Skip to main content

Banff Centre’s Application, Student Registration and Payment Systems, including the Student Portal, will be unavailable from 4pm Tuesday Nov. 5th to 12 noon Wednesday Nov. 6th due to planned maintenance. Any questions please contact Registrars_Office@banffcentre.ca.

Want to find out more about upcoming programs? Please subscribe to our mailing list.

EnglishFrench

Program Information

Kamna Gupta, Interplay 2024, Banff Centre. Photo by Rita Taylor.

Kamna Gupta, Interplay 2024, Banff Centre. Photo by Rita Taylor. 

Dates

Application Deadline: December 11, 2025

Program Dates: June 24 – July 26, 2025

Overview  

This innovative and collaborative residency offers early-career Stage Directors, Stage Managers and conductors a unique opportunity to assist in the fully produced opera, The Handmaid’s Tale, composed by Poul Ruders, libretto by Paul Bentley, in a new arrangement by Dan Schlosberg.

Join us in shaping the future of opera and and chamber music. Working alongside participants from the Interplay: Chamber Musicians & Composers, Opera Singers & Répétiteurs, Props Builder, and Wardrobe Technician programs, you will help reimagine both traditional and contemporary works in bold, new ways, enhancing your artistic vision and advancing your career.

Description

Interplay will offer a unique opportunity for Stage Director, Stage Managers & Conductor to be part of an opera production in an environment that mirrors professional working conditions and timelines. This innovative program offers all participants:

  • Mentorship by internationally renowned faculty (soon to be announced).
  • Sessions on producing opera, masterclasses and coachings. 
  • Dedicated time to focus on artistic development, communication, collaboration, interpretation, and innovative performance practices.
  • In-depth insights into the composer-performer creative process of chamber operas and new chamber works in development.
  • Hands on experience in industry best practices by collaborating with wardrobe and props practicum participants.
  • Musical read-throughs and public presentations of new works in concert and workshop settings.

Requirements

This program is designed for early career Directors, Stage Managers and Conductors. We welcome applications from individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Completed or are currently pursuing post-secondary studies in a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience and commitment to theatre and music performance.

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.

This program is generously supported by:

  • The David Spencer Endowment Encouragement Fund

  • Yoland Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund

With special thanks to:

  • Chamber music partnership with Music in PyeongChang, South Korea
  • Edmonton Opera
  • Beth Morrison Projects

Itinerary

Events

Opera Pub #1: July 4  
Chamber Concert 1: July 3, 2025 (Faculty) 
Chamber Concert 2: July 5, 2025 (Faculty)  
Opera Workshop Showing 1: July 11, 2025 
Chamber Concert 3: July 12, 2025 (Faculty & Participant) 
Opera Pub #2: July 18, 2025 
Chamber Concert 4: July 19, 2025 (Faculty & Participant) 
Chamber / Opera Workshop 2: July 25, 2025 
Opera Handmaid's Tale:  July 26, 2025  
 

 

Faculty

What's Included

Meal Plan Icon
Meal Plan Read more Close

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. 

The Regular meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.

Accommodations
Accommodation Read more Close

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.

Visual arts icon
Studio Space Read more Close

Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.

Showcase Icon
Showcase Your Work Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.

Think Bubbles Icon
Group Seminars/Workshops Read more Close

Group seminars and workshops with faculty.

Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives Read more Close

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty

Campus Facilities Read more Close

Fees & Financial Assistance

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$13 509.50
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$10 912.80
You pay (fee after scholarship applied)
$2 596.75

Application Fee

$65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.

The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom. 

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.

  • Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs
  • Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs

If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

Help fund your experience at Banff Centre by viewing our compiled 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.

System maintenance

Banff Centre’s Application, Student Registration and Payment Systems, including the Student Portal, will be unavailable from 4pm Tuesday Nov. 5th to 12 noon Wednesday Nov. 6th due to planned maintenance. Any questions please contact Registrars_Office@banffcentre.ca.

Step 1:

Application Temporarily Unavailable

Step 2:

Application Temporarily Unavailable

Resume

A one-two page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.

Cover Letter

A one-two page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program, previous relevant experience and the impact you expect the program to have on your professional development. 

Financial Assistance

Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for 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