Advertise on podcast: CGDC Podcast Channel

Today’s episode features Stafford Arima and Michael Rubinoff, who share their experiences of taking new works from the ground floor, to stages around the world, and how Canadians can continue to push boundaries and develop their stories for global audiences. Hosted by Tracey Flye.  Michael Rubinoff is a Canadian producer and the Artistic Director of Musical Stage Company in Toronto. A Tony Award winning producer, his Broadway credits include Come From Away, which he helped develop from its earliest stages in Canada to international success. As the founding Artistic Producer of the Canadian Music Theatre Project (CMTP) at Sheridan College, he has shepherded numerous new musicals from workshop to world premiere. Michael’s work spans Broadway, the West End, and North American touring productions, with a focus on developing and championing new Canadian musical theatre. Stafford Arima is a Canadian director and the current Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary. He works internationally across Broadway, the West End, and major regional theatres, with directing credits including Allegiance on Broadway and Ragtime in Concert at New York City Center. Stafford has led productions at institutions including Theatre Calgary and the Stratford Festival, and is known for his work on large-scale musicals and new works development. His career reflects a commitment to bold storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration on major stages worldwide. This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Expanding our Vision as Canadian Creators. CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

This episode is a round table discussion featuring Ray Hogg, Ali Hand of the Disability Collective, and Greg Carruthers of EveryBODY on Stage. They break down the definition of unconscious bias, how it can shape our stages and what we, as creatives, can do to challenge it.  Ray Hogg is an award-winning theatre artist who brings over 25 years of experience as a director-choreographer, artistic leader and educator. Ray is currently the Resident Director of the Toronto production of &Juliet, the founder and Artistic Director of Prime Mover Theatre Company, and was the Artistic Director of Rainbow Stage and Musical Stage Company. Known for his dynamic, visually arresting productions and his commitment to mentoring emerging artists, Ray remains a bold voice for equity and innovation in the performing arts. Greg Carruthers Toronto-based choreographer, actor, body-positive activist, and the founder and Artistic Producer of EveryBODY on Stage. From Bradford, Ontario, he studied Music Theatre Performance and has since choreographed major productions throughout Canada and internationally. Through EveryBODY on Stage, Greg advocates for fat-positive representation and accessibility in theatre, and continues to mentor emerging artists while rethinking casting, movement, and narrative for all bodies. Ali Hand is a Toronto-based disabled theatre artist, advocate and Director of Accessibility & Consultation at The Disability Collective. Ali Hand blends her performance background with visionary leadership in accessibility and inclusion. With training in American Sign Language, Deaf Culture and accessibility-focused leadership, she works to dismantle barriers in the arts, ensuring a broader range of creators and audiences can participate in Canadian theatre. This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Expanding our Vision as Canadian Creators. CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming

