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CURRICULUM VITAE CHRISTOPHER LESTER Apartment 6, Ivydene Mansions 8 Canterbury Road, Herne Bay, Kent United Kingdom NG1 1JT 12 rue Capri Dollard-des-Ormeaux, (Québec) Canada H9B 2J2 Telephone: Home (UK): 44 (0) 122 737-0837 Mobile (U.K.): 44 (0) 792 006-5712 Home (Canada): 001 (514) 684-0112 emails: [email protected] [email protected] EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Kent Circus School Ltd, Whitstable, Kent October 2009 – October 2010 General Manager/Administrator Chief Executive – responsible to the Board of Directors for all areas of operations including finance, operations, and marketing. I was to develop the position on an ongoing basis in a company that has not had any management structure in the past. Part of the job would have been to put in place structures dealing with efficient operation, future funding, productions and performance schemes. Unfortunately, due to financial problems, the company has now stopped trading. Nottingham Arts Theatre Limited, George Street, Nottingham January 2008 – December 2008 (One Year Contract) General Manager/Chief Executive Senior executive of the organization directly responsible to board of trustees including to deputy chairs and directors for production, finance, building and marketing and to advise on and to direct some shows at the theatre. The position made me line manager for full time, part time and voluntary staff including Youth Theatre Co-ordinator, Front of House, Box Office, Technicians and bar etc. staff. Responsible for recommending artistic programme to board, all financial and investment matters and supervision of Theatre rentals and outside use. I am ex-officio of all committees including building, social, technical and hiring. There were many similarities between NAT and other theatres where problems existed. The theatre was in the second year of implementation of a strategic plan after a year in which the all the previous staff were made redundant and a rescue and fundraising program were put in place. I was brought into start the rebirth process and bring normality. Other duties included – membership organization/repertory theatre/provider of rehearsal and performance space and as an educational charity in working with young people both through our youth theatre group and other ventures. CHRISTOPHER LESTER Curriculum Vitae – Page: 2 CÉGEP John Abbott College, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Montréal 1979 to 2005 (Early Retirement taken in August 2005) Co-Chair, Professor, Department of Theatre and Music Director of Administration and Production Co-ordinator, College Events and Displays John Abbott College is part of the CÉGEP system of Québec, a college which offers both general education and professional education in various subjects which include Theatre and Music. The diplomas are mandatory for university entrance and are also the qualifying documentation for US immigration. The college offers the majority of classes in English but also a large selection in French. As an administrator, I dealt with many of the usual functions, budgets, marketing, fund-raising, publicity, registration as well as directing productions, dealing with production and technical elements and supervision of all production departments. As events co-ordinator for the college, direct and supervise such additional activities as the just finished 25th anniversary celebrations graduations, open houses, etc. The department offers a program in Acting, a Design program, and a Technical and Management program. The programs are for three years and, while principally based on theatrical requirements, include studies for film and television. Also offered are two year minor and elective programs in various creative arts, including music, video and film production and radio as well as theatre. Part of my release time was used as coordinator with the community – education and the arts - high schools, colleges, organizations, universities, etc. I, until retirement, sat as a voting member on the board of governors and executive committee of the College. The department operates out of the Complexe Thérèse Casgrain that includes a main stage theatre, a studio theatre, all necessary theatre workshops and labs, an art gallery, ceramics labs and kilns, radio and television facilities film and animation studios and fine arts, woodworking, metal work, sculpture, painting and miscellaneous studios and labs. My mandate, basically finished now, was to oversee the development of the department from a small operating entity to the largest English Theatre Department in Québec. My work load which originally was mainly teaching and directing was reduced so that I was able to fulfil necessary management, administration and community tasks. Freelance and Departmental Non-Administrative Work 1979/2005 I work as a consultant, director and designer both in the department and outside and for other educational institutions and community organizations. Rather than a long list here, I am attaching a short-listing of recent freelance and other departmental work at the end of this résumé. Young People’s Theatre, Toronto 1976/1979 Director of Production and General Manager Normal duties associated with these positions Theatre Consultant Building the new Young People’s Arts Centre Complex in downtown Toronto Executive Producer/Production Manager YPT Films CHRISTOPHER LESTER Curriculum Vitae – Page: 3 YPT is the leading organization in Canada commissioning and providing theatre and films to young people. It started with various productions each year, which toured to all levels of schools across Canada, especially