Meet the Team

Co-Founder

Taylor Cott (he/him) was the Bronze Medalist in cabinetmaking at the Olympiades Québécoises des Métiers et des Technologies in 2018. He is a proud craftsman with an endless passion and appetite for learning and improving. Taylor holds a certificate for cabinetmaking from Rosemount Technology Centre and has been building sets for most of his professional career. He is the lead carpenter and lead rigger for all Shopdogs projects.

Co-Founder

Lee Tucker (they/them) was born and raised on the unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) peoples' territory in Northern British Columbia.

Tucker, who graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada's Production Design and Technical Arts Program in 2018, brings a wealth of expertise to the table as a production manager and technical director. With years of experience under their belt, Tucker seamlessly navigates the complexities of their role, ensuring smooth operations and impeccable execution. They are the project manager and client contact for all Shopdogs projects!

General Manager

Alan Wrenshall (they/them), a graduate of Queen’s University in 2017, boasts an impressive portfolio as a seasoned Stage Manager and arts administrator. Their work led them to Tio'tia:ke/Montreal, where they now serve as the Managing Director at Playwrights' Workshop Montreal. Alan oversees all facets of administration.

Associate Shopdog

In 2016 Elly Tomasson (she/her) relocated to Montreal from BC, and she brought a passion for technical theatre. For six years, she served as the head venue technician at the Centaur Theatre, honing her skills and dedication to the craft. In 2022, Elly redirected her ambitions towards the dynamic realm of VFX.

For the past five years, Elly has been the #1 supporter of Shopdogs Inc. and still works weekends whenever she can.

Shopdogs would not be where we are today without Elly’s contributions and joyful participation. Thanks Elly!

Associate Shopdog

Aidan Sparks’ work in theatre began at Shuswap Theatre, a community theatre in the town of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, located on land long known as Secwepemcúl’ecw. Under the mentorship of Cathy Stubington of Runaway Moon Theatre, he found and developed a passion for outdoor spectacle and marionette theatre. At the Caravan Farm Theatre, he worked in many of areas of production including carpentry, props, scenic painting and mask making. There, he met theatre artists from across the country who opened his eyes to the wider community of Canadian theatre.

Associate Shopdog

Aurora Torok (she/her/by name) is a queer and hard-of-hearing (using hearing aids) artist currently living on Tio'tia:ke (Montreal). Her experience in the live arts is primarily in theatre after graduating from the National Theatre School of Canada in Production Design and Technical Arts, as well as from Concordia University with a BFA - Specialization in Design for the Theatre. Other disciplines include contemporary dance, outdoor art installations, comedy and visual arts. Aurora was nominated for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre by the METAs in 2022.

Associate Shopdog

Charlotte is a fun-loving theatre artist with a heart for people and a drive to make theatre that leaves an impact. Her passion for telling stories comes to life through her work as a designer, specializing in projection and video with an interest in sound and lighting. Her leadership is also seen through her competency in technical direction, as the TD for the NTS 2023 New Words Festival.

Charlotte also holds a Bachelor's of Global Business and Digital Arts from the University of Waterloo, where she developed her expertise in graphic design, animation and video creation.

Associate Shopdog

Matthew Lawler, a versatile Production Designer, Programmer, and Technical Director in theatre and music, seamlessly merges creativity with technical expertise. Inspired by the energetic styles of concert design, Matt infuses his work with a rebellious spirit and dynamic flair. As a skilled lighting designer and audio engineer, he not only translates artistic visions but also bridges the raw authenticity of concert design with the emotional depth of theatrical storytelling. Matthew's versatility enables him to streamline the production process, ensuring a smooth execution of his creative vision. With his artistic eye and technical finesse, Matthew creates a captivating artistic journey where boundaries between concert design and theatre dissolve.