“Socially engaged and documentary theatre creation; interview and transcript-based techniques”
Overview
This intensive workshop explores how ordinary people and their stories can become the foundation of compelling artistic work.
Founded in 1993 by Darren O'Donnell, Mammalian Diving Reflex has created dozens of award-winning performances that tour internationally including Haircuts by Children, All the Sex I've Ever Had, Nightwalks with Teenagers, The Last Minutes Before Mars, Everything Has Disappeared, and Teentalitarianism.
Through theory, fieldwork, interviews, and collaborative creation, participants will learn transcript-based techniques, engage with the Banff community, and create a small internal presentation inspired by stories gathered through real-life encounters.
This workshop is presented by Theatre Alberta, Azimuth Theatre and Thou Art Here Theatre as part of the Workshops by Request: The Bow Valley Series.
Description
This workshop examines how art can bridge divides, facilitate understanding, and catalyze social change through face-to-face encounters in real life. Participants will:
- Examine case studies from Mammalian's work to explore approaches to documentary theatre creation.
- Learn interview and transcript-based techniques.
- Venture into the community of Banff to prove that everyone is interesting.
- Collaborate with fellow participants to create a small internal presentation from material gathered through interviews within the group
Duration of residency
3 days
Accommodation
Private hotel room on campus.
Disciplines, work equipment and assistance
This workshop is for any/all theatre practitioners interested in devised theatre creation and performance. Especially for those artists curious about making socially engaged work and the belief that everyone, absolutely everyone, has a story worth exploring.
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.
Studio / Workspace
shared studio
Fees and support
- 3-night option for Alberta Residents inc. workshop, accommodation and a meal plan: $909.30
- 3-night option for Non-Alberta Residents inc. workshop, accommodation and a meal plan: $1,014.30
- 2-night option for Alberta Residents inc. workshop, accommodation and a meal plan: $766.50
- 2-night option for Non-Alberta Residents inc. workshop, accommodation and a meal plan: $871.50
Itinerary
- Thursday, November 26, 2026: Arrival and check-in to hotel; 7:00pm-9:00pm Welcome and Social Gathering Event (optional)
- Friday, November 27, 2026: 10:00am-5:00pm Workshop Day 1
- Saturday, November 28, 2026: 10:00am-5:00pm Workshop Day 2
- Sunday, November 29, 2026: 10:00am-3:00pm Workshop Day 3; Check out and depart