--- title: Everyone is Interesting with Mammalian Diving Reflex description: >- Three-day devised theatre workshop at Banff Centre with Mammalian Diving Reflex: documentary theatre, interview and transcript-based techniques, fieldwork in Banff. url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/2929c3ff-041a-4863-a711-513893471801' type: program status: open createdAt: '2026-09-05' updatedAt: '2026-10-05' programType: Workshop/program organization: Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/banff-centre-for-arts-creativity' location: 'Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff, AB, Canada' isOnline: false disciplines: - theatre - devised theatre - documentary theatre - performance --- # Everyone is Interesting with Mammalian Diving Reflex **Hosted by:** Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity **Type:** Workshop/program | **Location:** Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff, AB, Canada ## About This Program > "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 ## Eligibility & Requirements - **Geographic Eligibility:** International - **Disciplines:** theatre, devised theatre, documentary theatre, performance - **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old - **Note:** This workshop is for any/all theatre practitioners interested in devised theatre creation and performance, especially 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. Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome. Visa Eligibility Information: Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa. If accepted, participants must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada and are responsible for identifying and complying with immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. 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. ## Compensation & Benefits Participation fees (workshop, accommodation and meal plan): - 3-night option for Alberta Residents $909.30 - 3-night option for Non-Alberta Residents $1,014.30 - 2-night option for Alberta Residents $766.50 - 2-night option for Non-Alberta Residents $871.50 ## What's Provided - **Housing:** Provided - Private hotel room on campus. - **Studio Access:** Provided - shared studio ## Timeline - **Opens:** September 4, 2026 - **Program Start:** November 27, 2026 - **Program End:** November 29, 2026 ## How to Apply Apply at: http://url.banffcentre.ca/bguaLV