OVERVIEW
Join us for a three-day intensive with David Hein, the Olivier Award winning, Tony and Grammy nominated, Canadian writer behind the worldwide hit Come From Away. Come From Away is currently one of the most produced musicals in the world and playing to more than 100 countries on Apple TV+. Grow and develop new musical theatre while learning the details of Come From Away’s journey to Broadway and beyond, discussing other musicals and musical storytelling, as well as getting guidance from Hein.
This workshop is presented by Theatre Alberta and Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity in partnership with Forte Musical Theatre.
Application Deadline: January 13, 2027
DESCRIPTION
David will lead an exploration of musical storytelling on stage, the Musical’s unique and evolving form, as creators around the world continue to push and test its boundaries.
- discuss Come From Away to learn each step of how Irene Sankoff and David Hein brought it to Broadway as well as how the show changed along the way
- discuss other shows and the “rules” of musical theatre
- when to use them and when to follow your instincts
- learn collaboration and creation tools to move your musical forward from the blank page to the stage
- write and compose new musical works together, share material and ideas that you’re working on and get feedback Hein
Individual artists and teams of collaborators are welcome. Bring works in progress to share. This workshop is for any artist working in musical theatre.
REQUIREMENTS
This workshop is for any/all theatre practitioners interested in musical theatre performance and creation.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis to confirm eligibility and program fit. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all spaces are filled.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
The workshops in the series are requested by Theatre Alberta members, ensuring they are responsive and relevant to emerging needs in the community.
ITINERARY
Thursday, February 25, 2027
7:00pm-9:00pm
Welcome and Social Gathering Event *Optional
Friday, February 26, 2027
10:00am-5:00pm Workshop Day 1
Saturday, February 27, 2027
10:00am-5:00pm Workshop Day 2
Sunday, February 28, 2027
10:00am-3:00pm Workshop Day 3
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
DAVID HEIN
David Hein is the Olivier-award winning, Tony and Grammy nominated, Canadian writer for theatre, television and film. He is best known for co-creating the worldwide award-winning hit musical Come From Away, which is currently the most produced play across North America, and playing around the world to over 100 countries on AppleTV+.
Come From Away won three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards, including Best Musical. David and Irene were nominated for Tony Awards for Best Book and Score and Grammy Awards for Best Musical Theater Album. They won the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book, and won the Olivier award for Best Musical and Best Score in 2018.
Come From Away broke box office records across North America as well as in Newfoundland, when it played two benefit concerts at the Gander Community Centre Hockey Rink, followed by return concerts in Gander and St. John’s.
His first show, written with his wife, Irene Sankoff, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, is based on David’ mother’s true story and has won Best Musical awards across NorthAmerica, with Sankoff and Hein performing in many productions.
David has worked with Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros, HBO and the CW and is currently developing projects for the stage and screen.
David holds a degree in set and lighting design and worked for years as a designer, while composing music, putting out several albums and touring across North America as a singer/songwriter. In New York, he apprenticed at a music studio, creating songs for Disney and the Muppets–and was music supervisor on Kermit’s Swamp Years.
An admitted geek, David was thrilled to write for Marvel Comics and to create a new Spider-verse character, Spinstress, a singing Disney-princess alternate version of Spider-Man.
David holds an honorary doctorate from Memorial University and has been honored with the Four Freedoms Good Neighbor Award and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada, which recognizes Canadians’ exceptional accomplishments. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild, the Writers Guild and ASCAP.
Inspired by the story of their musical, David and Irene and the cast and crews of Come From Away have raised money for the SPCA, Daffodil Place, Food Banks, The 9/11 Museum, Pay-It-Forward 9/11, and many more charities.
FEES & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
3-night option for Alberta Residents inc. workshop accommodation and a meal plan
$909.30
3-night option, Non-Alberta Residents inc. workshop accommodation and a meal plan
$1,014.30
2-night option for Alberta Residents inc. workshop accommodation and a meal plan
$766.50
2-night option, Non-Alberta Residents inc. workshop accommodation and a meal plan
$871.50
APPLICATION FEE
- $35 Registration Fee
- A non-refundable deposit of $100 towards the workshop fee will be charged upon registration.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Meal Plan
Accommodation
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
Campus Facilities
Studio Space
Group Seminar / Workshops
More details in Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity’s website.
DATES
The welcoming event on Thursday, February 25, 2027 (7-9pm) is optional. During the application process, please select the accommodation option that best suits your needs.
- 3-night option: February 25, 26, and 27 2027
- 2-night option: February 26 and 27 2027
SCHOLARSHIPS
There are various avenues to receive financial support for your tuition.
- General Financial Assistance from Theatre Alberta
- The Michelle Dias Community Service Award
- Local theatre organizations and public granting bodies.
You can learn more about these options here:
TAX INFORMATION
Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution in the province of Alberta. We are required to issue tax receipts for applicable financial assistance and awards received, and eligible tuition charged, as per the Income Tax Act and Canada Revenue Agency.
To learn more, please visit Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity’s website.
