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Program Information
The Broadway cast of Come From Away. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Overview
Join us for a three-day intensive with the Olivier Award winning, Tony and Grammy nominated, Canadian writing team behind the worldwide hit Come From Away, currently one of the most produced musicals in the world and playing to more than 100 countries on Apple TV+. Learn the details of Come From Away’s journey to Broadway and beyond, discuss other musicals and musical storytelling, and get guidance fromwith David Hein and Irene Sankoff while growing and writing new musical theatre.
This workshop is presented by Theatre Alberta and Forte Musical Theatre Guild as part of the Workshop by Request Bow Valley Series.
Description
The faculty, will lead an exploration of musical storytelling on stage, the Musical’s unique and evolving form, as creators around the world continue to push and test its boundaries. Participants will:
- Explore the creation of Come From Away, learning each step of how Hein and Sankoff developed the musical from its earliest concept to Broadway, and how it evolved throughout the process.
- Examine other musicals and the "rules" of musical theatre, learning when to apply established conventions and when to follow creative instincts.
- Develop practical collaboration and creation tools to move a new musicals from the blank page to the stage.
- Write and compose new musical works together, share material and ideas that you’re working on and get feedback from Sankoff and Hein
Requirements
This workshop is for any/all theatre practitioners interested in musical theatre performance and creation at any stage of creating new musical theatre.
Individual artists and collaborative teams are welcome but apply individually. Participants are encouraged to bring works in progress to develop and share throughout the workshop.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis to confirm eligibility and program fit. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all spaces are filled.
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.
The workshops are requested by Theatre Alberta members, ensuring they are responsive and relevant to emerging needs in the community.
Itinerary
- Thursday, February 25, 2027 *Optional
Arrival and Check in to hotel
7:00pm-9:00pm Welcome and Social Gathering Event
- Friday, February 26, 2027
10:00am-5:00pm Workshop Day 1
- Saturday, February 27, 2027
10:00am-5:00pm Workshop Day 2
- Sunday, February 28, 2027
10:00am-3:00pm Workshop Day 3
Check out and Depart
*Itinerary is subject to change.
Faculty
Irene Sankoff & David Hein
IRENE SANKOFF & DAVID HEIN are the Olivier-award winning, Tony nominated, married, Canadian writing team behind the hit Broadway Musical Come From Away,
currently the most produced play across North America, and not only playing around the world but to over 100 countries on Apple TV+.
Come From Away won three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards, including Best Musical. David and Irene were nominated for Tony Awards for Best Book and Score and Grammy Awards for Best Musical Theater Album. They won the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book, and won the Olivier award for Best Musical and Best Score in 2018. Come From Away broke box office records across North America as well as in Newfoundland, when it played two benefit concerts at the Gander Community Centre Hockey Rink, followed by return concerts in Gander and St. John’s.
Irene and David’s first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, was recently updated and is being licensed across North America. Based on David’s mother’s true story, it was the hit of the 2009 Toronto Fringe Festival and then was picked up for a commercial run by Mirvish Productions. It has now played and won Best Musical awards in the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) and across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in most productions. Together, they have written for Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros., HBO and the CW as well as Marvel Comics and the Canadian government. They currently have several musicals, television shows and films in development.
Irene holds an honourary Doctor of Humane Letters from Pace University in New York. And for their work on Come From Away, Irene and David are the recipients of the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada, the Good Neighbor Award from the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy, andhonourary doctorates from Memorial University.
Inspired by the story of their musical, David and Irene and the cast and crews of Come From Away, have raised money for the SPCA, Daffodil Place, Food Banks, The 9/11 Museum, Pay-It-Forward 9/11, and many more charities.
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 one of our specialized studios.
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 as well as discounted rates for classes.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
- $35 registration fee
- A non-refundable deposit of $100 towards the workshop fee will be charged upon registration
Dates
The welcome event on Thursday, February 25, 2027 (7–9pm) is optional. During the application process, please select the accommodation option that best suits your needs.
- 3-night option: February 25, 26, and 27, 2027
- 2-night option: February 26, and 27, 2027
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Theatre Alberta works to ensure our programs are accessible to all theatre artists and enthusiasts across the province.
Theatre Alberta Financial Assistance
Theatre Alberta members who are residents of Alberta and demonstrate financial need can apply for assistance of $200 CAD toward the program tuition.
To apply, include a short paragraph outlining your financial need as part of the online registration process.
The Michelle Dias Community Service Award
The Michelle Dias Community Service Award covers the full cost of attending one Bow Valley Series program. Theatre Alberta members participating in the Bow Valley Series are eligible to apply.
This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to Alberta theater community and a dedication to sharing knowledge, skills, and experience with colleagues and peers.
To apply, submit a cover letter describing your contributions to the Alberta theatre community and you commitment to knowledge sharing to andrew@theatrealberta.com.
Applications for the Michelle Dias Community Service Award are due by October 14, 2026.
Additional Funding Support
Theatre Alberta can also provide support for individuals seeking additional financial assistance from theatre organizations in your hometown and/or public granting bodies. This support includes writing letters of support for professional development grants through municipal, provincial, or federal granting bodies, and providing a community sponsorship letter for partial/full sponsorship to attend a workshop from a local theatre in your hometown.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution in the province of Alberta. We are required to issue tax receipts for applicable financial assistance and awards received, and eligible tuition charged, as per the Income Tax Act and Canada Revenue Agency. To learn more, please visit Tax Information for program participants and/ or P105 Students and Income Tax 2025.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
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.
Arrival Date
The welcome event on Thursday, February 25, 2027 (7:00-9:00pm) is optional.
There are two accommodation options to choose from. Please indicate which accommodation option you require:
- Arrival Thursday February 25, 2027 (3-nights accommodation)
- Arrival Friday February 26, 2027 (2 nights accommodation)
Theatre Alberta Financial Assistance
If you are a Theatre Alberta member applying for financial assistance, please submit a short paragraph outlining your financial need and explaining how this assistance will support your participation in the program.
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