Sheridan's Michael Rubinoff Among Canadian Club of Toronto's Canadians of the Year

Michael Rubinoff, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design and Producer of the Canadian Music Theatre Project (CMTP) at Sheridan, was named one of the Canadian Club of Toronto’s Canadians of the Year, along with Come From Away creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The trio were honoured for their work on Come From Away, originally developed and produced by Sheridan College and the CMTP. The award was presented on December 13, 2017 in Toronto.

Rubinoff is currently in Shanghai, furthering the development of new musicals by Canadian and Chinese theatre practitioners, but shared his reaction to the award by email. “My gratitude to the Canadian Club of Toronto for recognizing our work and the work of so many that are showcasing the best of Canadian values on the international stage,” said Rubinoff. “It is very meaningful to be recognized in this way by this historic organization. Shining this spotlight will help the Canadian Music Theatre Project continue our work to share more of Canada with the world.”

Come From Away tells the story of the residents of Gander, Newfoundland who welcomed thousands of people stranded on 9/11. “I believed this story had to be told and, telling it through the musical form was the most compelling way,” Rubinoff said. “I am grateful that David and Irene agreed and that Come From Away was launched through the Canadian Music Theatre Project and by the students of Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Performance program.”

About the Canadian Music Theatre Project (CMTP)

Launched in 2011, the CMTP is Canada’s first incubator for the development of music theatre works. Through the CMTP, students in our renowned Honours Bachelor of Musical Theatre Performance program help Canadian and international composers, lyricists and book-writers develop their musicals through workshops and staged readings. This collaborative process provides writers with immediate insight into character development and allows for material to be continually refined and tested. Since its inception, 200 students have participated in the creation of 19 new musicals at Sheridan through the CMTP, four of which have had professional premieres, including the Tony-winning musical Come From Away. Learn more about the CMTP.