TIM FRENCH - DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER

RESUME

BIO:

Tim French is one of the foremost Directors and Choreographers of Musical Theatre in Canada, noted for his kind and collaborative approach throughout the creative process, and recognized for his balanced and seamless integration of dramatic staging and choreography in his productions. His work has been continually nominated for the Dora Mavor Moore Awards, Betty Mitchell and Sterling Awards, Calgary Critics’ Awards, as well as Broadway.com. He has directed and/or choreographed at most of the major Regional Theatres and Festivals in Canada, including the Shaw Festival, Soulpepper, Citadel, MTC, The Grand, Drayton Entertainment and prominent independent companies such as The Musical Stage Company and Angelwalk Theatre.   

Some his most celebrated productions include: DREAMGIRLS, EVITA, GUYS & DOLLS, CAROLINE OR CHANGE, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, ALTAR BOYZ, [title of show], TICK TICK BOOM, NINE, THE FANTASTICS, CABARET, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, THE WEDDING SINGER, HAIR, FOOTLOOSE, CAMELOT (w/ U.S. Tour), and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC.  He has also been the Resident Director for the Toronto Mirvish Productions of:  DEAR EVAN HANSEN, DIRTY DANCING, and THE PRODUCERS.  

Mr. French has been active in the creation of new musicals, such as: TO LIFE (co-developed with Avery Saltzman for Harold Green Jewish Theatre), THE JAZZ SINGER (HGJT), ONE STEP FORWARD (inaugural production at the American Musical Theatre Project and showcased at the NAMT Festival in New York), multiple Rock & Roll Revues for Stage West, DRUM (a celebration of East Coast founding cultures), and QUEEN FOR A DAY (April 30th Entertainment).   

He began his professional performing career as part of the original Canadian production of CATS.  Mr. French spent 7 years at the Stratford Festival where he moved from performer to Associate Director and Choreographer. He has been a guest teacher and director at Sheridan College and Randolph College. Mr. French worked as a choreographer in the inaugural seasons of the High School Project at the Grand Theatre. His professional training includes: The National Ballet School, Les Ballet Jazz, The Banff School of Fine Arts, various Directors' Training Intensives, and Apprenticeship Programs through Theatre Ontario. Additionally, but no less importantly, he has been the beneficiary of learning “on-the-job” from the exceptional theatre artists he has had the pleasure to work with throughout his career.