Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Languages
Community Service
Timeline
Generic

Andrew Watson

Martinville,QC

Summary

Recognized creative director in the Entertainment Industry, I have spent the past 35 years delivering dazzling shows in multiple types of venues across the globe. Trusted to create live & multimedia productions with multi-disciplinary teams, I have influenced the success and unique creative concepts of organizations such as Cirque du Soleil, Dragone Entertainment and Moment Factory.

Skilled at transforming blank slates & creative visions into unique show concepts, I stimulate strong emotional experiences in the fields of theatre, dance, circus arts & culture.

Rooted in a career debuting as a trapeze artist for various international circuses, I ensure that shows engage the public with awe & amazement. I have presented shows that have toured internationally as well as a resident theatre production in Las Vegas.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience

Work History

Creative Director/Co-Founder

CBHX
10.2022 - Current

The Canadian Black History Experience (CBHX) is a project that I am developing that will tell the stories of past present and future Black Canadian Trailblazers both seen and unseen.

The production will provide a platform for young underrepresented communities to develop their talents and secure employment in the national and international, multimedia industry.

  • Mentored junior designers, fostering professional growth and enhancing overall team capabilities.
  • Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to define project vision and ensure alignment with business goals.

Creative Director

Moment Factory
01.2014 - 01.2019
  • Brought on as Subject Matter Expert to helm the company's brand expansion into emerging markets of show production, beyond multimedia
  • Headed the conception, realization, artistic direction, delivery, and integration of production projects
  • Created artistic content for theatre and water shows for Royal Caribbean and performer-free multimedia show for Ocean Park in Hong Kong
  • Worked closely with various creative teams.
  • Led team of designers to create comprehensive corporate identity system.

Creative Director - Consultant

Gaungzhou Acrobatic Art Theatre Co.
01.2013 - 01.2016
  • Consulted with award-winning acrobatics company in China to bring The Monkey King book to life
  • Created concepts for development of new live productions blending traditional Chinese acrobatics with modern performing arts
  • Drove innovation by staying current on industry trends and incorporating new ideas into design work.

Performance Designer - GRIT

Pachamama Productions
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Designed performances for GRIT Theatre production.
  • Coordinated integration of performances to show.

Performance Designer

Franco Dragone Entertainment Group
01.2006 - 01.2010
  • Designed performances for Franco Dragone Entertainment Group.
  • Mentored junior designers, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.

Creative Director

Cirque du Soleil
01.2000 - 01.2003
  • Conceptualized and directed the creative process behind the Varekai and Zumanity shows.

Creative Director

Toronto Exposition
01.2005 - 07.2005
  • Conceptualized and directed a unique show combining ice skating and aerial acts.

Aerial & Training Director

New Millennium Experience Company
01.1999 - 01.2000
  • Designed the training program and acrobatic content for the show directed by Peter Gabriel and Mark Fisher.
  • Collaborated with management to identify skill gaps, leading to the creation of targeted training initiatives.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration in the development of multi-disciplinary training programs addressing company-wide objectives.

Artistic Director

Cirque du Soleil
01.1991 - 01.1999
  • Ensured artistic integrity and standardization of traveling shows performed in 200+ cities of 48 countries
  • Oversaw acrobatic design, technical development, and artistic casting for legacy shows.
  • Unified various departments to ensure a cohesive vision and successful execution of productions.

Trapeze Artist

Multiple Organizations
01.1984 - 01.1990
  • Performed as trapeze artist in various international shows.
  • Collaborated with fellow artists on various exhibitions, resulting in increased exposure and networking opportunities.

Skills

  • Creative team leadership
  • Project management expertise
  • Team Development
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Storyboard creation
  • Concept Development
  • Stakeholder Relations
  • Staff recruitment
  • Budget Adherence
  • Strategic communications
  • Media industry expertise
  • Technology expertise

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional

Community Service

Board of directors, Rozynski Art Center, QC

Timeline

Creative Director/Co-Founder

CBHX
10.2022 - Current

Creative Director

Moment Factory
01.2014 - 01.2019

Creative Director - Consultant

Gaungzhou Acrobatic Art Theatre Co.
01.2013 - 01.2016

Performance Designer - GRIT

Pachamama Productions
01.2013 - 01.2014

Performance Designer

Franco Dragone Entertainment Group
01.2006 - 01.2010

Creative Director

Toronto Exposition
01.2005 - 07.2005

Creative Director

Cirque du Soleil
01.2000 - 01.2003

Aerial & Training Director

New Millennium Experience Company
01.1999 - 01.2000

Artistic Director

Cirque du Soleil
01.1991 - 01.1999

Trapeze Artist

Multiple Organizations
01.1984 - 01.1990
Andrew Watson