Our Courses
Our courses and workshops, led by some of North America’s finest backstage theatre artists, bring you behind the scenes to learn how to construct and paint impressive sets; build props ranging from faux food to flicker candles; create breath-taking masks, scenic art drops and special effects makeup—and more! These opportunities are intensive and hands-on, conducted in a working studio with one-on-one mentorship from our artist instructors.
Explore our current course offerings below to see what interests you!
Course Listings
Spring 2024
- Carpentry
- Costume Design
- Courses
- Fall 2024
- FUNdraiser
- Gift Certificate
- Makeup
- Mask Making
- Painting
- Photography
- Prop Making
- Set Design
- Setting-the-Scene
- Sewing
- Shoemaking
- Spring 2024
- Summer 2024
- Test
- Theatrical Product Arts Certificate (TPAC)
- Uncategorized
- Welding
- Wig Making
Artistic Welding – Spring Session
$675.00Instructor: Rich Baker | Dates: June 1-2 & 8-9, 2024 (9am-4pm)
This is an Intro course to artistic welding. Rich will offer a choice of 5 or 6 pre planned projects to choose from that will cover all the basic skills, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.
Artistic Welding – Spring Session
$675.00Instructor: Rich Baker | Dates: June 1-2 & 8-9, 2024 (9am-4pm)
This is an Intro course to artistic welding. Rich will offer a choice of 5 or 6 pre planned projects to choose from that will cover all the basic skills, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.
Summer 2024
- Carpentry
- Costume Design
- Courses
- Fall 2024
- FUNdraiser
- Gift Certificate
- Makeup
- Mask Making
- Painting
- Photography
- Prop Making
- Set Design
- Setting-the-Scene
- Sewing
- Shoemaking
- Spring 2024
- Summer 2024
- Test
- Theatrical Product Arts Certificate (TPAC)
- Uncategorized
- Welding
- Wig Making
Artistic Welding – Summer Session 1
$675.00Instructor: Rich Baker | Dates: June 24-27, 2024 (9am-4pm)
This is an Intro course to artistic welding. Rich will offer a choice of 5 or 6 pre planned projects to choose from that will cover all the basic skills, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.
Artistic Welding – Summer Session 2
$675.00Instructor: Rich Baker | Dates: September 2-5, 2024 (9am-4pm)
This is an Intro course to artistic welding. Rich will offer a choice of 5 or 6 pre planned projects to choose from that will cover all the basic skills, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.
Introduction to Costume Design
$650.00Instructor: Michelle Bohn | Dates: July 8-12, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Gain an understanding of the principles of design and learn how costume defines and supports character during this intensive, one-week introductory course.
Makeup Intensive
$650.00Instructor: Georgia Steel Dates: August 19-23, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Discover an exciting variety of theatrical makeup techniques, tips and tricks from specialty makeup professionals, during this hands-on, behind-the-scenes course.
Mask Making
$650.00Instructor: Michelle Jamieson | Dates: August 12-16, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Learn to sculpt, construct and decorate theatrical masks using a variety of materials to create fantastical stage beings.
Prop Making
$650.00Instructor: Michelle Jamieson | Dates: July 22-26, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Explore the creative process of prop building during this intensive, one-week course. Discover how to start from a drawing or image and progress to a completed object using different materials, techniques and methodology.
Prop Making 2 – Expanding Skill Sets
$675.00Instructor: Michelle Jamieson | Dates: August 26-30, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Expand on the creative process of prop building during this intensive, one-week course. Experiment with carving a sculpture, multi-part mold making, and the art of breakaway props. As well as a ton of finishing techniques to take your props to the next level!
Scenic Arts Drops & Murals
$650.00Instructor: Laurie Tomé | Dates: August 19-23, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Create a large-scale theatrical drop, taking a design image from the page to the stage – from layout to a painted drop.
Scenic Painting for the Theatre
$650.00Instructor: Laurie Tome | Dates: July 29 – August 2, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Discover techniques and methods used by generations of theatrical scenic artists during this one-week intensive course.
Set Design
$650.00Instructor: David Court | Dates: July 15-19, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Set Design is a practical course for those with limited experience in theatrical design.
Setting-the-Scene ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ Part 1
$550.00Instructor: Mark Flanagan & TBD | Dates: July 15-19, 2024 (9am-5pm)
The first part of a two-week ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ adventure! Learn the Carpentry skills used to build sets for theatre.
Setting-the-Scene ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ Part II – The Adventure Continues
$550.00Instructors: Michael Wharran & Matthew Burgess | Dates: August 5-9, 2024 (9am-5pm)
The second part of a two-week ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ adventure! Learn how props and paint bring it all together for the finished touches.
Theatrical Carpentry 1
$650.00Instructor: Mark Flanagan | Dates: July 8-12, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Strong theatrical carpentry skills are essential to creating sets and props that capture the theatregoer’s imagination.
Artistic Welding – Summer Session 1
$675.00Instructor: Rich Baker | Dates: June 24-27, 2024 (9am-4pm)
This is an Intro course to artistic welding. Rich will offer a choice of 5 or 6 pre planned projects to choose from that will cover all the basic skills, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.
