CHRISTOPHER J. OUELLETTE
Summary
Performer and Art Director who is passionate about enhancing and expanding dance community through forward-thinking strategies. Exercises skilled leadership over teams and resources while searching for new opportunities and enriching connections. Well-organized, industrious and dedicated to boosting support to meet visionary requirements. Thrives in highly diverse teams and collaborative environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Company Manager
AXIS Dance Company
07.2021 - Current
- Ensures the successful management and production of all Company activities, including rehearsals, open studio events, performances, cultivation events and curated performances
- Acts as liaison between dancers and management, relaying information on a daily basis to Artistic Director and Rehearsal Directors regarding physical condition of dancers, absences and other information they should be aware of
- Leads weekly meetings with the entire AXIS Team - dancers and administrative staff.
- Manages contracts for all collaborators, choreographers, guess artists, vendors, and production crews.
- Acts as liaison with bookkeeper to ensure timely payment and serve as the primary point of contact for commissioned choreographers and collaborators, facilitating in-take meetings, setting and communicating commissioned artists' operational needs with the administrative and production teams.
- Updates and maintains all repertory information through AXIS's digital archives, including creating marketing one-pagers for new works and updating all copyright details for choreography and music rights.
- Ensures the maintenance and upkeep of all AXIS costumes, props and equipment.
- Availability to tour with the company as/where necessary while on tour.
- Interacts with a portfolio of individual donors: cultivates relationships, invites donors to shows and open rehearsals to maintain and enhance individual donor relationships.
- Cultivates and builds relationships with domestic and international universities, dance festivals, booking conferences, presenters and theaters.
- Advocates for company's needs regarding inclusion, diversity, equitability, and access.
- Resolves staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Art Director, Chief Stylist
Second Cast Productions
07.2018 - Current
- Conceptualized art direction of high-end editorial fashion photoshoots for fine art drag photography
- Sourced materials/props/set dressing for 36 separate finalized calendar images
- Designed and constructed couture costumes for individual models
- Planned year-long photoshoot schedule for calendar
- Coordinated day-of-schedule photoshoot for talent and crew
- Styled company's models for their (first) unique experiences in drag, as well as day-of alteration and on-set repair
- Tracked expenses and managed production budget
- Curated press packet for outreach while collaborating with local organizations involved with LGBTQIA+ Community, Homelessness and Youth.
- Increased audience engagement through social media and drove enterprise collaboration
Rabbiteer (Immersive Actor)
SF Immersive Alice In Wonderland, Elan Artists
05.2023 - 05.2023
- Memorized scripted monologue and demonstrated improv skills in theme of Alice in Wonderland
- Comfortability in prosthetic make-up and costume for an 8-hour performance day
- Led a group of 100+ guests from meeting point to main destination while engaging and setting expectations of evening's event
- Knowledgeable of the event space and evening's offerings and guides guests to performances and acts
- Interacted in performances, dancing, and singing, to encourage guest participation
Wilfred (Swing), Sir Harris (Immersive Actor)
The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, Netflix
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Strong skills in classical, contemporary, jazz, ballet, and partnering skills
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography by staying flexible
- Progressed quickly by mastering challenging choreography and routines proving the ability to adapt to new situations and aerial skills
- Improvised and interacted with the audience throughout evening. Problem solved in real-time in character with the integrity of show and safety in mind
Ballerina
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
03.2014 - 08.2018
- Performed internationally as drag ballerina in 150+ performances per year
- Strong ballet and pointe technique. Has strong partnering skills in both male and female roles, learning multiple roles in the same ballets
- Served as ambassador for ballet company's mission in press interviews and media
- Participated in Meet & Greets to interact and engage fan base.
- Built personal social media following to expand influence.
Spa Coordinator
Spruce & Bond (Upper Eastside, SoHo, Flatiron)
11.2013 - 10.2015
- Managed master client calendar appointments via phone/email
- Tracked key client information to ensure positive spa experience and effective anticipation of needs by addressing variances and personal requests
- Improved bottom-line sales through promotional and discount packages - Highlight: $20,000/month revenue through bundled sales and client outreach
- Prepared daily closing reports to assist business leaders with key decision making and strategic operational planning
Dancer, Character Greeter, Safety Deputy Leader
Dream 1 & 2, Fantasy 1, Disney Cruise Line
09.2010 - 01.2012
- Originated multiple roles as dancer in high energy, Broadway-style shows 18 performances per week
- Displayed friendly, outgoing and energetic behavior to create warm, fun atmosphere for guests and escorted Disney Characters and controlled crowd-flow
- Managed 350+ guests into Safety Assembly Station and demonstrated safety procedures for Disney Cruise Line.
- Received certification in Nautical Safety (CPR, Lifeboat Protocol, etc.)
Telemarketer
S & D Teleservices, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
06.2010 - 08.2010
- Telephoned donors and previous patrons to sell season tickets and offer discounts
- Tailored sales scripts using personal ballet background to engage patrons
- Archived and reviewed phone transactions to assist with future sales.
Corps De Ballet
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
09.2008 - 04.2010
- Performed various roles in corps, included featured solos and characters roles.
- Coordinated with choreographers to enhance and refine movements to properly enact intended vision.
Chatham University Resident Advisor, Counselor
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School
04.2009 - 08.2009
- Responsible for safety and well-being of 300+ students in residential environment
- Liaised closely with School Administration and families.
- Assisted individuals with emotional, social and intellectual growth, meal preparation, medication administration and offered other counsel.
Education
Fashion Design
The Art Institute Of California
San Francisco, CA11.2012
Visual And Performing Arts
City College Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA08.2006
High School Diploma -
Ruth Asawa School of The Arts
San Francisco, CA06.2005
Skills
- Dancer and Performer
- Art Designer
- Screenwriter
- Company Management
- Relationship Building
- Administrative Support
- Public Speaking
- Social Media
Timeline
Rabbiteer (Immersive Actor)
SF Immersive Alice In Wonderland, Elan Artists
05.2023 - 05.2023
Wilfred (Swing), Sir Harris (Immersive Actor)
The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, Netflix
06.2022 - 09.2022
Company Manager
AXIS Dance Company
07.2021 - Current
Art Director, Chief Stylist
Second Cast Productions
07.2018 - Current
Ballerina
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
03.2014 - 08.2018
Spa Coordinator
Spruce & Bond (Upper Eastside, SoHo, Flatiron)
11.2013 - 10.2015
Dancer, Character Greeter, Safety Deputy Leader
Dream 1 & 2, Fantasy 1, Disney Cruise Line
09.2010 - 01.2012
Telemarketer
S & D Teleservices, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
06.2010 - 08.2010
Chatham University Resident Advisor, Counselor
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School
04.2009 - 08.2009
Corps De Ballet
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
09.2008 - 04.2010
Fashion Design
The Art Institute Of California
Visual And Performing Arts
City College Of San Francisco
High School Diploma -
Ruth Asawa School of The Arts
Similar Profiles
Alyssa PerryAlyssa Perry
Guest Dance Instructor at Dance Pointe TorontoGuest Dance Instructor at Dance Pointe Toronto
Medina BoodramMedina Boodram
Dance Teacher Helper at Axis Dance StudioDance Teacher Helper at Axis Dance Studio
Pravin KamatPravin Kamat
SVP-Finance and Accounts at Axis Asset Management Company Ltd (Axis AMC)SVP-Finance and Accounts at Axis Asset Management Company Ltd (Axis AMC)