Phoenix is an Artistic Producer working at Crane Creations Theatre for Summer Ensemble. They enjoys spending their time camping and going outdoors, however, they also like watching shows on Netflix and spending time with their cats. Phoenix is a passionate lover of horror who enjoys anything from Junji Ito to Lovecraftian stories. Phoenix has recently graduated from Sheridan College program Bachelor or Film and TV. They does not have any preferences on the types of music they enjoy, they listen to everything from classical music to screamo, however, their favourite band will always be Infected Mushroom – a psychedelic trance band.
Phoenix’s favourite musicals are Harry Potter musicals (of which there are 3) by Starkid company. Phoenix is excited to work with everybody on all the plays and cannot wait to see the final result. Phoenix hopes to inspire and bring interest to the productions happening this summer with Crane Creations and help in any way they can to bring the magic to the stage.
Summer Ensemble
Phoenix has recently become part of the Crane Creations Theatre‘s prestigious Summer Ensemble 2023 as the Artistic Producer. This unique program offers aspiring artists in the Canadian theatre industry unparalleled work experience. The Summer Ensemble specifically recruits talented individuals aged 18 to 30, providing them with intensive, full-time training over several weeks. Participants not only acquire valuable skills but also gain invaluable experience in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
What Will Phoenix Gain In This Arts Job?
Artistic Skills: Explore classical and contemporary text, improvisation, and theatre around the world and their relevance and impact on art jobs and society today.
Orientation in Arts Jobs: Honest insight into professional organizations, structures and systems in place and how to navigate them successfully
Financial Skills: Budgeting and financial literacy delivered in a comprehensible and easy to understand way, tailored for theatre artists’ needs.
Leadership: Debate complex questions and develop ideas and strategies on how to build not only your career but the theatre ecosystem in Canada and Internationally.
Touring in Arts: Discover how artists around the world use international touring as a source of income, and learn how to create shows that can allow you to participate in that market.
Digital Skills: Discover how blog/content writing can earn you additional income, and promote your work, while mastering WordPress, one of the most desired skills in today’s job market.
Education
Phoenix have just graduated from their film and Tv program at Sheridan College. After taking production design and producing classes there, they realized this is exactly what they wanted to do. They had an amazing production design professor who had done design for a long time and had a lot of insight to share with anyone who was taking his classes.
Experience
Phoenix have worked everywhere from customer service to warehouse jobs. They film job was a summer internship where they helped around with a lot of administrative paperwork as well as developing ideas for production design. Additionally, the job had lots of research into different film festivals and grants available for the production, which now helps them while working on productions this summer.
About Phoenix. An Interview with Phoenix.
Where Are You From Originally? What is your favourite thing about your home town?
I grew up in Russia in a small city. Childhood was a fun experience but I knew that if I wanted to pursue film or theatre I couldn’t do it there.
My favourite thing about my home town is the location itself. We had our apartment overhanging close to the river so we always had a nice view outside our window. Around us, we had a playground so it was a perfect place growing up in that area. Also, across the river was a different city so any celebrations be it New Year or anything else – we always had the best seats to witness all celebrations.
Do You Have A Favourite Book?
One of my favourite books recently has been “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth” by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. This book talks about space but more importantly, it talks about his approach to life and different situations. It talks about how his experience being an astronaut changed his perspective on how he acts in real life here on Earth as well as in Space.
Do You Have Any Hobbies?
I am an Artist, so I like doing everything in that regard. I do crochet & knitting, woodburning and woodcarving, work with resin, paintings, embroidery, and writing. Also love reading, gaming, watching different shows and spending time with friends. During summers you can find me hiking, camping, rock climbing and rollerblading. And during winter I prefer ice skating. All around there are a lot of things I have tried compared to things I didn’t. Besides all the extra activities I also enjoy spending time with family, friends and my cats.
My mother is the artistic soul of the house, she does almost as much as I do when it comes to art and handmade projects – if not more. My dad is more into gaming, photography and music. So I guess you could see where I get both of those worlds. We also love travelling and going to different countries or different places like festivals, events, and generally things happening in our city or around us. We love watching movies and tv shows, and in the evening that’s what you will find us doing.
What is Your Favourite Food?
My favourite food is Shepherd’s pie. It has all the ingredients that I like and it takes me back since my grandma used to cook it all the time.
What is Your Favourite Meal to Cook? What is Your Recipe?
What is Your Favourite Thing About Mississauga? Tell Us Why?
We Are a Company That Speaks Many Different Languages. What languages do you speak?
I speak Russian and English fluently. However I am also learning a bunch of languages. Swedish, ASL, Korean, Gaelic (Irish), Welsh, Spanish, Polish, Greek, Portuguese, Latin, Italian, Norwegian and a few more.
What is a New Skill You Have Always Wanted to Learn?
I always wanted to learn how to play a music instrument. Besides a few songs that i know on drums, guitar and piano – I don’t actually know how to play. I do not know music theory or how to read sheet music. So in the future when i get more time I would love to pick up an instrument – whether it is guitar or drums or piano – either way would be fine. My dad has attended music school so I think he always be able to help me with that.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
Ever since about 12 years old i have been able to bounce almost anything on my hands.
What is a Project You Were a Part of or Something That You Did Related to Theatre, That You Are Proud of?
Personally, i don’t have much experience when it comes to theatre, so this production with Crane Creations is going to be my first experience in theatre production. My background is mostly film related, however I had a lot of theatre friends back in college. I hope my experience in film can bring a different perspective to the stage.
Why is Theatre Important?
Theatre is important because it tells us stories that echo current generations. We write about things that are important to us or things that bring attention to issues of human morals, duties, emotions and decisions. It lets us understand each other and ourselves.
Do You Have Any Advice For Someone Aspiring Artistic Producer?
My biggest advice I can recommend to anyone starting in production design keep making connections and have a positive attitude towards your job and teammates. Personally, there is nothing more important in any position to hear your fellow teammates out, and find whatever it is to connect to them (anything from shows to books or even just a love for what you do). I love hearing people talk about something they are passionate about – no matter what it is. Once you get your foot in the door of theatre or film, it will be easier to continue on with those connections, and whether you stay friends or not is up to you.
When you work on projects together, another good advice is having positive attitude. Working on creative projects can be stressful and having a good attitude goes a long way (Nobody when stressed wants to hear other people arguing or being mean). Oh, and be a good listener, if a teammate is complaining about something you can fix or help fix – then why not help them out 🙂 Respect each other and have fun!
