R.J. is a graduate of the very school he now works for. He has been involved in nearly every aspect of theatre for 20 years.

After graduation from CCPA, R.J. founded the still-operating theatre company Gotta Get Gimmick (GGG) and served as Artistic Director for five seasons. During his tenure, the company maintained regular contracts at the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens, both as part of the mainstage and regular family entertainment. They also produced shows with Oldfield Orchard and the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, and produced the critics’ choice for best musical with their production of Songs for a New World.

R.J. went on to serve as the Artistic Director of Iron Mountain Theatre for three seasons, during which they produced three original musicals, one of which he wrote: The Mennonite Mafia, which was featured on CBC’s Fifth Estate. During this time he also directed the mainstage show for the Gold Fever Follies for seven years.

On his days off R.J. continues to work as a freelance actor, musician, designer and director (and accidental Foley artist). His recent acting credits include: Baron Karl Stephan Liebenberg in Countess Maritza with Pacific Opera Victoria; Billy Bishop in Billy Bishop Goes to War, Aston in The Caretaker, and Groucho Marx in Animal Crackers with Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre; Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show, Action Revue, and BlissKrieg with Atomic Vaudeville; Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors and Man 2 in Songs For a New World with GGG. Recent directing credits include three seasons with CCPA’s Alumni Company, including a production of Avenue Q. His recent design credits include Castlereigh’s touring production of God’s Lake. R.J. is also a member of The Mand, a mandolin band covering 80’s and 90’s songs.

Recent CCPA productions where R.J. has provided set and light design include: The Penelopiad, Cabaret, Into the Woods, Wintertime, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mary Poppins, Working and West Side Story.