Looking for a job

John Thomas

@johnthomas

Message

I create inclusive theatre, arts education, and community cultural programs that engage audiences and support artists.

Canada

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead inclusive arts, theatre, and cultural programming that builds community partnerships, supports artists, increases participation, and delivers welcoming public experiences.

I've built inclusive theatre, arts education, and cultural programming across Ontario for more than 30 years, from professional productions to community-based initiatives.

As Department Head of Visual and Performing Arts at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, I led programming across six disciplines and developed initiatives including Arts Olympics, the Grade 12 Theatre Season, annual Christmas programming, and public performances.

At Kawartha Lakes Summer Playhouse, I programmed, produced, and directed professional theatre seasons at the Academy Theatre while managing creative teams, sponsorships, marketing, youth camps, and community partnerships.

Through freelance directing, The Rose Theatre projects, Brampton Theatre School, and Theatricality Plus, I've directed major productions, created touring programming for young audiences, and built welcoming opportunities for artists and communities to participate.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Freelance Director & Community Arts Program Leader

Current

The Rose Theatre and Regional Venues

Jan 1998 - Present (28 years 8 months)

Collaborated with artists and organizations to develop inclusive theatre and arts programming. Directed major productions and coordinated artistic personnel, schedules, and logistics.

Theatre Production Program Development Stakeholder Communication Event Coordination

Teacher, Drama

Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School

Jan 2023 - Dec 2026 (3 years 11 months)

Taught drama at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School within the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

Department Head, Visual & Performing Arts

St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School

Jan 2009 - Dec 2023 (14 years 11 months)

Led a multidisciplinary Visual and Performing Arts department, coordinating arts programming, public events, productions, and outreach activities. Supervised staff across six arts disciplines and managed budgets, schedules, and communications.

Leadership Program Coordination Event Management Budget Management Arts Education Community Outreach

Artistic Director

Kawartha Lakes Summer Playhouse

Jan 1999 - Dec 2003 (4 years 11 months)

Programmed, produced, and directed professional theatre seasons at the historic Academy Theatre. Managed creative personnel, production teams, schedules, marketing, and community engagement.

Theatre Production Program Development Community Engagement Team Leadership Event Operations

CBC Production Staff / Writer

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Jan 1994 - Dec 1997 (3 years 11 months)

Worked as production staff on Rita & Friends and as a writer for the television special Divas. Developed skills in production coordination, artist relations, and deadline-driven delivery.

Production Coordination Writing Artist Relations

Founder & Artistic Director

Brampton Theatre School / Theatricality Plus

Founded and developed community-focused theatre and arts education initiatives. Created programming to foster artistic development and performance opportunities, and managed operations and facility maintenance.

Arts Education Program Development Leadership Community Engagement Operations Management