Amanda Fleet
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Degree: Theatre Technical Production, 2005 & Project Management, 2013
Year of graduation: 2013
Getting her game on
This summer the Greater Toronto Area will be overrun by tourists and athletes all flocking to Canada for the TORONTO 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games. Among those helping manage it all is Sheridan grad Amanda Fleet.
“As Production Coordinator, Opening and Closing Ceremonies,” she explains, “I act as an information hub for the departments we work with, along with production teams working on the four ceremonies, game time partners and sponsors.”
A daunting task, taking into account the many moving parts involved in such a project. With a decade of experience as a freelance technician, Fleet is well equipped to handle the job which she is enjoying despite the pressure. “Being a part of the ceremonies team is an exciting and rewarding role not only because of the knowledge and growth I experience each day but because I am part of something that will one day become Canadian history.”
Graduating from Sheridan’s Theatre Technical Production Program in 2005, Amanda came back to earn a graduate certificate in Project Management in 2013.
“I took the second qualification to enhance my theatre technical background,” she says “You have to understand how a show works, which is where the theatre management side came in. Project management is tracking the progress of a show.”
Throughout her time in school, Amanda had been interested in behind-the-scenes theatre production. The hands-on quality of the program at Sheridan made it her top choice.
“The teachers and guest lecturers who came in had great stories that helped shape what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go in theatre.”
After graduating in 2005, she freelanced as a technician, touring the continent while working for Princess Cruises. Amanda then returned to Sheridan as a Technical Studio Supervisor for three years. Stints as Technical Coordinator for the City of Mississauga and the Meadowvale Theatre soon followed before she landed the TORONTO 2015 contract.
As a professional, the biggest challenge Amanda has faced so far is learning how to manage and accept the freelance/contract-to-contract lifestyle.
“Facing time off can be both an exciting and a scary experience,” she says. “I overcome this challenge by networking with others in the industry, continuing to grow my knowledge by learning new skills and seek rewarding experiences such as volunteering.”
Amanda advises young grads to treat every day as if they are on an interview, especially if they choose freelance or work on a contract basis.
“You never know who you are interacting with, and who is watching you. In addition, in your day-to-day work and life get to know those around you.”
By Mehreen Shahid, Journalism – Print, 2015
Learn more about Sheridan’s Technical Production for Theatre and Live Events program.
Learn more about Sheridan’s Project Management certificate.
This summer the Greater Toronto Area will be overrun by tourists and athletes all flocking to Canada for the TORONTO 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games. Among those helping manage it all is Sheridan grad Amanda Fleet.
“As Production Coordinator, Opening and Closing Ceremonies,” she explains, “I act as an information hub for the departments we work with, along with production teams working on the four ceremonies, game time partners and sponsors.”
A daunting task, taking into account the many moving parts involved in such a project. With a decade of experience as a freelance technician, Fleet is well equipped to handle the job which she is enjoying despite the pressure. “Being a part of the ceremonies team is an exciting and rewarding role not only because of the knowledge and growth I experience each day but because I am part of something that will one day become Canadian history.”
Graduating from Sheridan’s Theatre Technical Production Program in 2005, Amanda came back to earn a graduate certificate in Project Management in 2013.
“I took the second qualification to enhance my theatre technical background,” she says “You have to understand how a show works, which is where the theatre management side came in. Project management is tracking the progress of a show.”
Throughout her time in school, Amanda had been interested in behind-the-scenes theatre production. The hands-on quality of the program at Sheridan made it her top choice.
“The teachers and guest lecturers who came in had great stories that helped shape what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go in theatre.”
After graduating in 2005, she freelanced as a technician, touring the continent while working for Princess Cruises. Amanda then returned to Sheridan as a Technical Studio Supervisor for three years. Stints as Technical Coordinator for the City of Mississauga and the Meadowvale Theatre soon followed before she landed the TORONTO 2015 contract.
As a professional, the biggest challenge Amanda has faced so far is learning how to manage and accept the freelance/contract-to-contract lifestyle.
“Facing time off can be both an exciting and a scary experience,” she says. “I overcome this challenge by networking with others in the industry, continuing to grow my knowledge by learning new skills and seek rewarding experiences such as volunteering.”
Amanda advises young grads to treat every day as if they are on an interview, especially if they choose freelance or work on a contract basis.
“You never know who you are interacting with, and who is watching you. In addition, in your day-to-day work and life get to know those around you.”
By Mehreen Shahid, Journalism – Print, 2015
Learn more about Sheridan’s Technical Production for Theatre and Live Events program.
Learn more about Sheridan’s Project Management certificate.