Artistic Welding – Summer Session 2
$675.00Instructor: Rich Baker | Dates: September 2-5, 2024 (9am-4pm)
This is an Intro course to artistic welding. Rich will offer a choice of 5 or 6 pre planned projects to choose from that will cover all the basic skills, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.
Introduction to Costume Design
$650.00Instructor: Michelle Bohn | Dates: July 8-12, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Gain an understanding of the principles of design and learn how costume defines and supports character during this intensive, one-week introductory course.
Makeup Intensive
$650.00Instructor: Georgia Steel Dates: August 19-23, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Discover an exciting variety of theatrical makeup techniques, tips and tricks from specialty makeup professionals, during this hands-on, behind-the-scenes course.
Mask Making
$650.00Instructor: Michelle Jamieson | Dates: August 12-16, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Learn to sculpt, construct and decorate theatrical masks using a variety of materials to create fantastical stage beings.
Prop Making
$650.00Instructor: Michelle Jamieson | Dates: July 22-26, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Explore the creative process of prop building during this intensive, one-week course. Discover how to start from a drawing or image and progress to a completed object using different materials, techniques and methodology.
Prop Making 2 – Expanding Skill Sets
$675.00Instructor: Michelle Jamieson | Dates: August 26-30, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Expand on the creative process of prop building during this intensive, one-week course. Experiment with carving a sculpture, multi-part mold making, and the art of breakaway props. As well as a ton of finishing techniques to take your props to the next level!
Scenic Arts Drops & Murals
$650.00Instructor: Laurie Tomé | Dates: August 19-23, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Create a large-scale theatrical drop, taking a design image from the page to the stage – from layout to a painted drop.
Scenic Painting for the Theatre
$650.00Instructor: Laurie Tome | Dates: July 29 – August 2, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Discover techniques and methods used by generations of theatrical scenic artists during this one-week intensive course.
Set Design
$650.00Instructor: David Court | Dates: July 15-19, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Set Design is a practical course for those with limited experience in theatrical design.
Setting-the-Scene ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ Part 1
$550.00Instructor: Mark Flanagan & TBD | Dates: July 15-19, 2024 (9am-5pm)
The first part of a two-week ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ adventure! Learn the Carpentry skills used to build sets for theatre.
Setting-the-Scene ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ Part II – The Adventure Continues
$550.00Instructors: Michael Wharran & Matthew Burgess | Dates: August 5-9, 2024 (9am-5pm)
The second part of a two-week ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ adventure! Learn how props and paint bring it all together for the finished touches.
Theatrical Carpentry 1
$650.00Instructor: Mark Flanagan | Dates: July 8-12, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Strong theatrical carpentry skills are essential to creating sets and props that capture the theatregoer’s imagination.
Fall 2024
- Carpentry
- Costume Design
- Courses
- Fall 2024
- FUNdraiser
- Gift Certificate
- Makeup
- Mask Making
- Painting
- Photography
- Prop Making
- Set Design
- Setting-the-Scene
- Sewing
- Shoemaking
- Spring 2024
- Summer 2024
- Test
- Theatrical Product Arts Certificate (TPAC)
- Uncategorized
- Welding
- Wig Making
Intro to Basic Theatrical Sewing
$350.00Instructor: Lela Stairs Dates: October 19-20, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Stratford Festival Cutter, Lela Stairs, teaches the basic sewing skills of hand hemming, piping, snaps and closures along with darts and princess seams.
Intro to Bootmaking – Session 1
$675.00Instructor: Connie Puetz Session 1: Nov 23-24 & Nov 30-Dec 1, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements.
Intro to Bootmaking – Session 2
$675.00Instructor: Connie Puetz Session 2: Dec 3-6, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements.
Intro to Bootmaking – Session 3
$675.00Instructor: Connie Puetz Session 3: December 10-13, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements.
Intro to Footwear for Theatre & Film
$650.00Instructor: Connie Puetz Dates: November 9-10 & 16-17, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Stratford Festival Senior Craftsperson, Connie Puetz will teach the techniques used to adapt and prepare footwear for the stage and film work in this new 4 day, intensive workshop.
Photography – Basics & Beyond
$350.00Instructor: Scott Wishart Dates: September 27-29, 2024 – Friday (6-8pm), Sat/Sun (9am-5pm)
This intensive workshop will give an overview of photography fundamentals.
Wig Making – Session 1
$675.00Instructor: Erica Croft Session 1: Four Consecutive Days: November 19-22, 2024 (9am-5pm)
In this popular four-day workshop, learn the basics of wig creation, modification and dressing.
Wig Making – Session 2
$675.00Instructor: Erica Croft Session 2: Two Weekends: December 7-8 & 14-15, 2024 (9am-5pm)
In this popular four-day, double weekend workshop, learn the basics of wig creation, modification and dressing.
Intro to Basic Theatrical Sewing
$350.00Instructor: Lela Stairs Dates: October 19-20, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Stratford Festival Cutter, Lela Stairs, teaches the basic sewing skills of hand hemming, piping, snaps and closures along with darts and princess seams.
