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Program Information
Program faculty Lisa Stevens and Julio Fuentes
Overview
This two-week immersive residency offers individual dancers and emerging choreographers the opportunity to explore and embody the unique choreographic languages of Musical Theatre and help approach the work through an exciting and updated lens.
Participants will rotate through choreographic labs with each faculty artist, taking part in daily technique and improvisation classes that support embodied exploration.
Description
The program includes collaborative creation processes, culminating in informal studio showings that offer a chance to share and reflect on the work developed.
During the residency participants will:
- Deepen physical and artistic practice through technique and improvisation.
- Experience two distinct choreographic voices and creative approaches.
- Develop collaborative and adaptive skills in rehearsal and creation settings.
- Engage in mentorship, feedback, and self-reflection.
- Share work in an informal public showing at the end of the residency.
Requirements
This residency is open to mid-career musical theatre performers with six or more professional credits, as well as emerging choreographers. Applicants should be motivated to explore choreographic approaches within musical theatre in a focused, collaborative environment.
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.
Faculty
Julio Fuentes
Julio is a performer, educator, and creative with over 20 years of experience in his craft. His work ranges from dance companies across North America and Asia to Canadian musical theatre and syndicated tv series and feature films.
Select performance: Prison Dancer (Citadel, NAC), Mamma Mia (Citadel, Arts Club, Stage West), In The Heights (Arts Club), Matilda (MTC, Citadel, Arts Club), The Little Prince (Theatre Calgary, world premiere), Into The Woods (Talk Is Free Theatre), The Little Mermaid (Align Entertainment). Select choreography: Tao Of The World (Stratford, world premiere), Footloose (Mayfield), Wizard Of Oz (Citadel), Bring It On (Globe Theatre, Canadian Premiere), Heathers (Theatre Sheridan), Grease (Mayfield), Prison Dancer (Citadel, NAC), Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (Arts Club), 2021 guest movement director (Shaw Festival). TV / Film: Riverdale (dancer - CW), Schmigadoon! season 1 & 2 (ensemble - AppleTV+), Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (assistant choreographer - Paramount+).
Faculty
Lisa Stevens
There's a spark that runs through Lisa Stevens' work—an unmistakable blend of imagination, generosity, and craft. With a career that’s taken her from childhood TV sets to Broadway stages, West End premieres, and film sets around the world, Lisa has become known for the kind of creative leadership that turns rehearsal rooms into places where big ideas take flight.
As a director and choreographer, her credits stretch from brand-new musicals to beloved classics. She helmed the world premiere of Get Down Tonight: The KC & The Sunshine Band Musical in London's West End, brought The Little Prince to life at Theatre Calgary, choreographed Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 (West End), and is currently developing the new musical Ride. Her choreographic reach extends on camera, too—across Blumhouse thrillers and the Emmy-nominated musical documentary Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas. Winner of Jessie Award, Betty Award, and numerous Broadway World Awards.
Faculty
Josh Assor
Josh Assor is a New York City–based choreographer whose work spans Broadway, live entertainment, fashion, theme parks, cruise lines, television, and large-scale theatrical productions. Choreographic credits include the New York Knicks, Audi, Celebrity Cruise Lines, a Modos Furniture commercial, regional productions of Anastasia, Mary Poppins, Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, Newsies, Legally Blonde, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Carnival, Rock of Ages, The Wizard of Oz and Off-Broadway world premiere of Medicine. Josh also choreographed Cedar Point’s 150th Anniversary Spectacular and television series DJ Burnt Bannock.
Josh has been featured in Dance Spirit Magazine, Dance Canada Quarterly and Industry Dance Magazine. He currently serves on faculty for both Heat Dance Convention and the Broadway Dance Center.
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. 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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Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.
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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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
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.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$65 for individuals or $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.
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
Submit up to 2 minutes of video footage showcasing your dancing. This can include performance, rehearsal, or studio work that best represents your movement style and artistic voice.
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.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180
