Shows
CGDC Podcast Channel#21 Matt MacInnis - Stage Managing Jen and KyMatt 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 about how stage managers don’t have agents and therefore need to book jobs and negotiate for themselves, being a part of new C...
2026-04-0641 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelStafford Arima and Michael Rubinoff - Scaling New WorksToday’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 Can...
2026-03-1638 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelRay Hogg, Greg Carruthers, and Ali Hand - Unconscious BiasThis 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 R...
2026-03-0944 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelThomas Swayne - Demystifying Being a ProducerThis 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...
2026-03-0248 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelLaura Piccinin and Stephanie Graham - Demystifying Self FundingThis 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.Steph...
2026-02-2344 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelDemystifying Collaborating with Designers - Deanna Choi, Robin Fisher, Jareth Li, & Sean NieuwenhuisThis 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...
2026-02-1642 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelClaire Sakaki - Demystifying Being an Executive DirectorThis 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...
2026-02-0942 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelMary Francis Moore - Demystifying Being An Artistic DirectorThis 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 Canadi...
2026-02-0233 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelMarc Kimelman - Demystifying Being a ChoreographerThis 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 suppor...
2026-01-2638 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelTracey Flye - Demystifying Being a Director - Day 1 to Opening NightThis 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 FlyeTracey 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...
2026-01-1937 min
CGDC Podcast ChannelDayna Tekatch - Demystifying Being a Resident DirectorThis 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 champio...
2026-01-1232 minCGDC Podcast ChannelDebbie Patterson - Ableism In Theatre: An Open ConversationDebbie 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...
2023-12-1143 minCGDC Podcast ChannelStephanie Graham - Developing, Producing, and Pitching Your Own WorkStephanie 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...
2023-12-0437 minCGDC Podcast ChannelKatie German - Maintaining a Work/Life BalanceA 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 w...
2023-11-2747 minCGDC Podcast ChannelStafford Arima - Being an Artistic DirectorStafford 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 s...
2023-11-2045 minCGDC Podcast ChannelJulie Tomaino - Being a Director/ChoreographerTaking 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 wal...
2023-11-0649 minCGDC Podcast ChannelTracey Flye - Being a DirectorTracey 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 and demystifies the process of being a successful director. She shares how to build a strong collaborative creative team, stay on budget, and bring the creative vision in your head to life. Tracey is...
2023-10-3055 minCGDC Podcast ChannelSteve Cota - Breaking it down, what is an assistant and associate?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 industry’s very best, and today we are kick starting with choreographer, Steve Cota!Steve breaks down the differences between an assistant and associate, what each job's requirements and expectations are, and how to be a...
2023-10-2341 minCGDC Podcast ChannelA T&T Update with Tyrell Witherspoon!Enjoy this MINI-SODE featuring the INCREDIBLE Tyrell Witherspoon. In this episode we give you an update about what we’ve got coming down the pipeline (stay tuned legends!), we include a *shameless plug* of our Assistant and Associates Program (which we are JAZZED about) but mostly, we wanted you to get to know our newest team member, Tyrell! We bloody love him, and we know you will too. Learn more about Tyrell and give him some love in the comments below.Tyrell is an accomplished triple threat performer and choregrapher with over 25 years of experience in...
2023-02-2015 minCGDC Podcast ChannelTracey Flye - CGDC and the Ultimate Director/ChoreographerWell 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 legendary with credits that span countries, styles, and genres. We learn more about Tracey’s ‘herstory’ in the industry, how the mentorship she received throughout her c...
2022-09-2653 min