Program Information
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.
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.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Itinerary
- Banff Centre Orientation
- The lead faculty will coordinate an oversee training, ensuring the best possible opportunities for learning are available.
- Two guest faculty will lead workshops of three days each related to Opera props.
- Banff Centre properties staff will respond to the Opera program’s props needs and include participants in preparing for and building props for the program.
- The program will conclude with a public showcase of the work and public Opera performances.
Faculty
Steve Turner
Steven Turner has been a props and scenic designer and builder for more than 45 years. He started his career at home in Nova Scotia working summers at the Festival on the Bay. Later he worked at the Neptune theater in Halifax and then went on to New York, Las Vegas, Macau and then the rest of the world. His career has taken him around the globe designing and building props, sets, and illusions for dozens of major companies like, Cirque du Soleil, DreamWorks, Audi, Harley Davidson, Mattel, Second City, Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Catz, Venetian Macau Resort, Guinness Book of Records, and most recently Stephen Kings - The Institute (TV show), and many others.
Lead Faculty
Wulf Higgins
As well as four years as Head of Props at the Banff Centre, Wulf Higgins has worked and taught across Canada, including the National Ballet of Canada, the Atlantic Theatre Festival, Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan) University, Sheridan College and Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Newfoundland. Wherever else he goes, though, Wulf keeps returning to the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto, where he is currently Props Supervisor.
Guest faculty, Canadian Opera Company props supervisor
Chris Warrilow
For the past 36 years Chris Warrilow has run Fantastic Creations Props Weapons & Armour, pulling rabbits out of hats, interpreting hieroglyphics, and generally summoning miracles out of thin air!
At least, that is how it often feels!
Providing props is less about designing, cutting, and building, and more about figuring out what the client wants… rather than what they asked for! That is the true job of the props master.
Over the years Chris has literally been given designs on the back of a napkin; and had an art department say, “What does he need drawings for; can’t he just build it?!”
The most memorable, after 2 weeks of back-and-forth visits, after delivering the final product, Chris returned to his shop and there is an angry message waiting from the head of wardrobe, that reads: “All you have given us, is what we asked for!”
The easy part is learning wood working, leather working, molding and casting, the hard part is knowing what to do with those skills when you need them.
Guest Faculty
What's Included
Meal Plan
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The meal plan is equivalent to $68 credit per day.
Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay in any of our food outlets. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
Accommodation
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Studio Space
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Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Total Fee Before Scholarships for tuition, accommodation and a meal plan
$12 890.50
Scholarship Amount Applied
$8 892.61
Total You Pay After Scholarship
$3 997.84
Application Fee
$65 for individuals or groups, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee.
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.
Explore additional ways to fund your experience by reviewing our curated list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Holiday Closure
The student application and payment system is now closed for the institutional rest period.
It will reopen at noon on Monday 5th January.
The Admissions Office closes Thursday 18th December and reopens Monday 5th January.
Step 1:
Application Temporarily UnavailableStep 2:
Application Temporarily Unavailable
Resume
A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Cover Letter
A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.
Portfolio
Up to three samples of recent relevant artistic work. Please provide a description, including the method used.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