Intro to Bootmaking – Session 1
$675.00Instructor: Connie Puetz Session 1: Nov 23-24 & Nov 30-Dec 1, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements.
Intro to Bootmaking – Session 2
$675.00Instructor: Connie Puetz Session 2: Dec 3-6, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements.
Intro to Bootmaking – Session 3
$675.00Instructor: Connie Puetz Session 3: December 10-13, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements.
Intro to Footwear for Theatre & Film
$650.00Instructor: Connie Puetz Dates: November 9-10 & 16-17, 2024 (9am-5pm)
Stratford Festival Senior Craftsperson, Connie Puetz will teach the techniques used to adapt and prepare footwear for the stage and film work in this new 4 day, intensive workshop.
Photography – Basics & Beyond
$350.00Instructor: Scott Wishart Dates: September 27-29, 2024 – Friday (6-8pm), Sat/Sun (9am-5pm)
This intensive workshop will give an overview of photography fundamentals.
Wig Making – Session 1
$675.00Instructor: Erica Croft Session 1: Four Consecutive Days: November 19-22, 2024 (9am-5pm)
In this popular four-day workshop, learn the basics of wig creation, modification and dressing.
Wig Making – Session 2
$675.00Instructor: Erica Croft Session 2: Two Weekends: December 7-8 & 14-15, 2024 (9am-5pm)
In this popular four-day, double weekend workshop, learn the basics of wig creation, modification and dressing.
Winter 2025
Stay tuned for upcoming course listings for this season.
Join the Course Waitlist
If the course you want to take is at full capacity, don’t fret! You can join out course waitlist to be first to know if space opens up in a current course, as well as when new courses and sessions are released.
Off the Wall’s Impact
I came to OTW because the theatre I volunteer at decided to send me here as kind of a thank you for the work I’ve done. Coming to OTW has been completely life-changing for me. I’m going to pursue a career in the prop-building world. I believe I’m supposed to.
MATTHEW BURGESS
Theatre Production Arts 2017; Currently Stratford Festival Prop BuilderI learned something new every year. There’s such a variety of materials and so many talented people working with you one-on-one in a small group setting that it’s impressive what you can create. Setting the Scene is unique, it’s super affordable, it’s an amazing experience.
Jennifer Brickman
Setting the Scene 2016; Currently Lead builder, Macy’s Christmas Windows USALast week I attended Connie’s 4-day shoe making workshop and I couldn’t have had a better time. She is such an amazing teacher and such a prolific craftsperson. Thank you for providing this course, I hope to attend many more in the future. I also walked away with a superb pair of bespoke leather Oxfords! Priceless.
Jane Graydon
Shoe Making 2021I had a job interview yesterday to work in a scenic paint department in Burlington, and I’ve been offered the job! Thanks to my courses this summer at Off the Wall, I have been equipped with skills I could not have learned elsewhere. Off the Wall was the perfect launchpad for me to change course in my life, and I’m so grateful for the supportive artistic community I was welcomed into!
Jessica Nourse
Theatre Production Arts 2021; Currently Scenic PainterAfter being apart for so long, it was exhilarating to be in a room of passionate people all talking about theatre. Lela is so knowledgeable - you can hear the passion she has for her job in every story. OTW allowed me to tap into my creativity and learn a skill I normally wouldn’t have access to. For that I’m very grateful.
Kelsey Rae
Pattern Drafting 2022; Currently Stage ManagerOff the Wall’s Impact
I came to OTW because the theatre I volunteer at decided to send me here as kind of a thank you for the work I’ve done. Coming to OTW has been completely life-changing for me. I’m going to pursue a career in the prop-building world. I believe I’m supposed to.
MATTHEW BURGESS
Theatre Production Arts 2017; Currently Stratford Festival Prop BuilderI learned something new every year. There’s such a variety of materials and so many talented people working with you one-on-one in a small group setting that it’s impressive what you can create. Setting the Scene is unique, it’s super affordable, it’s an amazing experience.
Jennifer Brickman
Setting the Scene 2016; Currently Lead builder, Macy’s Christmas Windows USALast week I attended Connie’s 4-day shoe making workshop and I couldn’t have had a better time. She is such an amazing teacher and such a prolific craftsperson. Thank you for providing this course, I hope to attend many more in the future. I also walked away with a superb pair of bespoke leather Oxfords! Priceless.
Jane Graydon
Shoe Making 2021I had a job interview yesterday to work in a scenic paint department in Burlington, and I’ve been offered the job! Thanks to my courses this summer at Off the Wall, I have been equipped with skills I could not have learned elsewhere. Off the Wall was the perfect launchpad for me to change course in my life, and I’m so grateful for the supportive artistic community I was welcomed into!
Jessica Nourse
Theatre Production Arts 2021; Currently Scenic PainterAfter being apart for so long, it was exhilarating to be in a room of passionate people all talking about theatre. Lela is so knowledgeable - you can hear the passion she has for her job in every story. OTW allowed me to tap into my creativity and learn a skill I normally wouldn’t have access to. For that I’m very grateful.
Kelsey Rae
Pattern Drafting 2022; Currently Stage ManagerJoin Our Newsletter
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