STRATFORD ARTISTS ALLIANCE
IGNITE YOUR CREATIVITY
Our courses are ideal for those seeking apprenticeships or employment in theatre, or further study in dramatic and visual arts programs at university.
Off the Wall could only have happened in Stratford! The creativity and the love of the arts in this community fuel our passion. I just can’t imagine a better environment for theatre production arts students to learn and hone their craft than this city.
Susan Starkweather
Co-Founder
Who we are
We are a centre for excellence in theatre production arts training, with access to some of Canada’s most inspired and recognized backstage artists. We call ourselves Off the Wall because we are bursting with creative ideas and we love turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
What We Do
We promote personal artistic growth and professional skill development in theatre production arts through intensive, hands-on learning and one-on-one mentoring in small classes.
Are You Off the Wall?
Working in professional theatre and want to develop your skills? Student looking to explore a career in theatre? Teacher looking to inspire your students? Need an outlet for your creativity?
Whatever your goals, abilities or background, your learning experience is always adapted to fit you.
Who we are
We are a centre for excellence in theatre production arts training, with access to some of Canada’s most inspired and recognized backstage artists. We call ourselves Off the Wall because we are bursting with creative ideas and we love turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
What We Do
We promote personal artistic growth and professional skill development in theatre production arts through intensive, hands-on learning and one-on-one mentoring in small classes.
Are You Off the Wall?
Working in professional theatre and want to develop your skills? Student looking to explore a career in theatre? Teacher looking to inspire your students? Need an outlet for your creativity?
Whatever your goals, abilities or background, your learning experience is always adapted to fit you.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Kelsey Rae
Pattern Drafting 2022; Currently Stage ManagerOff 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Kelsey Rae
Pattern Drafting 2022; Currently Stage ManagerGallery
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Instructors
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Upcoming Courses
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Explore Our Courses
Experience intensive hands-on learning and one-on-one mentoring in small classes. Check out our upcoming course listings to see what interests you!