4-DAY QLAB Intensive

November 3-7, 2026

REGISTRATIONS OPEN NOW - APPLY TODAY!

the next 4-Day QLAB Intensive IS: November 3-7, 2026!

DESCRIPTION

Perfect for community and indie artists, the QLab Intensive is led by long-time Ghost River Theatre audiovisual designer and programmer, Matthew Waddell. The Intensive is a hands-on introduction to the tools and techniques used in audiovisual design for theatre and multimedia performance. This four-day, 18 hour, workshop will combine lectures, live demos and in-class exercises that will guide participants through the process of media design from conception to delivery with a focus on technical execution and problem-solving. The intensive is intended for students, technicians, designers, artists, and educators with little to novice experience of multimedia design or digital tools.

What You’ll Learn:

  • QLab as a multimedia playback and control system: Qlab will be the backbone of this intensive and we will learn it from the ground up, starting with the very basics and slowly moving through its many features. We will look at how build basic and complex audio and video cues, how to apply live effects, video mapping onto custom surfaces and non-conventional shapes, working with multiple projectors and show control using MIDI and OSC.

  • Audio techniques and tools: Effects, surround-sound and live performance systems. We will look at proper audio workflow techniques and software tools for making your audio sound better in any environment.

  • Video techniques and tools: Efficient workflow, content creation, live camera manipulation, codecs, resolutions and how to deal with large video formats while using a slow or older computer.

No previous knowledge of QLAB is required.

We do require you to supply your own Macbook. This requires you to have a working knowledge of basic Apple software.

If you have trouble accessing a Macbook please reach out to ed@ghostrivertheatre.com and we will assist you in finding one for the workshop.

 “I left this process filled to the brim with ideas and armed with the ability to make those ideas a reality.” – Lyall Miller

DATES AND TIMES

November 3-7, 2026

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (with a 15 minute break at ~7:30 pm)

Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (with an hour break at ~1:00 pm)

LOCATION

West Village Theatre, 2007 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T3C 0K4

PRICING

Early Bird Discount (cut-off is October 10, 2026) $425.00+GST

Equity Rate $425.00+GST

Regular $500.00+GST

This intensive is limited to a maximum of 12 participants. Spots are given on a first come, first served basis and often fill up quickly. We recommend registering as early as possible. Full balance must be paid by October 10th to access the Early Bird Discount.

Register

About the instructor

I’m Matthew Waddell, a Digital Artist and educator specializing in projection mapping, 3D animation and interactive media experiences. My work often explorers the strange relationships humans have with technology – taking a humorous jab at our dependence on social media, smartphones and artificial intelligence. I am also a member of Axis-Z Media Arts, a collective aimed a promoting Digital Arts in the city.

I began working with projection design in 2011, initially in theatre, then gradually expanding into large-scale public works, interactive installations and immersive projection galleries. Since 2015, I’ve developed most of these projects in close collaboration with Laura Anzola through our studio, Axis Z Media Arts (AZMA). Explore our full portfolio on our website Axis Z Media Arts.

My teaching practice focuses on the intersection of technology, media and the built environment. Through university courses, professional training and one-on-one mentorship, I help students, artists and creative professionals develop both conceptual frameworks and practical technical skills. My areas of instruction include interactive systems, responsive environments, sound, video, projection mapping and real-time media technologies.

For several years, I created sound and video designs for theatre, film, and dance. While I now consider this chapter of my career complete, I’m very grateful for everything I learned during this time. Since 2008 I have been working in and out of the theatre, film, and dance industry and am excited to continue to share my knowledge with future generations.