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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 Listings

Winter 2026
View Printable Workshop Calendar
March Break 2026 – Creative Sparks Workshops

Explore the magic of theatre production and discover new talents with our one-day, hands-on workshops designed for the curious, aged 16 to adult. (Workshop dates will be March 16-20, 2026.) 

  • Full Creative Sparks Enrolment

    Full Creative Sparks Enrolment

    Price range: $350.00 through $600.00

    Workshop Bundle | March 16 – 20, 2026

    Select this option to enroll in all the single-day Creative Sparks workshops offered this March (March 16-20, 2026). By doing so, you’ll also save $50 off your total registration fee!

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Food Props

    Food Props

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00

    Instructor: Deb Erb | March 16, 2026 (10am-4pm)

    Making realistic “faux food” is an essential skill in every Prop Makers’ toolkit. Practice a variety of techniques and discover commonplace materials used to create lifelike food props, resilient enough to last a production run.

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Special Effects Makeup

    Special Effects Makeup

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00

    Instructor: Georgia Steel | March 17, 2026 (10am-4pm)

    For stage, cosplay or Hallowe’en, venture into gore makeup. Discover special effects techniques such as: scars, lacerations, burns, bullet holes and bruising (in various stages of healing)

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Introduction to Stage Directing

    Introduction to Stage Directing

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00

    Instructor: Elizabeth Dahmen | March 18, 2026 (10am-4pm)

    So much happens before the first rehearsal! In this workshop, we will explore the tasks and responsibilities that come with leading collaborative artistic endeavours with a focus on pre-production planning from the director’s point of view.

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Stage Management

    Stage Management

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00

    Instructor: Hilary Nichol | March 19, 2026 (10am-4pm)

    Stage Managers are essential to the success of any theatrical production. Discover their roles and responsibilities and explore their processes—from script breakdown, scheduling and running rehearsals, and coordinating the work of stage crews to calling shows from the booth during performances and ensuring the integrity of the production throughout the run.

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Sound Design

    Sound Design

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00 Instructor: Joe Lapinski | March 20, 2026 (10am-4pm)

     

    Sound Design for Theatre is the art of shaping the sonic world of a play. From subtle ambience to bold musical moments, sound helps guide emotion, support storytelling, and immerse an audience—making the unseen heard.

    In this one-day workshop, participants will explore the fundamentals of theatrical sound design and its collaborative role within a production. We’ll walk through the full creative process, including building a basic sound system, recording sound effects, voiceovers and music, and assembling these elements into a cohesive final design. This hands-on workshop is accessible and welcoming to anyone curious about theatre, sound, or storytelling. No prior experience is required.

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Full Creative Sparks Enrolment

    Full Creative Sparks Enrolment

    Price range: $350.00 through $600.00

    Workshop Bundle | March 16 – 20, 2026

    Select this option to enroll in all the single-day Creative Sparks workshops offered this March (March 16-20, 2026). By doing so, you’ll also save $50 off your total registration fee!

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Food Props

    Food Props

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00

    Instructor: Deb Erb | March 16, 2026 (10am-4pm)

    Making realistic “faux food” is an essential skill in every Prop Makers’ toolkit. Practice a variety of techniques and discover commonplace materials used to create lifelike food props, resilient enough to last a production run.

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Special Effects Makeup

    Special Effects Makeup

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00

    Instructor: Georgia Steel | March 17, 2026 (10am-4pm)

    For stage, cosplay or Hallowe’en, venture into gore makeup. Discover special effects techniques such as: scars, lacerations, burns, bullet holes and bruising (in various stages of healing)

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Introduction to Stage Directing

    Introduction to Stage Directing

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00

    Instructor: Elizabeth Dahmen | March 18, 2026 (10am-4pm)

    So much happens before the first rehearsal! In this workshop, we will explore the tasks and responsibilities that come with leading collaborative artistic endeavours with a focus on pre-production planning from the director’s point of view.

