This intensive workshop explores how ordinary people and their stories can become the foundation of compelling artistic work.
Founded in 1993 by Darren O’Donnell, Mammalian Diving Reflex has created dozens of award-winning performances that tour internationally including Haircuts by Children, All the Sex I've Ever Had, Nightwalks with Teenagers, The Last Minutes Before Mars, Everything Has Disappeared, and Teentalitarianism.
Through theory, fieldwork, interviews, and collaborative creation, participants will learn transcript-based techniques, engage with the Banff community, and create a small internal presentation inspired by stories gathered through real-life encounters.
This workshop is presented by Theatre Alberta, Azimuth Theatre and Thou Art Here Theatre as part of the Workshops by Request: The Bow Valley Series.
Description
This workshop examines how art can bridge divides, facilitate understanding, and catalyze social change through face-to-face encounters in real life. Participants will:
- Examine case studies from Mammalian's work to explore approaches to documentary theatre creation.
- Learn interview and transcript-based techniques.
- Venture into the community of Banff to prove that everyone is interesting.
- Collaborate with fellow participants to create a small internal presentation from material gathered through interviews within the group
Program Dates Nov 27, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
This workshop is for any/all theatre practitioners interested in devised theatre creation and performance. Especially for those artists curious about making socially engaged work and the belief that everyone, absolutely everyone, has a story worth exploring.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis to confirm eligibility and program fit. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all spaces are filled.
3-night option for Alberta Residents inc. workshop, accommodation and a meal plan
$909.30
3-night option for Non-Alberta Residents inc. workshop, accommodation and a meal plan
$1 014.30
2-night option for Alberta Residents inc. workshop, accommodation and a meal plan
$766.50
2-night option for Non-Alberta Residents inc. workshop, accommodation and a meal plan
$871.50
Application Fee
- $35 registration fee
- A non-refundable deposit of $100 towards the workshop fee will be charged upon registration
Theatre Alberta Financial Assistance
Theatre Alberta members who are residents of Alberta and demonstrate financial need can apply for assistance of $200 CAD toward the program tuition.
To apply, include a short paragraph outlining your financial need as part of the online registration process.
The Michelle Dias Community Service Award
The Michelle Dias Community Service Award covers the full cost of attending one Bow Valley Series program. Theatre Alberta members participating in the Bow Valley Series are eligible to apply.
This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to Alberta theater community and a dedication to sharing knowledge, skills, and experience with colleagues and peers.
To apply, submit a cover letter describing your contributions to the Alberta theatre community and you commitment to knowledge sharing to andrew@theatrealberta.com.
Applications for the Michelle Dias Community Service Award are due by October 14, 2026.
Additional Funding Support
Theatre Alberta can also provide support for individuals seeking additional financial assistance from theatre organizations in your hometown and/or public granting bodies. This support includes writing letters of support for professional development grants through municipal, provincial, or federal granting bodies, and providing a community sponsorship letter for partial/full sponsorship to attend a workshop from a local theatre in your hometown.