Currently PMArts is run by SMArts Executive Director, Janelle Rainville, and our many talented instructors. PMArts instructors are chosen because they are working professionals with successful careers in the arts. Through their advice, expertise and helpful hints, each participant will have the opportunity to explore the many facets of Production Management.
Over the last 19 years we have had numerous people step into the role of Director. We are grateful for the leadership and work that those individuals have given to the organization. These past collaborators are:
- Peter Fleming (Director, 2008 – 2021)
- Paul Fujimoto-Pihl (Director, 2021 – 2023)
- Bonnie Thomson (Administrator, 2016 – 2023)
Executive Director
For the last 29 years, JANELLE RAINVILLE has had the opportunity to stage manage for a variety of genres including text-based theatre, musicals, tours, and special events, though the bulk of her time is spent working in the realm of dance. She spent 4 seasons with the National Ballet of Canada as ASM and SM for YOU Dance. In the past 20 years, Janelle has been doing more Production Management, working with Le Théâtre français de Toronto, University of Waterloo & Magnetic North Theatre Festival. Janelle has taught at a multitude of post-secondary institutions including Toronto Memorial University, Fanshawe College, and the University of Waterloo. But her favourite project thus far has been her son, Hunter – the first ‘SMArts’ baby.
Director Emeritus
PETER FLEMING As Production and Operations Manager at Ryerson School of Performance at Ryerson University, Peter has been managing the production process within an educational environment for over 20 years. A graduate of Ryerson’s Radio and Television Arts program, Peter has been active in all areas of the entertainment business. He began his career in summer stock theatre and was one of two Technical Directors at the Ryerson Theatre, working with many local and international opera, dance, theatre and concert companies. He stage managed for the Toronto International Film Festival and Roy Thomson Hall for many years. He also taught Problem-solving workshops for SMArts – Stage Managing the Arts (SMArts).
Past Director
PAUL FUJIMOTO-PIHL began his technical theatre career when he was selected as the slide projector operator for the police officer’s Stranger Danger presentation to his grade one class. After attending the Theatre Technical Production program at Humber College, Paul freelanced as a technician in Toronto before heading off to cut his teeth as Head Technician at Theatre North West in Prince George, BC. He has served as Technical Director at the Blyth Festival, Tarragon Theatre, and the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, where he is now. Paul sits on the Program Advisory Committee for the Technical Production Program at Fanshawe College, is Chair of the Ontario Section of CITT/ICTS, and was the Director of both TDArts and PMArts.
Past Administrator
BONNIE THOMSON is a lovely human who has not yet submitted a bio or headshot.
During each conference we have the invaluable assistance of an emerging production manager. Without their help the conference could not run as smoothly as it does.
- 2009 – Shannon Lintott (Ryerson)
- 2010 – Lauren Williams (Ryerson)
- 2011 – Albert Tam (York U) & Talia Harrison-Marcassa (Ryerson)
- 2012 – Jessica Weryho (Guelph / Sheridan)
- 2013 – Courtney Palmer (UWaterloo)
- 2014 – Julia Rocchi (York U) & Hilary Grills (Ryerson) & Nic Vincent (Ryerson)
- 2015 – Sam Hale (Ryerson)
- 2016 – Rene Kimmett (Ryerson)
- 2017 – Lindsay Woods
- 2018 – Lisa Van Oorschot
- 2019 – C.J. Astronomo (Emerging)
- 2020 – May Nemat Allah (UWaterloo)
- 2022 – Caroline Rodway (Ryerson)