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In this four day intensive artistic welding workshop discover the excitement and satisfaction of crafting in metal. Explore how to manipulate steel by bending, welding and texturing it to give life to your creative expression.
Learn and expand on these skills:
- Train in the safe and effective use of power tools and equipment;
- Explore the metal-working basics: welding, cutting, grinding, shaping and fitting;
- Practice and get creative with MIG welding;
- Discover Oxy-Acetylene gas brazing techniques; and
- Learn how to shape and hammer metal, including using jigs and applying heat.
This is not a ticketed course. This is an introductory artistic welding workshop meant to challenge students in the fascinating world of metalworking. All sessions of Artistic Welding cover the above techniques, enabling participants to heighten their skill levels with imaginative projects.
The low student-to-teacher ratio in each course ensures instruction is geared to the participant’s skill level and experience. Please indicate your related experience when you register.
Instructor: Clarke Ellis
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Practice the following behind-the-scenes skills in this Prop Making Workshop:
- Explore the range of materials and techniques used in fabricating props;
- Create a variety of “faux food” props that have the resilience to last a production run;
- Work from a concept drawing to create an 8 to 10 inch bust of a Greek god;
- Choose your own theatre god and create a concept, or work from the instructor’s drawings;
- Discover how to block out shapes, find the form, then refine it into a finished sculpture;
- Carve and mold features in your sculpture using modeling tools;
- Build a small armature out of wire and tinfoil. Use an oil-based polymer clay that will be fired at a low temperature;
- Materials and techniques can be used at home without any special tools or equipment.
As you build projects to take home:
- Learn from daily demonstrations using a variety of materials and techniques;
- Train in the safe and effective use of power tools and equipment;
- Learn to create props in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
KEY INFORMATION
The low student-to-teacher ratio in each course ensures instruction is geared to the participant’s skill level and experience. Please indicate your related experience when you register.
Registration fee includes materials for this Prop Making Workshop.
Instructors: Deb Erb & Matthew Burgess
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Discover the “blocking” technique as it pertains to blocked hats. The one-week course, Millinery, the art of hat making, also accommodates participants who wish to make fascinators or soft-form hats.
Classes are held in a professional Millinery Studio where participants will have access to special equipment and materials of the craft. A tour of the hat collection at the Stratford Festival Warehouse is also included.
Explore and expand on the following skills:
- Analyze and interpret various hat shapes;
- Properly take and interpret head measurements;
- Draft a custom hat pattern and mock-up based on your chosen design;
- Discover new techniques in working with different materials and hat-making equipment;
- Explore traditional millinery materials, ie, felt, buckram, and modern materials such as Fosshape and Wonderflex plastic;
- Discuss and share sources for millinery materials;
- Construct a custom hat shape; then learn to cover, decorate and line the shape with fabrics and trims to suit your taste;
- Produce a finished hat which fits a specific head size;
- The hat is yours to keep!
Participants are asked to bring design ideas/inspirations (magazine cutouts, printed images from the web), paper and fabric scissors, measuring tape and straight pins. Previous sewing experience is helpful but not necessary.
Instructor Monica Viani
Workshop runs Monday – Friday 9 am- 5 pm
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This one-week course is designed for artists who have either finished our introductory scenic painting class or painters who would like to use their skills to GO BIG. It is ideal for those seeking careers in theatrical painting.
The methods, shortcuts and secrets used by the professional scenic artist, spanning hundreds of years, are explained, giving you the opportunity to execute and take away your own piece of theatrical art.
Learn and expand on the following skills in this hands-on intensive course:
- Start with a designer’s vision and work toward a finished set piece;
- Solve problems typical with materials, tools and paints;
- Build an image in stages on a large scale in the continental style; and
- Build confidence with tools found only in a scene painting shop.
Note: Students will be required to bend, squat, stand for long periods at a time, and sit on the floor. Physical dexterity is required.
Registration fee includes materials.
Classes run Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
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Learn and expand on the following skills in this Scenic Painting Workshop:
- Train in the use and safe handling of painting materials and tools;
- Learn about colour theory;
- Gain confidence mixing scenic paints;
- Acquire skills in chemical compatibility;
- Experiment with marbling techniques;
- Create brick and concrete facades;
- Develop wood graining skills;
- Create effective aging and break down; and
- Paint using many different methods on different materials.
At the end of this course, you will have examples of all of these facades and techniques that you may take home with you.
KEY INFORMATION
The low student-to-teacher ratio in each of these courses ensures instruction is geared to the participant’s skill level and experience. Please indicate your related experience when you register.
Registration fee includes materials for this Scenic Painting Workshop.
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Discover an exciting variety of theatrical makeup techniques, tips and tricks from specialty makeup professionals during this hands-on, behind-the-scenes course.
- Learn hygienic procedures for applying makeup to self and others;
- Use a variety of application tools – brushes, sponges, airbrushes, stencils, transfers, & fingers;
- Work with a variety of sealers, adhesives and removers;
- Apply special effects products such as liquid latex, nose and scar wax, gelatin flesh effects, rigid collodion, hair & tooth dyes, and different fake-blood products;
- Discover where to purchase all products used;
- Become familiar with makeup history, trends and careers;
- Explore resources for school & career options.
All materials are included in the course fee.
Register for both Makeup Intensive Workshops and save
Workshop 1: Stage Makeup & Gore Galore (August 7-8, 2025)
This intensive workshop will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create a wide range of makeup looks, from everyday stage makeup to realistic special effects such as gore and special FX techniques. (View full workshop description here. Note: a new tab will open.)
Workshop 2: Speciality Makeup (August 5-6, 2025)
Dive headfirst into the captivating world of specialty makeup! This immersive workshop offers hands-on experience with a wide range of techniques and materials, empowering you to transform any face or body into a work of art. (View full workshop description here. Note: a new tab will open.)
Instructor: Georgia Steel