in the Southern Ontario area in both English and French. It is a leader in the commissioning of custom written plays for young people of all ages. The work was considerably increased with the opening of a state of the art centre built for Young People, which added an in-house theatre, studios and labs, as well as appropriate concession areas, giving a new aspect to its activities, both production and classes and a social centre for Youth. My duties included production work and directing, as well as administrative duties budget, contracts, dealing with unions, plus fund-raising, marketing, etc. My initial task with the organization was to be responsible for and supervise together with the architects and general contractors of the new arts complex in central Toronto developed from a historic listed transport building. I also worked as designer, director, etc., on various productions including: “THE LOST FAIRY TALE” - (American Première of a production of the National Theatre of Czechoslovakia) Directed by: Jaromil Jires, Designed by: Joseph Svoboda “THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK” with: Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson “HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN” Directed and Choreographed by: Brian MacDonald with: Veronica Tennant and Annette av Paul By the end of the contact, my basic responsibilities included programming of all performance elements at the centre, both self produced and brought in; a minimum of four school tours each year – for levels kindergarten to grade three, grade four to grade six, grade seven to nine (junior high school) and level ten and above (high school; one school tour in French; a primary school production at the Ontario Science Centre; and a Christmas co-production with a major Toronto regional theatre. Banff School of Fine Arts, Banff 1976 Faculty Member - Directing and Teaching Staging and Lighting Mallabar Limited, Winnipeg 1976 Manager and Consultant - Theatre and Costume Department I will be the first to admit that this position was a failed attempt to move directly out of theatre production. I worked at the head office of the major supplier to theatres in Canada of costumes and theatrical supplies. I supervised the work of departments across Canada and was involved in all sorts of discussions with theatre companies. I did not enjoy the experience - it was too remote from theatre and I happily moved on to Banff and Toronto Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg 1973/1975 Technical Director & Production Manager Director of Production (from 1974) Curriculum Vitae – Page: 4 CHRISTOPHER LESTER I filled the senior production position of what was and still is one of Canada’s major regional theatres producing in two houses, running tours including into the far arctic and welcoming major national and international companies (Stratford Theatre Company, Shaw Festival Theatre, National Theatre of Iceland, Comédie Française, as well as various smaller and local companies). I acted and also worked as a director but mainly as an assistant director and designer, etc., on various productions. Banff School of Fine Arts, Banff 1974 Faculty Member - Teaching Staging and Lighting Donmar Limited, London, England 1967/1973 Technical Manger, Assistant to General Manager Donmar was, in the 1970s, a large conglomerate controlled by Sir Donald Albery, mainly involved with theatre work and production both in the West End and England and internationally. Through various subsidiaries, it controlled West End Theatres in London, theatre production companies, film and television companies with interests in the recording and publishing industries as well as manufacturing and retail companies. I worked for the company in its head office in London performing various tasks including technical and production work and from an administrative point of view, as assistant to the general manager and company director, Mr. Ian Albery. As part of my duties, I worked and advised many companies, both professional and amateur on production and artistic related work. I worked on many productions including the following - some of the better known: “OLIVER!” “MAN OF LA MANCHA” “ANNE OF GREEN GABLES” “CONDUCT UNBECOMING” –-London, New York, Tokyo productions – U.K., U.S., and European tours – European Première – London Première – London and New York premières The group also included, for some time, the London Festival Ballet for which I acted as assistant to Mr. Albery in his role as Director of Production. I also served as Director of Finance for other subsidiary and associated companies with which we worked. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London 1965/67 Faculty Member As a permanent member of the teaching faculty, I taught theatre techniques and stage management as well as designing and directing some student productions. I, also, fulfilled the position of resident stage manager and technical director. Harrogate Opera House, Harrogate, Yorkshire 1963/65 Production Manager Dundee Repertory Theatre, Dundee, Scotland 1963 Stage Management, Lighting CHRISTOPHER LESTER Curriculum Vitae – Page: 5 Citizens’ Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland 1962/63 Actor, Stage Management, Freelance Work 1961/1965 Various Positions In the early stages of my career, I worked in various positions during this period, as an actor, stage manager, designer, production manager, and stage director at various theatres in England (Coventry, Loughborough, Bournemouth), Scotland and Europe (Antwerp, Hamburg, Lille and Zurich.) Present Day - Director/Board of Governors Théâtre du Bord du Lac, Inc., Montréal – Focus