playwrights and directors and dramaturges
  • Daily warmups and rehearsals in studio
  • Hands on practical work on new plays
  • Q and A's and seminars with those experienced in the field

Learn more about Performing Arts here.

Deadline
Residency Length
5 days - 6 months
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
15
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Acting
Performance Art
Playwriting
Screenwriting
Theater
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Emerging
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Give artist talk or presentation
Accessible Housing
ADA Compliant
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Studios/Special Equipment
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Theater
Dance Studio With Sprung Floor
Dance Studio Without Sprung Floor
Piano
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Additional Eligibility Information

Requirements

Actors at any stage of their careers, ideally with some training in a post-secondary training environment, and some experience in a rehearsal room.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 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.
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
Fee Details

You pay (cost after scholarship applied) $1 087.80

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.

  • Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs
Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

Please visit the Fees & Financial Aid section of the program page to learn more about individual program's specific fees and funding availabilities. 

Application Fee
65
Canadian Dollar (CAD)