Robin has been working in the industry since 1993. His career covers a diversity of roles as Designer, Technical Director and Production Manager for companies in and around British Columbia for over 25 years. He has been a special effects supervisor for film and live theatre performances as well as Sound Designer for large scale touring musicals. His independent production company, Rhino Productions, has employed countless technicians over the years and is well known in the industry. Robin also provides training workshops for industry professionals in a variety of areas.
Born and raised here in Nanaimo, Sandra has served on many boards and volunteer societies. She’s been a hairdresser and esthetician for 24 years and currently works at Nordia. Currently the president of the Friend’s of Morden Mine Society, Sandra and the group are in the process of saving a 100-year-old head frame and tipple
from collapse. Sandra has a strong desire to preserve our heritage and also promote the arts. She says, “This is our legacy for the rest of time.”
Blake McGuffie was born and raised in Nanaimo, and has enjoyed a lovely west coast life with his wife, Lois. Blake’s many years of contributions to the community span across the political, educational, financial, and real estate sectors. He joined the HCTAS board in 2015.
As a Nanaimo City Councillor and Regional Director from 1990-1993 and 1996-1999, Blake has also served on and chaired various City committees since 1998. Blake is the founder of two tax services, Esplanade Tax and Budget Tax Service, and has been the owner of Esplanade Properties Inc. since 1980, which owns a mixed Commercial/Residential building in
downtown Nanaimo. He also instructed tax courses for Vancouver Island University and was a Founding Director and Treasurer of the E-File Association of Canada.
Blake’s ongoing community service includes serving as a Director for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (1976 to Date), the Vancouver Island Symphony Society (2014 to Date), as a Director for the South End Community Association (2000 to Date), and the Nanaimo Foodshare Society (1996 to Date).
When Dean co-founded Schmooze Productions with his wife Diane in 1999, he dreamed of producing theatrical opportunities for local artists. Now, 20 years later, he finds himself surrounded with incredible directors, designers, crew, musicians and performers. Schmooze Productions has a great home at the Harbour City Theatre in Nanaimo, where they are able to create two incredible shows each season that rely on the talents of hundreds of people. Creating local live theatre really is a dream come true.
As the General Manager and Artistic Director for both, Schmooze Productions and the Harbour City Theatre Alliance Society, Dean enjoys the creative process. Making choices that will engage, engross and affect the audience is the ultimate goal for success.
Dean’s directorial credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar, The Pirates of Penzance, All Grown Up, Oliver, Agnes Of God, Leading Ladies, Prok, All The Great Books Abridged, The Full Monty, The Rocky Horror Show (2002, 2011, 2016), Sweeney Todd, Spring Awakening, Spamalot, La Cage Aux Folles, Square, Fiddler on the Roof, RENT, Footloose, Next to Normal, Little Dog Laughed, Urinetown, The Little Mermaid, HAIR, Hand to God, Chicago, and A Christmas Carol (x2). He loves directing all types of shows including dramas, comedies, musicals, and farces.
From a very early age, Dean was an actor, a word that encompasses so many different styles. He loves all of it: acting, singing and dancing. There is nothing more rewarding as an actor to make choices that affect your fellow performers, your directors and ultimately your audience. His absolute favourite roles include: Sweeney Todd, Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Max & Tito in Lend Me A Tenor, Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Billy Flynn in Chicago, and Archie Craven in A Secret Garden. He has developed many others but these ones have a strong hold on his heart.
Dean is a teacher, both philosophically and practically. During his training at Vancouver Island University, he participated in a plethora of Drama, Theatre, and Creative Writing courses, including script writing and analysis.