| Graeme Rivers
Graeme started his career in the entertainment world as a dancer at the age of four. After getting accepted to Cawthra Park Secondary School in the dance program it didn’t take him long to also start working on building sets, audio, rigging and lighting. His first job came when the Peel Board hired him as the in house Lighting Designer for outside organizations during rentals of the theatre, including the Mississauga Symphony. Full Bio Graeme RiversGraeme started his career in the entertainment world as a dancer at the age of four. After getting accepted to Cawthra Park Secondary School in the dance program it didn’t take him long to also start working on building sets, audio, rigging and lighting. His first job came when the Peel Board hired him as the in house Lighting Designer for outside organizations during rentals of the theatre, including the Mississauga Symphony. In his last year, he took on a co-op job at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts where his experience helped secure him a spot in the Sheridan College Technical Theatre Program in 1998. After finishing first year, he got a job at Canada’s Wonderland as the Assistant Head of Lighting as well as being an part of the special events team.
In 1999 during his 2nd year at Sheridan College he was hired by Christie Lites in the shop to help prep equipment for the opening of the Orlando Christie Lites shop, as well as being hired as the Head of Lighting for Paramount Theatre, Canada’s Wonderland. After a short time in the latter position he was asked to design a Mad Science show which would run in the theatre and as well asked to re-design the lighting at Showplace Theatre. Graeme graduated from Sheridan College and soon after, along with another Sheridan student, was awarded the job of supplying labour and being the Head of Lighting for the Cirque Du Soleil’s Dralion run in Toronto.
After working with Christie Lites for a short time Graeme was recruited as a Rigger and Lighting Technician by the lighting department at Much Music where he worked for on and off for 12 years. In 1999 Graeme also started working with IATSE #873 as a Grip and an Electric working on projects such as Bless the Child, X-men 1, Music Man, Welcome to Mooseport, Take the Lead and Man of the Year. In 2000, he was awarded his union card to work on the Oscar-winning movie Chicago as the Dimmer Tech. After that, Graeme decided he missed the excitement of live productions so he focused most of his time working with Christie Lites, Much Music and InFrame Designs. Working on shows like MMVA’s (2001-2009), Canada’s Next Top Model, The Juno Awards (2007-2009), Grey Cup halftime shows (2006-2008), Kiss – Alive 35 World Tour in Montreal, MTV’s Behind the Scenes with New Kids on the Block in Boston, Bon Jovi live in Central Park for MLB Allstar game, Michael Buble tour, and the Loreena McKennitt tour.
At the end of 2002 Graeme also took a bit of time away from the Toronto entertainment industry to work as the Head of Lighting for various Norwegian Cruise Line ships. After 4 months working as an employee he was recruited by the company Techworks as a Project Lead for various projects including theatre and disco retrofits, as well as various ship-wide media installations.
In 2009 Graeme decided a new challenge was required and was hired as a Rental Account Manager for Christie Lites. During his time as an Account Manager, he has been proud to be a part of such projects as Canadian Special Olympics Gala, North by Northeast, TSN Kraft Tour, NYC Fashion Week for Adidas, New Year’s Eve at Toronto City Hall, The Luminous Veil Torch Relay Stage for the Pan Am games, and Jackson and Triggs Summer Concert Series. He has also had the opportunity to work with such bands as Metric, Olivia Newton John, Hey Rosetta, Wintersleep, Jill Scott, Coldplay live at CTV, Arkells, Our Lady Peace, City and Colour, Serena Ryder, Shawn Mendes. Other events including yearly shows for Mazda Canada, Canadian Royal Winter Fair and Christ Embassy Church. Graeme is also very proud to support the Toronto theatre and dance industry working on such projects as Evil Dead, Ross Petty Pantomime, The Railway Children, Potted Potter, Sherlock, Cannibal and various projects with independent theatre companies.
In 2014 Graeme expanded his Christie Lites responsibilities to being a Sales Rep as well, working on project installations such as The Vogue, The Yale Saloon, Adelaide Hall, Garfinkels, Rock ‘n’ Ranch Saloon and Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, as well as supporting various customers with their acquisitions.
In 2015 came one of Graeme’s proudest moments when he was asked to sit on the Professional Advisory Council for the Technical Theatre program at Sheridan College as well as being a part of the lighting curriculum review board.
When Graeme has spare time, you may see him at the theatre, live music or sporting events. He has recently taken all his certifications to be a soccer coach and is working with the High Park Football Club which, since retiring from playing soccer, has become his new passion.
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| Ron Eliovitz
Originally from Toronto, Ron began his lighting career in 1988 doing 12k rock n roll bar gigs while attending the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology in London, Ontario. Upon completion of the course he found work doing live sound with intensions of pursuing a future in audio but quickly realized lighting interested him more. Full Bio Ron EliovitzOriginally from Toronto, Ron began his lighting career in 1988 doing 12k rock n roll bar gigs while attending the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology in London, Ontario. Upon completion of the course he found work doing live sound with intensions of pursuing a future in audio but quickly realized lighting interested him more.
During the 90s Ron worked with several production companies, including Christie Lites, providing his services as a Lighting Designer and Board Operator. He gained valuable experience working on many high profile events across North America.
In 1997 he left Canada to experience life abroad and continued his lighting career globally; providing his services in all capacities to production companies and touring artists from around the world was a priceless life experience.
After returning to North America in 2001 Ron relocated to the West and landed in Calgary, Alberta where he joyfully lives with his wife and kids.
“I am very happy to be at Christie Lites supporting my clients in all markets. I look forward to growing with them and their businesses, meeting new people, pursuing all opportunities, and am continuously learning more along the way.”
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