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Stage Management

    Stage Management

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00

    Instructor: Hilary Nichol | March 19, 2026 (10am-4pm)

    Stage Managers are essential to the success of any theatrical production. Discover their roles and responsibilities and explore their processes—from script breakdown, scheduling and running rehearsals, and coordinating the work of stage crews to calling shows from the booth during performances and ensuring the integrity of the production throughout the run.

    Creative Sparks workshops are priced differently for adults and full-time students, with full-time students enjoying a discounted registration price. (Students will be asked to provide verification.)

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Sound Design

    Sound Design

    Price range: $80.00 through $130.00 Instructor: Joe Lapinski | March 20, 2026 (10am-4pm)

     

    Sound Design for Theatre is the art of shaping the sonic world of a play. From subtle ambience to bold musical moments, sound helps guide emotion, support storytelling, and immerse an audience—making the unseen heard.

    In this one-day workshop, participants will explore the fundamentals of theatrical sound design and its collaborative role within a production. We’ll walk through the full creative process, including building a basic sound system, recording sound effects, voiceovers and music, and assembling these elements into a cohesive final design. This hands-on workshop is accessible and welcoming to anyone curious about theatre, sound, or storytelling. No prior experience is required.

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Summer 2026

Below, you’ll find a list of workshops we intend to offer in the summer of 2026. The dates and instructors have not yet been confirmed. We encourage you to join the waiting list for each workshop you’re interested in!

  • Artistic Welding Workshop

    Artistic Welding Workshop

    $725.00 June 23-26, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Clarke Ellis

    This workshop introduces the basic skills of artistic welding. Students leave with original metal artwork and the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.

    Add to cart

  • Artistic Welding for High School Seniors

    Artistic Welding for High School Seniors

    $550.00 June 29-July 02, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Instructor: Clarke Ellis

    This creative, project-based workshop is designed for high school students 16 years and over. It introduces the basic skills of artistic welding. Students leave with original metal artwork and the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.

    Add to cart

  • Theatrical Carpentry for Beginners

    Theatrical Carpentry for Beginners

    Price range: $550.00 through $700.00 July 06-10, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Sam Claveau

    Practice a variety of techniques used by scenic carpenters during this introductory, one-week workshop.

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Stage Makeup & Gore Galore

    Stage Makeup & Gore Galore

    $350.00 July 14-15, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Georgia Steel

    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.

    Add to cart

  • Specialty Makeup

    Specialty Makeup

    $350.00 July 16-17, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Georgia Steel

    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.

    Add to cart

  • Costume Design Workshop

    Costume Design Workshop

    $700.00 July 20-24, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Michelle Bohn

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

    Add to cart

  • Set Design Workshop

    Set Design Workshop

    $700.00 Instructor: TBD | July 27-31, 2026 (9am-4pm)

    Set Design is a practical workshop for those with limited experience in theatrical design. It is ideal for theatre directors, actors, teachers and community theatre volunteers.

    Add to cart

  • Puppet Making

    Puppet Making

    $700.00 July 20-24, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Alexa Fraser

    Learn how to build an intermediate tabletop rod puppet and practice the basics of puppeteering in this five-day workshop.

    Add to cart

  • Scenic Painting For Theatre

    Scenic Painting For Theatre

    $700.00

    August 03-07 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Thomas Lappano

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

    Add to cart

  • Scenic Art Drops & Murals

    Scenic Art Drops & Murals

    $700.00 August 10-14 (9 AM - 4 PM) | Instructor: Thomas Lappano

    Create a large-scale theatrical drop, taking a design image from the page to the stage – from layout to a painted drop.

    Add to cart

  • Prop Making Basics

    Prop Making Basics

    $700.00 Augus 10-14, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Emily Dyck

    If you have to build a prop, where do you start? Explore the creative process of taking an item from an idea on paper to a physical creation capable of withstanding whatever life may throw at it.

    Add to cart

  • Mask Making

    Mask Making

    $700.00 August 17-21, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Matthew Burgess

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

    Add to cart

  • Sculpting

    Sculpting

    $700.00 August 24-28 2026 | Instructor: Matthew Burgess

    Discover the process of sculpting a figure – human or imagined — in this one-week intensive prop-related workshop.