sur le Jazz, Inc., Montréal Québec Drama Festival, Québec Tamcor Theatre Productions, Inc., Montréal Christopher Lester Limitée, Toronto – Christopher Lester Inc., Montréal – and others. Membership – Professional Organizations British Actors’ Equity Association 1962/Withdraw BECTU (formerly NATTKE) 1963/1975 Association of British Theatre Technicians 1963/1980 Canadian Actors’ Equity Association 1973/Withdraw United States Institute of Theatre Technology 1973/ongoing Canadian Institute of Theatre Technology 1994/ongoing Fédération de drame du Québec/Quebec Drama Federation 1982/2005 (past president) Education Private Schools in the UK (Equivalent to Grade 12/Secondaire VI) Northern Universities – Mathematics (Equivalent to CÉGEP II/University I) Royal Academy of Dramatic Art – Theatre (Equivalent to University 2 Masters) Université de Sherbrooke – French (Performa) (Equivalent to Masters) University of Toronto – Doctoral Work and Thesis – Musical Theatre Freelance Work Direction, Design, Production and production management, Administration, Consultancy on Theatre and Arts Construction Projects, Production, Fund-raising. For various companies and organizations: London and regional theatres, U.K.; New York and other centres, U.S.A.; Regional, Community and school theatres, Canada; State Theatres, Germany and Switzerland Plus the following companies: London Stock Exchange, Bank of England, Lloyds of London, Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, British Airways, Central London Synagogue, Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, World Council of Churches, Geneva CHRISTOPHER LESTER Curriculum Vitae – Page: 6 In Montreal Technical, Production and Arts Consultant: Montreal Catholic School Board Lakeshore School Board Commission scolaire Lester B. Pearson Freelance Work - Productions and College Productions (1998-2005) As a member of the faculty at John Abbott College, and as someone who worked in the arts community of Québec, eastern Ontario and northern New York, I find that I am somewhat in demand to assist various companies in differing roles. I seem to have developed my own freelance activities to a large clientele for whom I will act as a consultant, producer, director or designer or indeed to assist on various administrative tasks. The list below is representative over the last four/five years but is not complete and does not include many one day consultancies or simple tasks. Director/Writer: “THE PRINCE OF EGYPT” Beth Tikvah Youth Theatre Designer: “LE FANTÔME DE L’OPÉRA” Théâtre jeunesse des Marcellines Consultant/Director “THE BLUE NOSE” Théâtre Vincent-Massey Director/Co-ordinator: “MISS TEEN CANADA” Talented Teens International Director/Narrator: “COMMANDER TOAD IN SPACE” City of Beaconsfield Dir. of Production: “FOCUS ON JAZZ” Focus on Jazz Dance Company Consultant: “CHICAGO” Riverdale High School Theatre Lighting: “LA MELODIE DU BONHEUR” (Version française: “The Sound of Music”) Les Productions Plamodon Administration: “ANGLO!” Les Productions Anglo Director: “THE PAJAMA GAME” Beth Tikvah Youth Theatre Producer/Lighting: “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” Centaur Theatre, Montréal Actor/Producer: Various Films Concordia University Director: “OKLAHOMA” Becket Theatre Presenter/Editor: Television Arts “Good Day” CBC Television Co-ordinator Thirty-Sixth Anniversary Celebrations Dollard Synagogues Director/Co-ord: “IMPRESSIONS” Commission Scolaire Lester B. Pearson (The All School Variety/Film/Arts Show) Consultant/Director. “GREASE” MacDonald High School Youth Theatre Director: “LADY BE GOOD” Becket Players, Pierrefonds Design: “TWELFTH NIGHT” Beaconsfield Theatre Company Director: “OKLAHOMA” (Version française) Théâtre Fabulam de Pincourt Artistic Director: Tamcor Productions Director: “WEST SIDE STORY” Beth Tikvah Theatre Choreographer: VARIOUS Compagnie de Danse Eh! Vie, Dorion Director “GREASE” Théâtre Vincent-Massey Director: “FORTY-SECOND STREET” D’Arcy McGee School of Perf. Arts Consultant “GREASE” Théâtre Polyvalente des Sources Director: “FAME” Wilfrid Laurier Theatre Producer/Director “LYSISTRATA” John Abbott College Director: “JOSEPH & AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT” Beth Tikvah Youth Theatre Director: “SWEET CHARITY” Becket Players, Pierrefonds Director: “NO, NO, NANETTE” John Abbott College CHRISTOPHER LESTER Director: Producer/Design: Director: Producer: Design: Director: Director: Artistic Director: Director: Director: Director: Curriculum Vitae – Page: 7 “ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST” Catholic Schools Commission, Montréal “OLIVER!” Centaur Theatre, Montréal “CINDERELLA” Beth Tikvah Youth Theatre “BYE, BYE BIRDIE” Kids in Action Theatre of Montreal “WEST SIDE STORY” D’Arcy McGee School of Performing Arts “TEN – A CABARET FANTASIA!” Le Stage Dinner Theatre “MY FAIR LADY” Becket Players, Pierrefonds “ANNIE” Montreal Theatre Company “REHEARSAL FOR MURDER” Centaur Theatre, Montreal “HAMLET” (in French) Théâtre Polyvalente des Sources “A FAMILY TORN” Tamcor Productions Other - Teaching Lecturer: M.B.A. program, Concordia University Courses in Arts Administration, Fund-raising for the Arts, Marketing the Arts, Working with Arts Boards, Government Funding Policies Various: Québec Drama Federation Adjudications, Workshops in Acting, Production and Stage Management and general theatre Teacher: Ontario Arts Council Government Funding, Grants for Arts Centres, Touring Teacher: University of Manitoba Workshops in Directing, Acting, General Theatre plus Numerous High Schools, United Kingdom, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec Various projects and workshops Winter 2011