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Rick wharton

Theatre director, actor, comedian, writer, producer, teacher, radio and television personality.

A dynamic member of the arts and entertainment industry with a multi faceted career in live event production, music, comedy, film, radio, theatre and technical services.


Skills
A manager with skills to supervise staff, volunteers, technical crew in a fast paced environment. A producer focussed on exploring and showcasing talent while ensuring smooth operation of productions with a view to a positive audience experience. An acclaimed comedic performer and improviser. A passionate teacher of drama and improv with a personal focus teaching people, military families, schools, and corporate clients of all ages and backgrounds skills to gain confidence, improve communication, and deal with issues. An energetic professional problem solver with an aggressive work ethic and ability to juggle many tasks simultaneously. A networker who is tenacious in forging relationships with industry/media insiders, lending itself in promotion and marketing. An energetic fundraiser, creating innovative sponsorship opportunities, branding, campaigns and event production. A radio and television personality, active in the community. A creative writer with an edge - from scripts to grant proposals.


Experience


Managing Director, Festival Hall Centre for the Arts; Pembroke, Ont. — 2012–Present

As artistic director; responsible for conception, development and implementation of the artistic focus of the largest performing arts centre in the Ottawa Valley; working with user groups, artists, promoters and in-house productions in the development of the season.

As production manager; behind the scenes details, keeping shows within budget, overseeing technical requirements, negotiating and fulfilling contracts/ riders; providing leadership, supervision and guidance to box office/front of house staff/volunteers and technical crew, dictating the flow in the fast paced environment, trouble shooting/problem solving.

As marketing director; liaison/networking with cultural and community organizations, patrons of the arts and audience members, media, and artists as spokesperson and advocate for promotion of the organization, facility and its events. As administrator; accountable to a Board of Directors, a joint consortium of supporting municipalities, a school board (landlord,) audience members and the taxpayers through monthly and annual reports, written and oral presentations, strategic and marketing plans, fundraising, research and preparation of grants, meetings, newspaper columns, radio interviews. In six years has given new life to a facility and regained the confidence of patrons and user groups. Nominated as Best Community Organization, Chamber of Commerce Gala Awards.


On Air Host, CHIP FM radio, Fort Colounge, Quebec — 2006-present


producer and host of a weekly radio program featuring Canadian comedy and music, live interviews and performances, promotion of the arts and cultural events in the Ottawa Valley and the Pontiac.


President, Eventure Entertainment, Toronto/Ottawa, Ont. — 2000-present


A boutique company focussed on corporate entertainment, event planning, creative, character and concept development, sports marketing, celebrity appearances and tour support. Created a multi media sports marketing campaign for an NHL Hockey Team. Producer, Pembroke Waterfront Music Festival, 3 years. Business/strategic plan development, Smiths Falls Station Theatre (nominated for Bruce Firestone Bootstrap Award in business plan writing.


Instructor, Various

Humber College, "The Business of Music," The Town of Petawawa, "Acting and Improvisation" for children/youth, The Department of National Defence, "Acting and Improvisation," for children of deployed soldiers, "Shenanigans," private, small group, school and youth groups - drama/improvisation lessons for all ages.


ACTRA/EQUITY Performer, Producer and Writer - 1984 - present


SECOND CITY, Toronto, 1994-1997, Troupe member, Mainstage and Touring companies;

SPACE: The Imagination Station - 1997-2002 - "The Conspiracy Guy" - Canadian Comedy Award nominated actor for this lead in a television show;

Radio /Television - Dozens of commercials and voice overs;

Comedy - Associate Producer, Canadian Comedy Awards, Ottawa. Producer, "The Funniest Person in the Valley" events across the Ottawa Valley in conjunction with the Canadian Comedy Awards Festival, Double nominee, Best Male Improvisor and Best Actor - Television; Creator and Performer of many touring and corporate comedy shows, troupes and duos, including "The Canadian Comic Witness Protection Program" and "Plead the Fifth."


Marketing and Promotions, Universal/MCA, Toronto, Ont. — 1987-1994

Liaison between record company, radio and retail; maximize profile and value of catalogue; marketed, tracked and promoted legendary influential recording artists including The Tragically Hip, U2, Guns n Roses, Tom Petty, The Who, Aerosmith, Rik Emmett, Alanis, Michael W. Smith, and others. As an award winning representative, increased territory sales and was quickly promoted to Head of Promotion in Ontario.


Education

York University, Toronto, Ontario — Fine Arts, 1985-1987
Ryerson, Toronto, Ontario - Radio and Television Arts, 1984-1985