    Add to cart

  • Artistic Welding Workshop

    Artistic Welding Workshop

    $725.00 September 1 to 4, 2026 | Instructor: Clarke Ellis

    This is an Intro course to artistic welding. You will learn the basic skills of artistic welding, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.

    Add to cart

  • Artistic Welding Workshop

    Artistic Welding Workshop

    $725.00 September 7-10, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Clarke Ellis

    This is an Intro course to artistic welding. You will learn the basic skills of artistic welding, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.

    Add to cart

  • Artistic Welding Workshop

    Artistic Welding Workshop

    $725.00 June 23-26, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Clarke Ellis

    This workshop introduces the basic skills of artistic welding. Students leave with original metal artwork and the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.

    Add to cart

  • Artistic Welding for High School Seniors

    Artistic Welding for High School Seniors

    $550.00 June 29-July 02, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Instructor: Clarke Ellis

    This creative, project-based workshop is designed for high school students 16 years and over. It introduces the basic skills of artistic welding. Students leave with original metal artwork and the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.

    Add to cart

  • Theatrical Carpentry for Beginners

    Theatrical Carpentry for Beginners

    Price range: $550.00 through $700.00 July 06-10, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Sam Claveau

    Practice a variety of techniques used by scenic carpenters during this introductory, one-week workshop.

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

  • Stage Makeup & Gore Galore

    Stage Makeup & Gore Galore

    $350.00 July 14-15, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Georgia Steel

    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.

    Add to cart

  • Specialty Makeup

    Specialty Makeup

    $350.00 July 16-17, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Georgia Steel

    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.

    Add to cart

  • Costume Design Workshop

    Costume Design Workshop

    $700.00 July 20-24, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Michelle Bohn

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

    Add to cart

  • Set Design Workshop

    Set Design Workshop

    $700.00 Instructor: TBD | July 27-31, 2026 (9am-4pm)

    Set Design is a practical workshop for those with limited experience in theatrical design. It is ideal for theatre directors, actors, teachers and community theatre volunteers.

    Add to cart

  • Puppet Making

    Puppet Making

    $700.00 July 20-24, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Alexa Fraser

    Learn how to build an intermediate tabletop rod puppet and practice the basics of puppeteering in this five-day workshop.

    Add to cart

  • Scenic Painting For Theatre

    Scenic Painting For Theatre

    $700.00

    August 03-07 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Thomas Lappano

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

    Add to cart

  • Scenic Art Drops & Murals

    Scenic Art Drops & Murals

    $700.00 August 10-14 (9 AM - 4 PM) | Instructor: Thomas Lappano

    Create a large-scale theatrical drop, taking a design image from the page to the stage – from layout to a painted drop.

    Add to cart

  • Prop Making Basics

    Prop Making Basics

    $700.00 Augus 10-14, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Emily Dyck

    If you have to build a prop, where do you start? Explore the creative process of taking an item from an idea on paper to a physical creation capable of withstanding whatever life may throw at it.

    Add to cart

  • Mask Making

    Mask Making

    $700.00 August 17-21, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Matthew Burgess

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

    Add to cart

  • Sculpting

    Sculpting

    $700.00 August 24-28 2026 | Instructor: Matthew Burgess

    Discover the process of sculpting a figure – human or imagined — in this one-week intensive prop-related workshop.

    Add to cart

  • Artistic Welding Workshop

    Artistic Welding Workshop

    $725.00 September 1 to 4, 2026 | Instructor: Clarke Ellis

    This is an Intro course to artistic welding. You will learn the basic skills of artistic welding, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.

    Add to cart

  • Artistic Welding Workshop

    Artistic Welding Workshop

    $725.00 September 7-10, 2026 (9am-4pm) | Instructor: Clarke Ellis

    This is an Intro course to artistic welding. You will learn the basic skills of artistic welding, encouraging students to leave with the knowledge and confidence to expand their creativity further outside the classroom.

    Add to cart

Fall 2025
View Printable Workshop Calendar

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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