The Banff Playwrights Colony

The Banff Playwrights Colony is a multi-faceted national program supporting playwrights by providing a retreat-based opportunity to work on their plays at The Banff Centre. The Colony celebrates its 40th edition in 2013 with a new director and new components designed to broaden its ability to provide playwrights with an inspiring environment in which to create and develop new works.

Built around writing residencies in February and April, the Colony offers writers an exceptional setting, great hospitality, colleagues and collaborators from across Canada, a small acting company, and a dramaturgical experience designed to foster their best possible work.

Led by dramaturg/director Brian Quirt, the Colony accepts applications from Canadian writers, and in 2013 will also feature an international writer/dramaturg team. The Colony will welcome eight Canadian playwrights in 2013, providing each with a residency tailored to their specific needs with the goal of nurturing, challenging, and inspiring the next phase of work on each play.

“A total gift to the working playwright. It's flexibility, and its individual playwright-defined mandate fosters one of the most supportive and nurturing creative environments in the country.”

- Robert Chafe

Important Dates

Application deadline
September 12, 2012.
The Retreat:
February 3 - 15, 2013
The Colony:
April 8 - 27, 2013

Apply today