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MADE

TO

CREATE

Who is

Stephen?

My name is Stephen Munshaw.  At a young age I always knew that I was made to create music and tell stories through the arts.  This has been a life-long pursuit and over my career I have been blessed to see many of my dreams become reality.  Pursuing excellence...using artistic tools...and creating passionately.

SIZZLE REEL

Stephen Munshaw has been an Artistic Director and visionary  throughout his career.  With over 25 years of experience as an Artistic Director  in theatre, non-profit and churches across Canada his list of directing credits include: A Little Night Music in  Concert, James and the Giant Peach, A Christmas Story, Annie Get Your Gun, (starring Miss America, Katie Harman)  Little Shop of Horrors, the Toronto Passion Play, and Heaven's Rehearsal, The Most Wonderful Christmas Extravaganza Ever, The Sword that Pierces, Miracle Man, The Singer, Christmas Spectacular, among others. He composed and directed The Most Wonderful Christmas Extravaganza Ever, The Sword that Pierces, Miracle Man, The Singer, Christmas Spectacular and the Toronto Passion Play 2010-2014. He has also composed music and lyrics for new musicals; The Count of Monte Cristo and his current work,Ties That Bind.  He composed the Heavenly Processional as partially presented in the above sizzle reel as well as several original recordings depicting the diverse landscape of North America entitled Glorious.  He has received several awards for his work including a Canadian Government Certificate of Recognition. 

Artistic Director

living

to

inspire

There's nothing like working with people who are gifted  in their art form.  They've worked hard through their education, experience, or the school of hard knocks to arrive at a place of competence.  As these artists join together  with other artists and express a cornucopia of professionalism through telling their unique stories we find richness in life and our own experience.   In theatrical production, each person from backstage to those tasked with creating the vision are gifted artists.  Sometimes these people are waiting in the wings just itching to use their gifts.  I pride myself in finding those people and allowing them to let their gift shine in their own way.   

There's no greater joy to sit back when it all comes together and marvel at all of the details of working together... and then to see that art connect with an audience is... priceless.  What I am describing is more than just putting on a show; it is engaging the heart of the viewer to be forever changed, just as I aspire to change and grow myself.


Throughout my career as a director I have been so blessed to work with immensely talented people.  When we can cross borders of race, religion, and identity to embrace all people  then truly we will be able to tell stories that will effect all of humanity. 

KNOW WHO YOU ARE

"To know that you don't need to strive to be anyone else but to be completely content with the person inside of you."

COMPOSER

To create something from nothing.  It's one of the most God-like qualities we possess.  I take great delight in creating pieces of music that reflect passion, intention, that tell a story or are just reflective. 


I have written many musicals and original songs.  What give me inspiration is the ability to tell someone's story through song and allow those stories to deeply touch people.  To connect with humanity on a deep level.  Every lyric and melody is written with intention.  Sometimes it's the chord structure or movement of the piece that is telling its own story. 


I am blessed that I had very creative parents who took the tools they had at their disposal and created something larger than life.  Though I grew up in small towns across western Canada it was the best training ground for me to learn, to grow, and to develop my skills.  I remember as a child creating symphonies on the piano that were beyond the sheet music and confines I found in my piano lessons.   I remember writing plays and musicals at the age of 6 or 7 that became the foundation for my pursuits in life. 


I still long to think like that child. Without any confines or boundaries and create the thunderstorms or sets that galvanized my childhood - but now it has transformed into a passion that never dies. 

Sunshine Coast from the Album Glorious

I Know Who I Am from the musical Ties That Bind

PRODUCER

'Puttin it together' is something that I've done a lot of.  Whether through collaboration with non-profit theatres or churches, or producing my own work, it's wonderful to share the vision and bring the right people on board.

SHARING THE VISION

We accomplish our best work not by ourselves, but by the support of our past, present, and future partnerships.  I am so thankful for those who have joined myself in sharing the vision and passion, and continue to look for those who desire to continue to do the same.

JUMPING INTO THE DEEP END

The arts are not for the faint of heart, they are for the warriors and those wanting to jump into the deep end of life.  Rewards come with the knowledge that you gave, bled, contributed, and shared in the passion.  Sometimes there's a wonderful financial payback, sometimes the payback is in the journey. 


I value those who continue to be on the journey with me and share in the passion.

CONNECT TO MY WORK

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