Danny Ghantous
Toronto
Summary
Versatile and award-winning actor turned narrative designer and foresight practitioner, with over a decade of experience in Canada’s performing arts industry. Collaborated with some of Canada’s most esteemed theater artists across diverse disciplines, roles, and responsibilities, harnessing a wealth of experiential knowledge now applied to the realm of foresight and design. A reputation for creative ingenuity, adept problem-solving, and a commitment to team success through empathy, diligence, and attention to detail.
Always curious, ever-learning.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
OCAD University
01.2024 - Current
- Conducted extensive research on the current landscape of future studies and foresight at an academic level.
- Developed and maintained Excel databases to store and analyze relevant data for the landscape of Foresight studies and specifically the Strategic Foresight and Innovation program.
- Organized and facilitated workshops between academics to discuss the future of foresight studies and innovation.
- Assisting in the eventual proposal of recommendations and solutions for the future of the Strategic Foresight and Innovation program at OCAD University.
- Identifying necessary capabilities for the program and other universities to keep pace with emergent technologies and academic growth.
- Establishing relationships with other universities worldwide focused on foresight academia and future studies for potential future partnerships with the SFI Program.
Graduate Research Assistant
OCAD University
04.2024 - Current
- Compiled and synthesized extensive research materials and achievements for a Tier 1 Canadian Research Chair submission on behalf of a prospective Hawaiian indigenous artist and innovator.
- Curated, contextualized, and narratively designed the CV to highlight the candidate's significant contributions and international leadership in indigenous art and education.
- Ensured accuracy and coherence of information while maintaining a concise and personable tone suitable for a professional research audience.
- Collaborated closely with the candidate to gather relevant details and refine the presentation of their accomplishments.
- Provided critical analysis and recommendations for optimizing the presentation of the candidate's leadership roles, academic contributions, and research initiatives.
- Facilitated the integration of diverse professional experiences and achievements into a cohesive narrative that aligns with the criteria for a Tier 1 Canadian Research Chair.
Narrative Designer
Foreign Objects LLC; Research & Design Studio
11.2020 - 03.2021
- Worked as a narrative designer for 'MY HEARTH WILL GO ON' A digital web gallery piece commissioned by the Bard Graduate Center in New York
- Collaborated with MIT graduate designers and was positioned to create narrative models and scripts for visual and interactive digital galleries; reimagining the ‘contemporary hearth’
- Worked alongside and assisted in utilizing several design software such as Unity, InDesign, Mural, Illustrator and Blender in the research and creation of the digital gallery
Lead Actor
Stratford Festival of Canada
01.2019 - 04.2020
- Worked with Canada's most prestigious Theatre Company alongside Canada's greatest Classical Theatre Artists and Professionals
- Studied and portrayed varying dramatic and comedic roles simultaneously, including Lead Roles, Secondary Roles and Understudies, as part of Stratford's Repertory Company
- Engaged in the creative design and implementation of several components of the final production including dramaturgy, staging, costume design and direction
- Worked with large casts and production staff as a team in order to create a cohesive and collaborative product
- Conducted interviews and in-person discussions with fans, donors, media and online personalities to promote performances and bolster Company appeal
- Consistently engaged with Company and Community initiatives including but not limited to aspects of Race, Gender and Sexuality; encouraging methods and practices of safe and diverse spaces.
Lead Actor
Philosopher's Wife, Paradigm Theatre Company
10.2019 - 12.2019
- Studied and collaborated on an ever-changing script alongside my fellow actors, Director and Playwright
- Worked with and interviewed outside professionals connected to the themes and events of the script, including but not limited to a professional dog trainer as well as members of the CAMH Hospital
- Worked within a tight budget and time frame as part of an ambitious independent production company that produced a Trilogy of plays, podcasts and webcomics spanning a thousand years of history, in only 8 months.
Lead Actor
The Invisible Hand, Theatre Aquarius
02.2019 - 03.2019
- Studied and performed in Urdu and accented English as a Non-Urdu speaker
- Collaborated with some of Canada's leading professional Artists in the Canadian Premiere of a very timely, but sensitive script
- As such, we consistently engaged in conversations regarding the portrayals of characters in the community we serve.
Teacher's Assistant
Ryerson University
09.2018 - 12.2018
- Supported instructor in administrative procedures and engaged in discussions and implementation of teaching theatre pedagogy in the 21st Century
- Acted as a professional and peer support to students, as a former student of the same program and as a young working professional
Lead Actor
Salt-Water Moon, Why Not Theatre
06.2017 - 02.2018
- Cross Canada touring production
Lead Actor
VICTIM by Skyless Films
10.2017 - 11.2017
Lead Actor
Shakespeare in The RUFF
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Collaboratively reimagined this Shakespearean classic through a contemporary lens, tackling ideas of race, sexuality and toxic masculinity
Lead Actor in A Line in The Sand
Factory Theatre
03.2016 - 05.2016
- Won the Toronto Theatre Critic's Award for Best Supporting Actor
- Nominated for Best Actor by the Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Canada's national theatre awards)
Education
Master of Design - Strategic Foresight & Innovation
OCAD University
Toronto, ON05.2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Performance Acting
Ryerson University
Toronto, ONHigh School Diploma - undefined
Cawthra Park Secondary School
Mississauga, ONSkills
- Collaborative Leadership
- Problem Resolution
- Effective Communication
- Creative Insight
- Foresight Tools
- Research
- Teamwork
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
OCAD University
04.2024 - Current
Research Assistant
OCAD University
01.2024 - Current
Narrative Designer
Foreign Objects LLC; Research & Design Studio
11.2020 - 03.2021
Lead Actor
Philosopher's Wife, Paradigm Theatre Company
10.2019 - 12.2019
Lead Actor
The Invisible Hand, Theatre Aquarius
02.2019 - 03.2019
Lead Actor
Stratford Festival of Canada
01.2019 - 04.2020
Teacher's Assistant
Ryerson University
09.2018 - 12.2018
Lead Actor
VICTIM by Skyless Films
10.2017 - 11.2017
Lead Actor
Salt-Water Moon, Why Not Theatre
06.2017 - 02.2018
Lead Actor
Shakespeare in The RUFF
05.2017 - 09.2017
Lead Actor in A Line in The Sand
Factory Theatre
03.2016 - 05.2016
Master of Design - Strategic Foresight & Innovation
OCAD University
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Performance Acting
Ryerson University
High School Diploma - undefined
Cawthra Park Secondary School
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