This episode features Canadian born international producer, Thomas Swayne who unpacks the role of the theatre producer and explores the importance of the director-producer relationship. Hosted by Stephanie Graham. Thomas Swayne is an Executive Producer with Sonia Friedman Productions. He works on some of the most ambitious theatrical projects on Broadway and beyond. His producing credits include Dead Outlaw, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Merrily We Roll Along, New York, New York, The Piano Lesson, Funny Girl, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. With experience spanning Broadway, the West End, and international touring productions, Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge in developing and producing groundbreaking work that resonates with audiences worldwide. This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Expanding our Vision as Canadian Creators. CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Assistant and Associate Program series. Today, we demystify grant writing and self funding with two dynamite creators, Laura Piccinin and Stephanie Graham.  Laura Piccinin is a Canadian producer, writer, and performer whose work bridges storytelling, new work development, and collaborative creation. She is known for producing and creating projects that amplify underrepresented voices and push the boundaries of theatre and performance. Laura’s artistic practice blends humor, heart, and innovation, and she brings a deeply thoughtful, artist-centered approach to every stage of a production. Stephanie Graham is a Canadian director, choreographer, and producer whose work is known for its clarity, heart, and infectious energy. She creates bold, movement-driven storytelling that celebrates collaboration, champions artists’ voices, and brings Canadian stories to life in vibrant, imaginative ways. With experience across theatre, musical theatre, and new works development, Stephanie is committed to guiding teams and audiences through transformative, memorable performances. CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Assistant and Associate Program series. Today, we demystify ‘Collaborating with Designers’ in a round table discussion with Deanna Choi, Robin Fisher, Jareth Li, and Sean Nieuwenhuis.  Deanna Choi is a Canadian sound designer working across theatre and live performance. Her work is known for its emotional precision and immersive soundscapes that deepen storytelling and support bold, contemporary stage work. Deanna has collaborated with a wide range of artists and companies, bringing a nuanced, musical approach to sound that enhances both new works and reimagined classics. Robin Fisher is a Canadian set and costume designer whose work spans theatre, opera, and live performance. Known for visually bold, story-driven designs, Robin creates environments and costumes that support character, movement, and narrative with clarity and imagination. Her work has been seen on stages across Canada, contributing to both new creations and re-envisioned classics. Jareth Li is a Canadian lighting designer whose work is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and care for the storytelling process. He is known for creating lighting that supports performers and deepens narrative rather than calling attention to itself, with a particular passion for new work development. Jareth’s designs span theatre, dance, and interdisciplinary performance across Canada, where he is valued for his thoughtful, artist-first approach. Sean Nieuwenhuis is a Canadian projection designer whose work spans theatre, opera, and live performance across the country. Known for his cinematic storytelling and seamless integration of technology and design, Sean has collaborated with leading directors and companies to help shape visually bold, emotionally resonant productions. His work plays a key role in expanding how stories are told on stage through digital and visual media. CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Assistant and Associate Program series. Today, we demystify ‘Being an Executive Director’ with the brilliant, Claire Sakaki.  Claire Sakaki is the Executive Director of Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, where she oversees organizational leadership, strategic planning, and the alignment of artistic vision with sustainable operations. With a background spanning Soulpepper Theatre Company, Toronto Dance Theatre, the Canadian Opera Company, and Weston Playhouse, Claire brings a deep understanding of how leadership, culture, and structure intersect in large arts organizations. A recipient of the national John Hobday Award in Arts Management and the 2025 Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award, Claire is a respected advocate for artistic excellence, community engagement, and inclusive theatre practices across Canada. CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Assistant and Associate Program series. Today, we demystify ‘Being an Artistic Director’ with iconic director, Mary Francis Moore. Mary Francis Moore is an award-winning director, dramaturg, and arts leader known for her work developing new Canadian theatre. Currently the Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius and a driving force behind its new works initiatives, she has helped shepherd dozens of projects from early drafts to full production. With a career spanning major regional theatres and national festivals, Mary Francis is celebrated for her collaborative approach, her commitment to Canadian voices, and her dedication to building platforms for emerging storytellers.  CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Assistant and Associate Program series. Today, we demystify ‘Being a Choreographer’ with acclaimed international choreographer, Marc Kimelman  Marc Kimelman is a Toronto-born choreographer and creative force whose career spans Broadway, national tours, and international stages. He has served as associate choreographer on Broadway productions of Jagged Little Pill, A Bronx Tale, and Phantom of the Opera, Masquerade. His work also includes high-profile tours, film/TV choreography, and movement consulting for global artists. Marc’s passion lies in telling bold, emotionally rich stories through dance and theatre, and in supporting emerging artists to find their own creative voices. CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Assistant and Associate Program series. Today, we demystify ‘Being a Director’ from day one of rehearsal through opening night, with legendary director/choreographer, Tracey Flye Tracey Flye is one of Canada’s most accomplished directors and choreographers, with a career spanning more than 200 productions across the country. Her directing highlights include Once, Million Dollar Quartet, Ring of Fire, Cabaret, West Side Story, Evita, Buyer & Cellar, Venus in Fur, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Stratford Festival. A dedicated mentor and educator, Tracey is committed to championing emerging artists and advancing new Canadian work.  CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

This episode is a snippet from CGDC’s Assistant and Associate Program series. Today, we demystify ‘Being a Resident Director’ with renowned director/choreographer, Dayna Tekatch.  Dayna Tekatch is a Canadian director, choreographer, and educator whose career spans decades of influential work across Canada. She has served as Resident Director for the Canadian productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Come From Away, and has directed major productions at institutions like the National Arts Centre and regional theatres nationwide. Known for her dynamic storytelling and collaborative spirit, Dayna remains a committed mentor and champion of new Canadian theatre CGDC is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support in this programming.

Debbie Patterson is our final guest speaker of the season! What better way to close the series than with this invigorating lecture where Debbie reminds us that by bringing disability into our practice, we open our practice to endless possibilities. This season, T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of episodes centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best. In today's episode Debbie speaks on the history of ableism in theatre, shares stories of her work as a disability consultant and dramaturg, and calls us to recognize that we are all temporarily abled. Debbie Patterson is a Winnipeg based playwright, director and actor. She trained at the National Theatre School of Canada, is a founding member of Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR), served as Theatre Ambassador for Winnipeg’s Cultural Capital year, was the Carol Shields Writer in Residence 2012 at the U of W, and the Playwright in Residence at Theatre Projects Manitoba in 2013/14. She served as Artistic Associate at Prairie Theatre Exchange from 2012 to 2018 and a former member of the PTE Playwrights Unit. Debbie is a proud advocate for disability justice through her work as founding and current Artistic Director of Sick + Twisted Theatre, and was most recently a cast member of Richard 2 and Grand Magic in the 2023 Stratford Festival season. Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

