Independent Residency: Theatre & Dance 2027-28 (Banff Centre)

Application deadline: October 14, 2026
For more information and to apply.

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
• 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 one week and up to two 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.