STRATFORD ARTISTS ALLIANCE

Theatre production workshops

Backstage training can equip you for apprenticeships or employment in theatre or further study in dramatic and visual arts programs at college or university.

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Off the Wall could only have happened in Stratford! The creativity and the love of the arts in this community fuel our passion. I just can’t imagine a better environment for theatre production arts students to learn and hone their craft than this city.

Susan Starkweather

Co-Founder

Who we are

We are a centre for excellence in theatre production arts training, with access to some of Canada’s most inspired and recognized backstage artists. We call ourselves Off the Wall because we are bursting with creative ideas and we love turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Upcoming Courses

What We Do

We promote personal artistic growth and professional skill development in theatre production arts through intensive, hands-on learning and one-on-one mentoring in small classes.

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Are You Off the Wall?

Working in professional theatre and want to develop your skills? Student looking to explore a career in theatre? Teacher looking to inspire your students? Need an outlet for your creativity?

Whatever your goals, abilities or background, your learning experience is always adapted to fit you.

Upcoming Courses

Who we are

> Upcoming Courses

What We Do

We promote personal artistic growth and professional skill development in theatre production arts through intensive, hands-on learning and one-on-one mentoring in small classes.

> Learn More

Are You Off the Wall?

Working in professional theatre and want to develop your skills? Student looking to explore a career in theatre? Teacher looking to inspire your students? Need an outlet for your creativity?

Whatever your goals, abilities or background, your learning experience is always adapted to fit you.

> Upcoming Courses

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 Builder

I 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 USA

Last 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 2021

I 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 Painter

After 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 Manager

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 Builder

I 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 USA

Last 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 2021

I 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 Painter

After 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 Manager

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Instructors

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Upcoming Courses

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Explore Our Workshops

Experience intensive hands-on learning and one-on-one mentoring in small classes. Check out our upcoming workshop listings to see what interests you!

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