Independent Residency: Theatre & Dance 27/28

Overview

This is your time for uninterrupted space to start or advance your project in our rehearsal or dance studios. Ideal for solo creators or small to medium sized ensembles, it provides the space and freedom to move, make noise, and focus deeply on your work.

Open to performance-based practices - dancers, choreographers, theatre-makers, opera artists, and interdisciplinary collaborators - these residencies welcome you to explore, experiment, and create new work. With access to dance or rehearsal studios, you’ll have the freedom to shape your work independently, designing your own creative process without structured programming or mentorship, in the solitude of Banff Centre’s inspiring mountain setting.

Description

Ideal for bold, self-directed artists and collectives whose projects need space, for movement. Perfect for:

• Dance: choreography, research
• Theatre: playwriting, dramaturgy, development
• Opera: composition, research
• Interdisciplinary: hybrid or genre-defying work

Residencies include private rehearsal studios equipped for performance-based practices and will be allocated according to need. Studios features may include:

• Dance flooring (Marley/sprung or carpet)
• Small PA system
• Tables, chairs, mirror wall or rolling mirrors
• Height clearance for lifts/choreography (not available in all studios)
• Piano
• Self-recording equipment upon request (based on availability) 

Dates

Residencies are minimum of 1 week and up to 2 weeks in length, running Monday through Friday. Longer residencies may be considered on a case-by-case basis subject to availability. Participants arrive on the Sunday before the residency begins and depart on the Saturday after.

As part of the application, you will be asked to identify your preferred residency dates from within the available date ranges listed below. Please select dates that align with your availability and project timeline.

Available date ranges:

• April 5 – May 28, 2027
• June 7 – June 18, 2027
• August 2 – September 17, 2027
• October 18 – November 12, 2027
• January 31 – March 31, 2028

Residency dates and studio assignments are determined based on studio availability, technical requirements, and Banff Centre’s ability to support the specific needs of each project.

Important: Residency dates are confirmed at the time of acceptance and are final. Once assigned, dates cannot be changed, deferred, or rescheduled. Please only select date windows and start dates for which you are fully available to attend.

Requirements

We welcome applications from creative professionals and collectives at all career stages who:

• Have a demonstrated record of accomplishment
• Have a clearly articulated project ready for focused development which fits within the footprint of a Banff Centre dance or rehearsal studio
• Can work independently without mentorship, production or tech support
• Bring their own equipment and materials
• Collaborative groups of up to 6 people can apply

If your project requires production facilities, technical support, or mentorship, please consider applying to one of our faculty-led artist in residence programs in Dance or Theatre. If you are looking for a non- traditional rehearsal studio please  consider the Leighton Artist Studio.

Eligibility

Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Banff Centre welcomes applications from both domestic and international applicants for our program.

Visa Eligibility Information: Canadian Student Visa Not Eligible: 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 artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.