Performing Arts Production Practicum Discipline Descriptions

Stage management Practicum positions are offered in Dance, Opera, and Indigenous Dance. Participants work as assistant stage managers on Banff Summer Arts Festival productions under the direction of professional stage managers assigned to the production. Duties vary according to the nature of each production and may include scheduling, prompting, company management, participating in the rehearsal process, and various other responsibilities related to stage management. Special consideration is given to professionals who require reinforcement of specific skills or who wish to expand their skill base into different disciplines (e.g., a theatre stage manager wishing to learn dance stage management skills).

Theatre Arts offers Practicum positions in lighting, set, and costume design for the annual Banff Summer Arts Festival. Participants are assigned to work under the direction of the appropriate designer and, when possible, are involved from the conception stage through to the realization of the production.

The nature of the designer/participant relationship promotes professional development according to the individual’s goals, objectives, expectations and experience. Responsibilities are determined by a participant’s initiative and the nature and demands of the productions. Some pre-season travel to attend preliminary design meetings may be required, depending on the design/production schedule. Successful candidates will have a creative ability demonstrated through their past work in design, with a willingness to learn through curiosity and receptiveness

Participants assist the technical director in coordinating all technical activities related to the Theatre Arts Department’s performance venues and production shops. Participants are involved in planning, scheduling and systems creation, including the use of a variety of computer programs. An emphasis is placed on the use of CADD programs to maintain current plans and sections of all Festival shows. The participants provide assistance to the technical director and, depending on ability and experience, may assume supervised responsibility for the technical direction of Festival productions.

Ideal candidates will have completed formal theatre technical training in an accredited institution with a passionate interest in the entertainment industry. They will be able to demonstrate strong organizational aptitude, be computer literate with interest in exploring theatre, music and production technologies. Participants will be required to supply their own Class 1, C.S.A. approved safety footwear.

Participants assist the Production Manager in coordinating production activities for all Banff Centre Programs, Productions, Presentations, Conferences and Outreach programs. Participants are involved in planning, scheduling and systems creation, including the use of a variety of computer programs. Participants will develop skills in managing production resources, budgets, facilities, and transportation and logistics.

Ideal candidates will have completed formal performing arts training in an accredited institution with a passionate interest in the entertainment industry. They will be able to demonstrate strong organizational aptitude, be computer literate with interest in exploring theatre, music and production logistics and technologies. Participants will be required to supply their own Class 1, C.S.A. approved safety footwear, and working blacks in good repair and free of logos.

Participants will work with the Banff Centre Production team on all Banff Centre Programs, Productions, Presentations, Conferences and Outreach programs. Responsibilities may include interpreting designs, hanging and focusing lighting equipment, operating equipment, organizing sound checks, loading/unlocking trucks, moving percussion and other instruments with care, studio set-up and maintenance. Participants will have an opportunity to work on a wide variety of programs and presentations. 

Ideal candidates will have completed formal performing arts training in an accredited institution with a passionate interest in the entertainment industry. They will be able to demonstrate strong organizational aptitude, be computer literate with interest in exploring theatre, music and production logistics and technologies. Participants will be required to supply their own Class 1, C.S.A. approved safety footwear, and working blacks in good repair and free of logos.

Participants will work with the Banff Centre Lighting team on all Banff Centre Productions, Presentations, Conferences and Outreach programs. Responsibilities may include interpreting designs, hanging and focusing lighting equipment, operating equipment, working the show and repairing and maintaining lighting equipment. Participants will have an opportunity to use a wide variety of lighting instruments, as well as sophisticated lighting control systems. 

Ideal candidates will have completed formal theatre technical training in an accredited institution with a passionate interest in the entertainment industry. They will be able to demonstrate strong organizational aptitude, be computer literate with interest in exploring theatre, music and production technologies. Participants will be required to supply their own Class 1, C.S.A. approved safety footwear, and working blacks in good repair and free of logos.

In order to maximize the learning opportunities, the participants selected for the year round lighting Practicum position may be expected to commit to the program for up to 17 months.

Participants will work with the Banff Centre Sound team on all Banff Centre Productions, Presentations, Conferences and Outreach programs. Responsibilities may include performing audio technical skills, applying acoustic, electronic and electro-mechanical theory, operating equipment, working the shows and repairing and maintaining sound equipment. An emphasis is placed on the use of Qlab for performances. Candidates should have some previous electronics knowledge, experience in theatre sound or related media, and a demonstrated interest in sound as a career. 

Ideal candidates will have completed formal theatre technical training in an accredited institution with a passionate interest in the entertainment industry. They will be able to demonstrate strong organizational aptitude, be computer literate with interest in exploring theatre, music and production technologies. Participants will be required to supply their own Class 1, C.S.A. approved safety footwear, and working blacks in good repair and free of logos.

