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Our Workshops

Our 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 workshop offerings below to see what interests you!
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Workshop Calendar

Workshop Listings

Fall 2024
Winter 2025

Stay tuned for upcoming workshop listings for this season.

  • Pattern Drafting Workshop

    Pattern Drafting Workshop

    $650.00

    Instructor: Lela Stairs | Dates: January 11-12 & 18-19, 2025 (9am-5pm)

    Participants learn how to interpret a two-dimensional design and render it into a three-dimensional costume pattern in this double-weekend workshop.

    Join Waitlist

  • Theatrical Jewelry Workshop

    Theatrical Jewelry Workshop

    $350.00

    Instructor: Tami MacDonald | Date: Feb. 15-16, 2025 (9am-5pm)

    A rare gem, this introductory workshop takes you through the process of theatrical jewelry making.

    Add to cart

  • Art Direction Workshop

    Art Direction Workshop

    $350.00

    Instructors: Glen Landry | March 22-23, 2025 (9am-5pm)

    In this introductory weekend workshop, participants gain insight into the visual world of film and theatre and learn how Art Direction sets the tone, mood and character definition in fictional space.

    Add to cart

  • Pattern Drafting Workshop

    Pattern Drafting Workshop

    $650.00

    Instructor: Lela Stairs | Dates: January 11-12 & 18-19, 2025 (9am-5pm)

    Participants learn how to interpret a two-dimensional design and render it into a three-dimensional costume pattern in this double-weekend workshop.

    Join Waitlist

  • Theatrical Jewelry Workshop

    Theatrical Jewelry Workshop

    $350.00

    Instructor: Tami MacDonald | Date: Feb. 15-16, 2025 (9am-5pm)

    A rare gem, this introductory workshop takes you through the process of theatrical jewelry making.

    Add to cart

  • Art Direction Workshop

    Art Direction Workshop

    $350.00

    Instructors: Glen Landry | March 22-23, 2025 (9am-5pm)

    In this introductory weekend workshop, participants gain insight into the visual world of film and theatre and learn how Art Direction sets the tone, mood and character definition in fictional space.

    Add to cart

Summer 2025

Join Waitlist to show interest. Registration will open when dates are confirmed.

  • Set Design Workshop

    Set Design Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: TBD

    Set Design is a practical course for those with limited experience in theatrical design.

    Join Waitlist

  • Mask Making Workshop

    Mask Making Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: Michelle Jamieson

    Learn to sculpt, construct and decorate theatrical masks using a variety of materials to create fantastical stage beings.

    Join Waitlist

  • Prop Making Workshop

    Prop Making Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: Michelle Jamieson 

    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.

    Join Waitlist

  • Prop Making 2 Workshop- Expanding Skill Sets

    Prop Making 2 Workshop- Expanding Skill Sets

    $675.00

    2025  Instructor: Michelle Jamieson

    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!

    Join Waitlist

  • Makeup Intensive Workshop

    Makeup Intensive Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: Georgia Steel

    Discover an exciting variety of theatrical makeup techniques, tips and tricks from specialty makeup professionals, during this hands-on, behind-the-scenes course.

    Join Waitlist

  • Scenic Painting Workshop

    Scenic Painting Workshop

    $650.00

    2025 (9am-5pm) Instructor: TBD

    Discover techniques and methods used by generations of theatrical scenic artists during this one-week intensive course.

    Join Waitlist

  • Costume Design Workshop

    Costume Design Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: TBD

    Gain an understanding of the principles of design and learn how costume defines and supports character during this intensive, one-week introductory course.

    Join Waitlist

  • Artistic Welding Workshop

    Artistic Welding Workshop

    $675.00

    2025  Instructor: TBD

    ~ Coming Soon! ~

    This is an Intro course to artistic welding. You will be offered a choice of 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.

    Join Waitlist

  • Set Design Workshop

    Set Design Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: TBD

    Set Design is a practical course for those with limited experience in theatrical design.

    Join Waitlist

  • Mask Making Workshop

    Mask Making Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: Michelle Jamieson

    Learn to sculpt, construct and decorate theatrical masks using a variety of materials to create fantastical stage beings.

    Join Waitlist

  • Prop Making Workshop

    Prop Making Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: Michelle Jamieson 

    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.

    Join Waitlist

  • Prop Making 2 Workshop- Expanding Skill Sets

    Prop Making 2 Workshop- Expanding Skill Sets

    $675.00

    2025  Instructor: Michelle Jamieson

    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!

    Join Waitlist

  • Makeup Intensive Workshop

    Makeup Intensive Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: Georgia Steel

    Discover an exciting variety of theatrical makeup techniques, tips and tricks from specialty makeup professionals, during this hands-on, behind-the-scenes course.

    Join Waitlist

  • Scenic Painting Workshop

    Scenic Painting Workshop

    $650.00

    2025 (9am-5pm) Instructor: TBD

    Discover techniques and methods used by generations of theatrical scenic artists during this one-week intensive course.

    Join Waitlist

  • Costume Design Workshop

    Costume Design Workshop

    $650.00

    2025  Instructor: TBD

    Gain an understanding of the principles of design and learn how costume defines and supports character during this intensive, one-week introductory course.

    Join Waitlist

  • Artistic Welding Workshop

    Artistic Welding Workshop

    $675.00

    2025  Instructor: TBD

    ~ Coming Soon! ~

    This is an Intro course to artistic welding. You will be offered a choice of 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.

    Join Waitlist

Join the Workshop Waitlist

If the workshop you want to take is at full capacity, don’t fret! You can join our waitlist to be the first to know if space opens up in a current workshop, as well as when new sessions are released.

Join Waitlist

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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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