Hunter Gates
Edmonton,AB
Summary
Accomplished Theatre Director, leveraging a blend of live production expertise and exceptional collaboration skills. Achieved a significant success rate in actor auditions, demonstrating pre- and post-production proficiency. Excelled in creating engaging, results-driven educational and theatrical experiences, underscored by a strong work ethic and effective communication.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Artistic Director
RuminariLive Arts
05.2017 - Current
- Conducted meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to attain production objectives.
- Observed tight deadlines and strict budgetary controls to avoid waste and streamline costs.
- Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced and constantly changing environments providing optimal leadership and achieving desired results.
- Identified and approved equipment and elements required for productions such as scenery, lights and music.
- Reviewed scripts determining appropriate methods for directing both actors and crew members.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Performed duties in accordance with all applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Oversaw casting processes, selecting talented actors that best fit production vision while creating balanced ensemble dynamic on stage.
- Successfully adapted classic plays into modern interpretations, reinvigorating interest in timeless works among diverse audiences.
- Streamlined rehearsal processes by implementing efficient scheduling strategies and communication methods.
- Continuously evaluated performance metrics and audience feedback to inform future programming decisions, ensuring continued success and theatre company growth.
- Conducted thorough script analysis sessions during pre-production phases to identify key story elements and ensure clear communication of each play''s intended message.
- Increased audience engagement by implementing innovative and immersive theatre experiences.
- Championed diversity within the theatre company, leading to more inclusive range of productions and talent representation.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop promotional materials that accurately represented each show''s unique vision, driving increased attendance at performances.
- Empowered cast members to explore their creative instincts through guided improvisation exercises during rehearsals, resulting in authentic character portrayals on stage.
- Mentored aspiring actors and provided constructive feedback, fostering strong performance skills for future roles.
- Introduced educational outreach programs to connect with local inspired younger generations'' appreciation for live theatre arts.
- Reviewed scripts and made changes to improve wording, flow or interest levels, consistently producing highly successful shows.
- Devised and implemented strategies to create new revenue streams and cut operational costs.
Program Director
The Hunter Gates Academy
07.1996 - Current
- Probed, encouraged and facilitated class discussions by building discussions into lessons, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation and actively solicit input.
- Graded projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Assisted and identified at-risk students to eliminate student barriers to learning.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations, including visual, aural and social learning modalities.
- Shifted between informal and formal methods of teaching to create multi-layered web of learning, incorporating experiments, practical activities, discussions and projects into lessons.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
- Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications.
- Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
- Led and prepared lectures for Physical Theatre classes, including Neutral Mask, Stage Combat and Clown courses.
- Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
- Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep course materials relevant and accurate.
- Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field.
- Stayed abreast of developments within the world wide stage to improve curriculum, develop new research and share with colleagues and students.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and post performance feedback.
Actor & Stage Combat Coordinator
Self Employed Services
04.1988 - Current
- Wrote original or adapted material for dramas, comedies, puppet shows, narration and physical theatre performances.
- Studied scripts to successfully portray over 300 characters in drama and comedies through speech, body language and movement.
- Studied and rehearsed roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts and cues.
- Supported production needs by setting up and breaking down stages, moving props and distributing supplies.
- Created original works and used public information to fuel social justice and action performances.
- Leveraged skills in gesturing, body movement and special voices to draw in audience members and build emotional engagement.
- Committed to diligent rehearsal of lines both with partner and groups to optimize deliveries.
- Collaborated with directors, producers, writing staff and performance teams to determine optimal performance strategies and perfect approaches.
- Worked with international studio theatres to execute successful comedic and dramatic performances each year.
Humanitarian Clown
The Gesundheit Institute - Clowning and Caring
10.2019 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with other international entertainers in creating customized entertainment packages for diverse clientele, meeting specific needs and preferences of each client.
- Dedication to creating skill development workshops and industry seminars to introduce clown techniques and opportunities for first responders.
- Established a strong presence in the entertainment industry, garnering recognition from professional organizations and peers.
- Provided memorable humanitarian efforts in hospitals, prisons, schools and community centers.
- Cultivated therapeutic alliances to promote teamwork and heighten service quality.
- Received coaching to refine skills and abilities.
- Performed live shows at various venues throughout Costa Rica and Ecuador.
- Directed rehearsal sessions for cast and crew to prepare for upcoming performances.
- Collaborated with other entertainers to create engaging acts.
- Produced Clown integrated theatrical shows from concept to conclusion.
Education
Ph.D. - Theatre Philosophy
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana12-2001
Pedagogical Certification - Lecoqian Physical Theatre
The School of Physical Theatre
Toronto, Ontario06.1996
Master of Arts - Sociology/Criminology
Capital University
Columbus, Ohio04.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Anthropology
San Jose State University
San Jose, California 04.1991
Performance Certification - Leqocian Physical Theatre
École Internationale De Théâtre Jacques Lecoq
Paris06.1989
Skills
- Live production experience
- Program direction
- Collaboration
- Cultural awareness
- Visionary leadership
- Creative Direction
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Team building
- Relationship Building
- Analytical Thinking
- Volunteer Management
Affiliations
- Theatre of Change, Athens - Instructor
- Society of American Fight Directors - Member
- Dramatic Arts Centre of Iran - Presenter
- School for Designing a Society - Associate
- Centauri Arts - Associate
- Tshwane University of Technology - Workshop Instructor
- Pretoria University, SA - Lecturer
Timeline
Humanitarian Clown
The Gesundheit Institute - Clowning and Caring
10.2019 - 01.2020
Executive Artistic Director
RuminariLive Arts
05.2017 - Current
Program Director
The Hunter Gates Academy
07.1996 - Current
Actor & Stage Combat Coordinator
Self Employed Services
04.1988 - Current
Ph.D. - Theatre Philosophy
Louisiana State University
Pedagogical Certification - Lecoqian Physical Theatre
The School of Physical Theatre
Master of Arts - Sociology/Criminology
Capital University
Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Anthropology
San Jose State University
Performance Certification - Leqocian Physical Theatre
École Internationale De Théâtre Jacques Lecoq
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