WIBF Workshops

Winnipeg is in for such a treat with the remarkable talent we have in town for the weekend. We’ve coordinated eight workshops so all of us have an opportunity to level up our skills and confidence. All workshops are wheelchair accessible and have access to wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Please note the location for workshops differ. Some are in a comfortable classroom setting, where no movement is required, others are movement based. See “What to know” for more details. The Saturday workshops do overlap and allow for breaks in between. There will be food and beverages available at the venue for those wanting to stay for the workshops as well as the performances. Download Printable WIBF Workshop Schedule Here


The History of Josephine Baker

with Tymisha Harris and Michael Marinaccio

Thursday, May 30 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Explore the captivating life and legacy of Josephine Baker, one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. The first African-American international superstar. A singer, dancer, actress and spy.

What to know: This workshop will be in a private dining hall, food and beverages can be ordered during the presentation.

Where: The Wood Tavern (in the Private Dining Room), 112 Marion Street

Burlesque Survival Guide

with Arabella Boop

Thursday, May 30 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Turning mistakes into inspiration..... This class addresses every burlesque performer's nightmare. What if something goes wrong with the costume, choreo, music, stage, audience, you name it. Arabella prepares you for the worst case scenario so you can always perform at your best.

What to know: This workshop will be in a private dining hall.

Where: The Wood Tavern (in the Private Dining Room), 112 Marion Street

Classic Showgirl

with Kitty Kin-Evil

Friday, May 31 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Let's bring things back to the golden era of striptease! Taking a page out of our legend’s playbook. Learn how to slow down…..real slow, super slinky, no rushing, make the audience feel your movement with little movement. We're gonna ooze sensuality from our cores.

What to know: This workshop involves dancing and cardio. Heels not required.

Where: Genesis Studio, Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue

Feather Fans

with Kitty Kin-Evil

Saturday, June 1 at 10:00am - 11:30am

In this flirtatious fan workshop you will learn a variety of poses, combos and proper handling of a  feather fan to elevate your seduction of any audience. Let Kitty Kin-Evil, the headmistress of Ottawa Burlesque Academy, teach you to add style, elegance and flow to this sexy fluttering prop.

What to know: Feather Fans are provided for an extra $10. This workshop involves cardio. Heels not required. No experience required.

Where: Genesis Studio, Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue

Producing your Passion Project

with Tymisha Harris and Michael Marinaccio

Saturday, June 1 at 11:00am-12:30pm

Manifest your passion project into real life with the Internationally award-winning pair behind the success of the Josephine play. They’ll share the secrets from creating the hit show and help participants find accessible pathways to create and produce the project of their dreams.

What to know: This workshop takes place in a classroom setting. Bring paper and pen for notes.

Where: Imperial Studio, Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue

Fatlesque, unapologetically sexy

with Arabella Boop

Saturday, June 1 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

A burlesque workshop exclusively for Fat bodies. Teacher Arabella Boop went from never wearing a swimsuit in public to wearing near nothing on stages around the world with tremendous applause and money. Find out how this jet setting showgirl ‘got the nerve’. Navigate the world of burlesque as fat performers with an international touring headliner recently crowned the Queen of Roses.

What to know: This workshop will start seated then include warm up and dance. All abilities welcome.

Where: Colin Jackson Theatre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue

Crash Course to Hosting a Cabaret

with Belle Jumelles

Saturday, June 1 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm

They’ll be Wrapped Around Your Finger! Keep your audience engaged, and provide you with techniques to keep the show rolling so you can introduce performers with confidence and comfort. Whether you have hosted a show before, or you’re just thinking about it, this class is for you - All experience levels are welcome! These tips will be relevant if you're hosting any sort of variety show - Cabaret, Drag, Burlesque or other.

What to know: This workshop takes place in a classroom setting. Bring paper and pen for notes.

Where: Imperial Studio, Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue

Order of Operations

with Qween Quan

Saturday, June 1 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Getting stuck in that fully rhinestoned corset? Pull string tangled up? How about your stocking… did it peel? Learn the Order of Operations so your costume reveals don’t hit a snag. In this class we will explore a vast range of costuming snaffoos and how to stay out of a sticky situation WITHOUT USING VELCRO. Yeah, I said it.

What to know: This workshop will involve dance and movement. Bring an item or costume for this workshop. All abilities welcome, movements will tweak as needed.

Where: Colin Jackson Theatre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue

Intro to Sound Editing using Audacity

with RoseGold

Saturday, June 1 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Learn how to customize your music with RoseGold. Have a song that’s not quite right? Maybe it’s a bit too long? Maybe you want to blend two songs together! Learn how to change the music to fit your artistic vision instead of the other way around. RoseGold will guide you through a quick and dirty hour with free audio-editing software, Audacity.

What to know: You must bring your own laptop and headphones.

Where: Imperial Studio, Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue

Put Some Giggle in Your Wiggle

with LeTabby Lexington

Saturday, June 1 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Add some silliness to your routines. Level up your reveals with a punchline. Nail comedic timing. Learn how to clown around with LeTabby. She elevates all her acts with physical comedy. Whether you're looking for a smig of giggles or a full on comedy act, LeTabby will show you the way.

What to know: This workshop is part movement part presentation. Please wear clothing you can move in and a prop (gloves, boas, book, shoe- anything). No experience needed.

Where: Colin Jackson Theatre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, 3rd Floor, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue

To Register for Workshops Complete this form and follow the instructions for payment