Wardrobe Technician Program 2026

Professional Training Program for Wardrobe Technicians

Application Deadline February 11, 2026

Program Dates May 29, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026

Overview  

This program provides specialized wardrobe skills training in the field of dance, from costuming classical ballet to contemporary forms of dance and changing body types. Participants will explore how to adapt modern clothing for dance performance and how to work creatively within budget constraints when designing and sourcing costumes.

Running alongside the Dance Production Residency, this program offers valuable insight into the costume design practices of the two resident dance companies.

Description

This program offers participants hands-on training in the skills essential for working in a dance wardrobe environment, guided by experienced faculty active in the field of dance. Program highlights include:

• Opportunities to interact with dancers and choreographers, and learn repair and construction techniques related to the design of costumes.
• Study and analysis of ballet and dance costumes from Banff Centre’s collection to understand traditional and contemporary construction methods, with practical skills taught to reflect these approaches.
• Workshops with Lead and Guest faculty focusing on different build techniques used for contemporary dance and movement.
• Full access to the costume build shop and storage, allowing for plenty of study, exploration and opportunity to practice construction techniques. 

Requirements

Please consider applying if one or more of the following apply to you:

• You have chosen wardrobe as your professional path and see this training program as an opportunity to gain new skills or build on your existing experience.
• You value the expertise of the faculty and staff and are eager to learn from professionals working actively in the field.
• You are a recent graduate or graduating from a post-secondary institution and are preparing to launch a career in wardrobe; you view this practicum as an important step toward that goal.

Participants must have experience and skills with wardrobe machinery (sewing machines, sergers) and hand sewing used for costume construction. 

Strong interest in dance and dance costuming, performing arts production, film or visual arts is desired.