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Dorian wanted to work in events and the performing arts long before starting a business.
As a kid, he made drawings and sketches of what that future could look like. Dance classes, school productions, and time at Festival Hall gave him an early introduction to the work he would eventually make his career.
“I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up.”
Dorian Pearce
02 · Growing up on stage
Growing up
in the arts.
Dorian started dancing at four years old.
He trained at Michelle’s School of Performing Arts, competed in dance competitions, and performed in recitals at Festival Hall. He also attended L’Équinoxe through graduation, taking part in school productions and events in the same theatre.
By 2016, Dorian was teaching dance in Pembroke. He also worked as a technical assistant and stage manager for Michelle’s recitals, gaining experience on both sides of the curtain.
Today, Dorian continues teaching at Lift Acro Evolution alongside running the studio. Working directly with students remains a regular part of his week.
Dorian started Kitchissippi Productions in 2019 as a small event services company.
The work brought together his interests in planning, performance, and the technical side of live events. It meant coordinating people, equipment, and schedules, while learning what different clients needed from their events.
The company’s work now includes event planning and production, entertainment, dance and circus classes, youth programming, and theatre management.
Dorian remains involved in both the creative decisions and the day-to-day work, from planning a production to teaching a class or preparing to welcome an audience.
04 · Bringing people together
Working with
our community.
Listening closely.
Finding common ground.
Following through.
Much of Dorian’s experience comes from working with local people and organizations.
Alongside the business, he has served on arts boards, helped establish and chair a city advisory committee, and coordinated creative programs for young people. In 2022, at 22, he also launched a run for Pembroke City Council.
That involvement has meant working with different priorities, listening to people’s ideas, and figuring out how to put a plan into practice. Those are useful skills when producing an event with a community organization or coordinating artists, staff, and volunteers at the theatre.
At Kitchissippi Productions, the starting point is a conversation: what are you planning, who is it for, and what do you need help with? Dorian and the team work from there, taking care of the planning and production details that bring it together.
Explore our event services ↗05 · Coming full circle
Back to the stage where so much began.
Kitchissippi Productions began managing Festival Hall on January 1, 2025, with Dorian as director.
Having performed there as a dance student and through L’Équinoxe, Dorian already had a long connection to the theatre. The role now involves working with performers, renters, staff, volunteers, and community partners to keep shows and programs running.
Kitchissippi Productions operates Festival Hall on behalf of the Consortium representing Pembroke, Petawawa, and Laurentian Valley. Dorian’s other production work includes the Kiwanis Christmas Toy & Food Drive Telethon and the Ottawa Valley Talent Showcase.
Between the theatre, Lift Acro Evolution, and event services, his work spans teaching, producing, and presenting. That range of experience helps connect what happens in a class or rehearsal with what it takes to put a finished production in front of an audience.
Explore our spaces and services ↗Looking ahead
More to build.
Right here in the Valley.
Dorian wants to keep growing Kitchissippi Productions into one of the Ottawa Valley’s leading events and performing arts companies: bringing more shows to local audiences, developing programs at the studio and theatre, and helping organizations put on events they’re proud of.
It’s work that keeps him busy, and work he enjoys — especially when a plan comes together and people have a great time.
A little imagination. A lot of heart.