chenar

MADE

TO

CREATE

Who is

Stephen?

My name is Stephen Munshaw. From a young age, I knew I was destined to create music and tell stories through the arts. This lifelong pursuit has led to many of my dreams becoming reality. I am dedicated to pursuing excellence, using artistic tools, and creating with passion.

SIZZLE REEL

Stephen Munshaw has been an Artistic Director and visionary throughout his career. With over 25 years of experience in theatre, non-profit organizations, and churches across Canada, his extensive list of directing credits includes Oliver, 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, Heaven's Rehearsal, The Most Wonderful Christmas Extravaganza Ever, The Sword that Pierces, Miracle Man, The Singer, and Christmas Spectacular, among others.


Stephen not only directed but also composed music for The Most Wonderful Christmas Extravaganza Ever, The Sword that Pierces, Miracle Man, The Singer, Christmas Spectacular, and the Toronto Passion Play from 2010-2014. He has also composed music and lyrics for new musicals, including The Count of Monte Cristo and his current work, Ties That Bind. Additionally, he composed the Heavenly Processional and several original recordings depicting the diverse landscape of North America, entitled Glorious.



Stephen's work has earned him several awards, 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, exper-ience, 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 profes-sionalism through telling their unique stories we find richness in life and our own experience.   In theatrical production, each person from back-stage to those tasked with creating the vision are gifted artists.  Some-times these people are waiting in the wings just itching to use their gifts.  I pride my-self in finding those people and allow-ing them to let their gift shine in their own way.   

There’s no greater joy than sitting back when it all comes together, marveling at the collaborative effort and intricate details, and witnessing the profound connection between art and audience—it’s priceless. What I’m describing is more than just putting on a show; it’s about engaging the viewer’s heart in a way that leads to lasting change, just as I strive to continually grow and evolve myself.



Throughout my career as a director, I have been blessed to work with immensely talented individuals. When we cross borders of race, religion, and identity to embrace all people, we can tell stories that resonate with and impact all of humanity.

COMPOSER

To create something from nothing is one of the most God-like qualities we possess. I take great delight in crafting music that reflects passion and intention, tells a story, or simply captures a reflective mood.


I have written many musicals and original songs, drawing inspiration from the ability to tell someone's story through song and touch people deeply. Connecting with humanity on a profound level, every lyric and melody is written with intention. Sometimes, it's the chord structure or movement of the piece that tells its own story.


I am blessed to have had very creative parents who used the tools at their disposal to create something larger than life. Growing up in small towns across western Canada provided the best training ground for me to learn, grow, and develop my skills. I remember as a child creating symphonies on the piano that went beyond the sheet music and confines of my piano lessons. I also recall writing plays and musicals at the age of six or seven, which became the foundation for my life's pursuits.


I still strive to think like that child—without confines or boundaries—to create the thunderstorms or sets that galvanized my childhood. This mindset 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

"Putting it together" is something I've done exten-sively. Whether through collaboration with non-profit theatres or churches, or producing my own work, it's incredibly rewarding to share a vision and bring the right people on board.

SHARING THE VISION

We achieve our best work not alone, but with the support of our past, present, and future partnerships. I am deeply thankful for those who have joined me in sharing this vision and passion, and I continue to seek others who desire to do the same.

JUMPING INTO THE DEEP END

The arts are not for the faint of heart; they are for warriors and those ready to dive into the deep end of life. The rewards come from knowing you have given, bled, contributed, and shared in the passion. Sometimes there's a wonderful financial return, and sometimes the reward is in the journey itself.



I deeply value those who continue to share this journey and passion with me.

CONNECT TO MY WORK

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