New Play Actor Training 2026

Kodie Rollan, Col Cseke, and David diGiovanni with ASL interpreter Andrea Konowalec. Banff Playwrights Lab 2024. Photo by Rita Taylor.

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.

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.

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
May apply as a team
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
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
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
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
  • Financial Assistance
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
3888
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

Total Fee Before Scholarships for tuition, accommodation and a meal plan $3 888.15

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. 

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
2046
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

Total You Pay After Scholarship $1 841.18

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