In order to maximize the learning opportunities, the participants selected for the year round Sound Practicum position may be expected to commit to the program for up to 17 months.

Participants will work with the Banff Centre Staging team on all Banff Centre Productions, Presentations, Conferences and Outreach programs. Responsibilities may include interpreting and generating technical information, loading shows in and out, working the shows, rigging, selecting and operating tools, and operating and maintaining stage equipment. 

Ideal candidates will have completed formal theatre technical training in an accredited institution with a passionate interest in the entertainment industry. They will be able to demonstrate strong organizational aptitude, be computer literate with interest in exploring theatre, music and production technologies. Participants will be required to supply their own Class 1, C.S.A. approved safety footwear, and working blacks in good repair and free of logos.

In order to maximize the learning opportunities, the participants selected for the year round Staging Practicum position may be expected to commit to the program for up to 17 months.

Working with the props master and professional staff, participants are responsible for the construction of all props for festival productions. Participants can expect exposure to furniture construction, painting and finishing, sewing and upholstery, and sculptural techniques in a variety of materials. The properties shop is well equipped with materials used in contemporary theatre practice, and the staff actively research new materials. Participants will be required to supply their own Class I, C.S.A. approved safety footwear.

Participants involved with the scene shop are teamed with professional carpentry staff in the construction of all scenic elements for Festival productions, and are involved in the onstage set-up of the finished product. Materials used may include wood, metal, composites, plastics and foams. Methods of scenery movement include flies, winches, pneumatics and electric motors. Responsibilities include the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment. Candidates should have previous carpentry experience and knowledge of theatrical scenic carpentry techniques. Participants will be required to supply their own Class 1 C.S.A. approved safety footwear with all leather uppers.

Under the direction of the head scenic artist, participants assist in the painting of all scenic elements and some properties for Festival productions. The techniques and styles required are wide-ranging and vary according to the nature and design of the productions. Candidates should have demonstrated artistic ability and a well-developed interest in theatre. Preference will be given to candidates with previous scenic painting experience and those who have apprenticed in theatre, opera, and dance. Participants will be required to supply their own Class 1, C.S.A. approved safety footwear.

Under the direction of the head wigs and make-up artist, participants develop skills through practical work on all Festival productions, and develop techniques essential to both wig and make-up artistry. Emphasis is on further developing basic skills by practical application. Preference is given to candidates with prior hairdressing, wig-making and make-up training, or those who have apprenticed in theatre, opera or dance. Successful candidates will have a creative ability demonstrated through their past work in the arts with a willingness to learn through curiosity and receptiveness. Participants will be required to supply their own make up brushes.

Participants assist the wardrobe department in specific areas to provide the costume requirements for Festival productions. Depending on skill and interest, participants may specialize in areas such as dyeing, sewing, millinery, accessories, dressing, and wardrobe management. Participants work under the direction of the head of wardrobe, the assistant to the head of wardrobe, the professional cutters, the head of millinery, and the head of dyeing. Participants are required to supply their own sewing kit.

The participant will assist the Millinery Technician with providing headwear for Festival productions. The participants will utilize millinery tools and equipment and will assist in interpreting millinery designs, creating millinery construction plans, fabricate mock-ups, ensuring technical and aesthetic fit of headwear, fabricating, decorating, maintaining and restoring headwear and utilizing millinery techniques. Successful candidates will have a creative ability demonstrated through their past work in props or other areas of the arts with a willingness to learn through curiosity and receptiveness. Participants will also need to supply their own basic sewing kit.

The participant will assist the Boots and Shoes Technician with providing footwear for Festival productions. The participant will be working with leather, paint and dyes, knives, power tools and glues to prepare and maintain theatrical footwear. Projects may include the making of belts and leather accessories. Successful candidates will demonstrate their willingness to get dirty and a creative ability demonstrated through their past work in props or other areas of the arts with a willingness to learn through curiosity and receptiveness. Participants will also need to supply their own basic sewing kit.

Under the mentorship of the projection technologist, the participant will become an integral member of the production design team. Over the course of the Practicum program the participant will develop skills in the area of digital media projection and emissive display. Opportunities to work with some of the foremost directors, designers, digital media creators, choreographers, and artisans in the performing arts industry exist throughout the program.

The successful candidate will have completed formal theatre technical training in an accredited institution with a passionate interest in digital media. The participant must be able to demonstrate strong organizational aptitude, be computer literate with interest in exploring media production and editing technologies, 3D modelling, projection mapping, and implementing video delivery systems. Previous experience with content creation and editing software and CAD applications will be considered an asset.