CGDC Podcast Channel

Matt MacInnis is the stage manager you don’t just want, you need! This man is organized, passionate about theatre, and is not afraid to throw you some sass if you’re getting out of line.  We drank margaritas for this interview with Matt, and in the most perfect ‘stage manager’ of ways, he sent me a specific recipe that I was to use. Let’s just say, wow! Were they ever strong! We chat with Matt abo...

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 w...

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 lead...

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 D...

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...

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 storyte...

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 spa...

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 initiative...

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 P...

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 On...

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 Cur...

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 ce...

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 EVE...

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 s...

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 D...

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 cre...

Tracey Flye is our next expert speaker in this series! 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. Today, Tracey pulls apart an...

We're back with season 5 of Tits and Teeth, now produced under T+T Productions! This season we have collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of discussions centred around assistant and associate directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industr...

Well well well, look who’s back in your feed! Tits and Teeth, hosted by yours truly, Jen Thiessen and Kyla Musselman, is back with more interviews with some of theatre’s best artists working in Canada, on Broadway and around the world. So let’s begin! Tracey Flye is one of Canada’s most iconic director/choreographers, and we are thrilled to have her on the podcast today. Tracey’s career is legenda...