Justin... Director
As an emerging director, I am excited to bring over 22 years of experience in the performing arts to the director's chair, where I aim to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences through visual and auditory elements. Opportunities like my recent role as Assistant Director for 'Beautiful - The Carole King Musical,' alongside Kelly Thornton, Artistic Director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, help me further hone my skills in translating written text into a dynamic, emotional experience on stage.
I am passionate about directing musicals, drawing from my extensive training and experience in this genre. My approach to directing will be deeply influenced by my understanding of rhythm and sound, viewing scenes and storytelling through a musical lens. Collaboration will be at the heart of my process, ensuring that communication and direction are tailored to meet the unique needs of each team member.
My background as a performer, my involvement in numerous world premieres, and my technical expertise in lighting and sound design all contribute to my unique perspective as a director. Additionally, my tenure as Associate Artistic Director of Talk Is Free Theatre has provided me with invaluable insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of theatre production.
I am inspired by every director I have worked with over the years, and my directing style is in a constant state of evolution, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of the theatre world. I look forward to bringing my vision, passion, and collaborative spirit to new projects as I continue to grow and develop as a director.
With thanks to the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre's National Mentorship Program, funded by the RBC Emerging Artists program, Justin is currently receiving mentorship from the renowned director, creator, and artistic director, Stafford Arima.
Stafford Arima is the Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary. In 2015, he became the first Asian Canadian to direct a musical (Allegiance) on Broadway. He was nominated for a 2004 Olivier Award for Ragtime (West End). Selected productions include Forgiveness (Theatre Calgary / Arts Club); A Christmas Carol and Billy Elliot (Theatre Calgary); Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living In Paris (Stratford Festival); Bhangra Nation (Birmingham Rep, UK / La Jolla Playhouse); Altar Boyz, Carrie, The Tin Pan Alley Rag and Saturday Night (Off-Broadway); Dial M for Murder andRed Velvet (The Old Globe). Arima is a graduate of York University, and an Adjunct Professor at UC Davis, CA. He is a founding Board member of the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
Assisstant Director
The Segal Centre
October 15 - November 5, 2023
Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
January 9 - February 3, 2024
I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Associate Artistic Director
Talk Is Free Theatre
2013/2014 Season
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Written by Anton Chekhov Translated and Adapted by Michael Frayn
November 28 to December 7, 2013
Mady Centre for the Performing ArtsCast:
Nigel Bennett
Lucy Peacock
Brian TreeMusician:
Aidan Keeley
Creatives:
Marti Maraden, Director
Nicholas Blais, Production Designer
Janine Ralph. Stage Manager -
Conceptual Adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
World Premiere Adaptation
January 9-18, 2014
Mady Centre for the Performing ArtsCast:
Layne Coleman - Benvolio
Clare Coulter - Tybalt
David Ferry - Romeo
John Gilbert - Paris
Luke Humphrey - Friar Lawrence
Diana Leblanc - Juliet
Jennifer Phipps - Mercutio
Alex Poch-Goldin - Capulet
Sandi Ross - NurseCreatives:
Mitchell Cushman - Director
Christopher Stanton - Sound Designer
Simon Fon - Fight Director
Melissa Cameron - Stage Manager
Harry Thomas - Assistant Director -
Book, Music and Lyrics by Wesley J. Colford
A World Premiere Canadian Musical
March 20-29, 2014
Mady Centre for the Performing ArtsCast:
Eddie Glen
Jennifer Lyon
Carson NattrassCreatives:
Richard Ouzounian - Director
Craig Fair - Musical Director, Accompanist
Craig Fair - Musical and Vocal Arrangements
Amanda Nagy - Choreographer and Assistant Director
Joe Pagnan - Set and Costume Designer
Travis Hatt - Lighting Designer
Kevin Bowers - Stage Manager -
Book by Tina Landau
Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel
Additional Lyrics by Tina LandauApril 10-19, 2014
Mady Centre for the Performing ArtsCast:
Starring
Daren A. Herbert
Kevin McNulty
Krystin Pellerin
Michael Torontow
Katey Wright
Andrew WadeWith
David Adams
Nathan Carroll
Michael Culp
Graham Coffeng
Jay Davis
Kristian Truelsen
Ashley WrightCreatives:
Peter Jorgensen - Director
Jonathan Monro - Musical Director
Amir Ofek - Set Designer
Barbara Clayden - Costume Designer
Jeff Harrison - Lighting Designer
Bradley Danyluk - Original Sound Designer
Anne Taylor - Stage Manager
Kristen Domonkos - Apprentice Stage ManagerOrchestra:
Jamie Bestwick - Bass
Nathan Carroll - Guitar and Banjo
Scott Christian - Piano, Conductor sub
Jonathan Monro - Keyboards
Gordon Roberts - Percussion
Natalie Wong - Violin
Alyssa Wright - Cello -
Written by Melody A. Johnson
Original Score by Alison Porter
Produced by Lunkamud in association with Tarragon TheatreMay 23-31, 2014
Mady Centre for the Performing ArtsCast:
Starring Melody A. Johnson
Creatives:
Rick Roberts - Director
Aaron Willis - Director
Alison Porter - Musical Arrangements