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 an original spec-fic co-production. Following a nation-wide 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.


For proposal requirements and details about financial compensation, please visit the link below.