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The 3Rs with Matthew Jessner – Episode 2: Measured Optimism – Prudent, Still Bold

As part of our PRO Exclusive content, we introduce a new series hosted by Matthew Jessner called The 3 R’s, Review, Rethink, Regenerate.

Matthew will draw upon his decades of experience in the performing arts world and the circus world in particular, inviting colleagues to discuss themes based around reviewing policies, rethinking paradigms and regenerating the performing arts industry.

In Episode 2, Matthew discusses moving forward in the circus sector with measured optimism with Pierre Phaneuf and his partner, Troy Duazo.

Pierre Phaneuf has made significant contributions to the live entertainment industry over the last four decades by having worked in prominent theatres and in world-renowned creative companies.  He led the production management program at The National Theatre School of Canada, has served as vice president of Creation at Cirque du Soleil and as chief production officer at Dragone, has produced an opera at The Metropolitan Opera House with Robert Lepage and Ex Machina, and most recently served as artistic director at The House of Dancing Water in Macau. Pierre is a graduate of The National Theatre School and holds an MBA from McGill University and HEC Montréal.

Troy Duazo has held various leadership positions in human resources, marketing and general management in different industries over the past twenty-five years. He has served as assistant senior VP of marketing at Cirque du Soleil, general manager at The House of Dancing Water in Macau, executive vice president at Attraction Media, and has managed human resources at Price Waterhouse and Arthur Andersen Business Consulting. Troy did his undergraduate studies in Music and French and obtained his MBA from McGill University and HEC Montréal.

Matthew Jessner
Producer -Belgium
Matthew Jessner got his start in the performing arts as a classical dancer with several professional companies in the USA. His career took him to Europe whereby he also performed in musicals as both dancer and singer in multiple languages.

His connection to circus arts began with the Cirque du Soleil show Saltimbanco of which he was resident artistic director for almost five years on tour in Europe and South America.

Matthew has developed extensive and diverse experience in creative production and operating shows both touring and extravagant resident shows such as The House of Dancing Water with Dragone.
His studies include music and lyric opera.

When not directing, Matthew teaches Qigong in multiple styles.

Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.

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Matthew Jessner

Matthew Jessner got his start in the performing arts as a classical dancer with several professional companies in the USA. His career took him to Europe whereby he also performed in musicals as both dancer and singer in multiple languages. His connection to circus arts began with the Cirque du Soleil show Saltimbanco of which he was resident artistic director for almost five years on tour in Europe and South America. Matthew has developed extensive and diverse experience in creative production and operating shows both touring and extravagant resident shows such as The House of Dancing Water with Dragone. His studies include music and lyric opera. When not directing, Matthew teaches Qigong in multiple styles.