Brandon Shalansky

Brandon is a Canadian/British actor, poet, playwright, dramaturg and director. He is currently based in the sunny Okanagan where he is the resident playwright for Fred Skeleton Theatre Company. He holds a BA in Creative Writing and Anthropology from the University of British Columbia and an MSc in Playwriting from the University of Edinburgh. He is a member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada and the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA). His writing has been performed and published across Canada, the UK, and the US, and he is currently working on his first collection of poetry. He has also worked as a puppeteer and set designer. He will be starting his PhD at the University of Alberta this fall, researching how theatre’s capacity to be intimate and immersive can be used to create horror for the stage.


Did the retreat meet your expectations?

It exceeded them!

What was the most unexpected part of your stay?

The flock of chickadees that arrived everyday in the garden outside my patio.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your retreat?

Being able to look out at the stunning view as I wrote.

Did the vineyard setting inspire you and/or your writing? In what ways?

The views were gorgeous and a constant emotional boost. The wine also helped!

What did you work on during the retreat?

I was working on a book of poetry.

What other activities did you do during the retreat?

The COVID-19 outbreak just hit as the retreat started, so I didn’t have much opportunity for other activities. Thankfully I enjoyed the peace and quiet well enough and the restaurant on-site was amazing. I did go for a drive to Osoyoos one day, which was lovely.


Can you sum up your experience in eight to ten words?

A wonderful place to be alone and write.