The Pivot is an interview series created to highlight those in our industry who have learned to pivot and find a new way forward during the unique challenges caused by the 2020 pandemic. In each episode, Andy Buchanan & Laura-Ann Chong adhere to the advice and share stories from guests in hopes that The Pivot may inspire you and hopefully shine some light on your new normal. Projet LUMIÈRE Project is pleased to partner with CircusTalk for this five-part series.

In episode 1, we talk with Chris Nobels who went from being the Senior Director and Associate Producer at Feld Entertainment to founding his own company,Full Stop Productions. If starting a new entertainment company during a pandemic wasn’t enough, Chris also took on the role of the Creative Producer at Fairgrounds in St. Petersburg, Florida to find creative ways to put on events during the pandemic. Chris speaks about the mindset he had to adapt that allowed him to transition quickly from Feld to Full Stop. He also shares some insight into what those in senior management faced when the abrupt stop of our industry occurred.

The Pivot co-creator Laura-Ann Chong was on tour performing in Cirque du Soleil’s big top show, Amaluna for the past seven years across three continents. She transitioned out of elite gymnastics competing internationally for Team Canada before joining the Amazons of Amaluna. While on tour, she was the chair of the tour’s Social Committee and assistant to the tour’s publicist. During the pandemic, Laura-Ann co-founded Projet Lumière Project and completed her public relations certificate to further her new career. She coaches aerial pole at The Circus Lab in Vancouver, Canada mentoring her students as well as aspiring gymnasts.

The Pivot co-creator Andy Buchanan has over 22 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He is a co-founder of Projet Lumière Project and most recently co-founded his new business, Creative Athletic Performance. Andy is currently a professional skater with the UK television show, Dancing on Ice. He was an artist on Cirque du Soleil’s first ice show, Crystal and Cirque’s second ice show, Axel. Along with being a performer, Andy was the Talent Scout for Ice Skating at Cirque du Soleil. He continues to work with world level competitive skaters as a coach, choreographer and mentor.

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Projet Lumiere Project

Projet LUMIÈRE Project is an initiative that began in July 2020 that aims to connect performing arts professionals to reduce feelings of isolation, facilitate exchanges by sharing information among peers and industry professionals, as well as support and guide members of the community by providing access to resources and opportunities.

Projet Lumiere Project's profile