Propeller Residency

ORGANIZATION: Upintheair Theatre
DEADLINE: Aug. 28, 2026
WEBSITE: http://upintheairtheatre.com

CALL FOR ARTISTS:
Propeller supports artists from concept and creation through development and co-production. The 2-year Propeller Residency guides artists through a structured dramaturgy process & collaborative production plan to create and produce original spec-fic performances. Following a nationwide search for proposals, projects are selected based on the originality & relevance of the concept, innovative design/staging, & the impact on the professional development of the artists involved.

Selected artist(s) will work closely with Upintheair to develop their project, taking part in dramaturgical sessions and creative workshops beginning in Fall 2026. The residency will culminate in a full production in Vancouver, planned for Fall/Early Winter 2027.

What we are looking for:
— Upintheair is seeking creative proposals (max 2 pages) from artists that explain your individual/company artistic practice, producing experience, and proposed project.
— We are looking to partner with an emerging producing artist or company to create a full-length piece of theatrical work in the genre of speculative fiction. We define Speculative Fiction as: Narrative exploring real and important ideas about what is happening in the world right now, through an intelligent eye on the near future. Coined by sci-fi author Robert Heinlein, spec-fic is often described as the ‘What if?’ genre, a provocative lens through which to interrogate contemporary political & social issues.
— We are open to unconventional works. Whatever theatre works mean to you.
— We are not looking for completed existing works but will consider work that is in progress, had a short run or trial presentation, as well as new untried concepts. This is a chance to create an original show and receive support at the early ideas stage of the creative process.

Who is eligible?

Emerging and mid-career artists living in Canada. We invite artists of all ages, abilities, cultural practices, ethnicities, socio-economic status, genders, religions, and sexual orientations to apply. The commission seeks to be responsive to the ideas that emerge through the proposal process.

HOW TO APPLY:
Proposals:

Be sure to address the following questions in your letter of intent:
— Why speculative fiction?
— How do you envision this residency advancing your practice as a producing artist? Why is this the right time for you?
— Provide one or two examples of your past producing experience (if applicable).
— How do you view collaborative artistic processes? When you work collaboratively, how do you approach these partnerships? How do you wish to collaborate with us?
— What stage of development is your project currently in? For example, has it been produced before? Is it in the concept phase? Has it received dramaturgical support?
— How can Upintheair support your access, cultural, or other needs to ensure a safe, rewarding, and inclusive residency and workplace?
— Is there anything else you would like us to know or any questions or challenges you would like to share with us about Propeller?

Please also include the following in your proposal:
— A short synopsis of your play, concept, or project (max 200 words).
— Bios for all lead collaborators (max 200 words/artist).
— OPTIONAL but highly recommended: Support material. Include anything that you believe will support your application and assist us in evaluation of your project and/or artistic practice (images, marketing materials, past reviews, letters of support, renderings, trailers, archival video, conceptual documents, etc.).

Requirements:
— Artists must be open to receiving dramaturgical support and artistic input from Upintheair Theatre.
— A workshop draft must be finalized by January 2027.

Application Information:

Apply using this form: https://forms.gle/KJoPyLaZ89x6fqE36

DEADLINE: All proposals or interview requests must be received by Friday, August 28, 2026 @ 11:59 pm.

Beyond written or document-based submissions, Upintheair is open to receiving proposals in the following alternative formats.

1. Video recording addressing the letter of intent info
2. In-person or digital interviews

If you wish to submit using an interview format, please contact dave(at)upintheairtheatre.com to coordinate an interview or inform us about the video submission.

FEES/COMPENSATION:
Financial support:
— Artist fees based on CAEA Guidelines/PGC Guidelines
— Producing fees are paid at a minimum of $28/hour
— Up to two dramaturgical workshops between 2026-2027 in Vancouver, BC
— Travel costs, accommodation, and per diem (if travelling from outside of Vancouver, BC)
— Workshop performers, director, stage manager, etc. provided and paid for by Upintheair Theatre (and agreed upon with Propeller Project Lead Artist)