Properties Technician Program 2026

Professional Training Program for Properties Technicians

Image by Rita Taylor

Overview  

The properties technician Professional Training Program is designed for emerging properties craftspeople who wish to develop new skills under the mentorship of industry professionals. 

Participants will practice props construction, evaluate building methods and repurposing props with sustainability a strong consideration as a theatrical practice. 

The Summer Opera 2026 program runs alongside the Professional Training Program, giving participants opportunities to learn about the importance of props in rehearsal and performance, and practice constructing props for the program.

Description

Under the mentorship and guidance of faculty and the Banff Centre props team, participants will: 

  • Develop skills in props construction, selection, modification.
  • Evaluate building methods and approaches to props construction, to best suit the medium: stage/ film/ workshop/ rehearsal.
  • Support the Opera Workshops with pulling and modifying props, some building, running show props alongside performers and stage managers.
  • Practice reading Opera scores and scripts for insights on props.
  • Roundtable discussion with a director about the importance of props in Opera and other Performing Arts, both in rehearsals and performances, and how to performer proof props!

Requirements

Please consider applying if one or more of the following applies to you:

  • Properties is your chosen profession, and you recognize this program’s objectives will complement your existing skills and present you new ways of working and approaching props.
  • The high skill level of the faculty and staff will provide you with great learning experience, and contacts for your future career.
  • You are a recent graduate or graduating from a post-secondary institution with the desire to pursue a career that includes props; and this Professional Training Program is the next step towards this career.

Learn more about Performing Arts here.

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
May apply as a team
Discipline
Acting
Choreography
Dance
Music
Opera
Performance Art
Playwriting
Screenwriting
Symphony
Theater
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
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

Apply Online

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Portfolio
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
4
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
4
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
12890
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

What's Included

  • Meal Plan
  • Accommodation
  • Studio Space
  • Showcase Your Work
  • Group Seminars/Workshops
  • Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
  • Campus Facilities

 

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
8892
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

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.

Application Fee
65
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application