Stephanie Graham is a director, choreographer and producer. She encourages us all to sit in that producer seat at least once, so let’s dive in and learn how! This season, T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of episodes centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best. In today’s episode Steph shares detailed knowledge for producing theatre, from getting the rights to a show, to the different types of engagement agreements, to finding sponsorship within your circle of influence, and much more. Links for this episode: https://www.caea.com/Theatre/Agreements-Policies https://fringefestivals.com/festivals/ https://www.mtishows.com/annie Stephanie Graham has over twenty-five years in the industry, and is one of Canada’s most sought-after Director/Choreographers. Stephanie has directed and choreographed at theatres across the country, including Globe Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Neptune Theatre, Grand Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Stephenville Festival, Capitol Theatre and more. She is a passionate educator and mentor and has worked at Sheridan College, Randolph College for the Performing Arts, George Brown Dance and Queens University. She is the Artistic Producer for Torrent Productions, the co-founder of Theatre Making Movement, was an Intern Artistic Director for The Musical Stage Company and Artistic Associate at the Globe Theatre. Stephanie won the 2015 Dora Award for outstanding choreography Opera/Musical for The Wild Party and has been nominated three times for a Merritt Award for outstanding choreography on Neptune Theatre’s productions of Peter Pan, Cinderella and The Addams Family. Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

A work/life balance, how do we sustain such a thing in this fast paced industry? Katie German is here to remind us that it's always in flux and as individual as we are. This season, T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of episodes centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best.  Today, Katie shares practices on how we can manage and maintain a work/life balance, how to cultivate a more inclusive work space for parents and caregivers, and reminds us to ask for what you need, and if they say no, ask why. Katie is a Métis director, performer, educator and mother based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Katie is currently the owner and director of Junior Musical Theatre Company (JMTC), and the Assistant Program Director of Pimootayowin Creators Circle with Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. Coming up Katie will be directing This Is How We Got Here at Persephone Theatre. Other recent directing and performance credits include: A Pickle (Dir - WJT), Frozen River (Dir - Manitoba Theatre for Young People), Rez Sisters, Into The Woods (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), Hockey Sweater, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (Rainbow Stage), Embodying Power and Place (Dir - New Harlem Productions, Nightwood Theatre & Native Earth Performing Arts), Winn nipi (Dir - Prairie Theatre Exchange), CAN Premier of Tuck Everlasting (JMTC), and Elizabeth Rex (Bunbury Productions) Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

Stafford Arima is the artistic director of Theatre Calgary in Alberta Canada, a title he wasn't necessarily seeking, but, when the opportunity came his way, Stafford took his own words to heart; 'if a door opens, one should at least peek inside' and thus began his journey towards artistic directorship.  This season, T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of episodes centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. In today's episode Stafford cracks open what it means to be an artistic director. He shares stories on how to collaborate and engage with the community, take care of the 'business of show', and grow with the position. Stafford is an award-winning director for both stage and screen. Born in Toronto, Canada, he moved to New York to pursue his career, and now resides in Calgary, Alberta where he sits as artistic director of Theatre Calgary since 2017. Some of his New York credits include: Allegiance (Longacre Theatre), Ragtime: 25 Anniversary Concert (Minskoff Theatre), The Secret Garden: In Concert  (David Geffen Hall), Carrie (Lucille Lortel Theater), Altar Boyz (Dodger Stages). Additional credits include: Bhangin’ It (La Jolla Playhouse), Poster Boy  (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Dial M For Murder (The Old Globe), and Ragtime  (Paper Mill Playhouse / Piccadilly Theatre)—the West End premiere earning 8 Olivier Award nominations. Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

Taking on both roles of director and choreographer, how do you do it? Julie Tomaino is here to give us all the details! T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a season centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best.  Julie gives an honest take on the pros and cons of holding both positions, shares advice on finding and communicating a show's central premise, and why walking amongst the trees is essential to her process. Throughout this episode you'll hear Julie reference her experience directing and choreographing Margaritaville at Theatre Calgary, the project she was currently working on at the time of recording.   Julie is an award winning director, choreographer, and educator. Her expansive career have taken her across Canada and the US with credits from top theatres such as: The Citadel, The Arts Club, Theatre Calgary, The Rev Theatre Co, Chemainus Theatre Festival, Young People’s Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, The Capitol Theatre, The Grand, Western Canada Theatre, Persephone, The Globe, Magnus, and Ross Petty Productions. Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.