Director of
Grand Scale Ceremonies
And
Productions of
Circus, Dance and Theatre

Marlise McCormick

I tell human stories presented by artists of superhuman virtuosity.

I am a Canadian creative director and I have built my career specializing in creating and directing grand scale ceremonies and productions of circus, dance, and theatre. I create, produce, and collaborate on local and international stages – from avant garde, to more commercial storytelling and from the tiniest, most intimate of theatres to the grand vastness of stadiums.

Simply put, she is an extraordinarily talented choreographer and visionary creator. From the grand scale of Olympic Ceremonies to the subtleties of intimate theatre, Marlise demonstrates that she has risen to the very top of her field.

M. Kulich, Executive Producer, Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Pacific Games

Many of the productions I work on are subject to confidentiality agreements. As is often the case with large-scale productions, the release of photography and video materials is subject to client approval and contractual obligations. Out of respect for my creative collaborators, production partners, and rights holders, this website features only images and videos that have been authorized for public release.

Some of the amazing clients and projects that I have worked with

Cirque Du Soleil
Governor General Awards
Olympic Photo by Jenna Hauck / Black Press Media, used with permission of the photographer
LiveNation
DAE
Havas
Illusionist
FIFA
The David Foster Foundation
Axis Theatre
Siegel
Two Sparrows Media
Dansfestival
Victoria Commonwealth Games
45 Degrees
Montreal Expos
Cafe Diablo
Food for Famine
Watts

Latest News

  • In the words of one of the producers: “You’ve captured the spark of a country, the spark of diversity, the spark of all of us, and our collective story… thank you for your spark, for being our fearless director with such beauty and creativity.” Honoured......

  • And then… we launched into space! My fifth Circo Jumbo show Kósmico is a cosmic journey where science meets poetry and wonder meets purpose. From Villain Toxi’s heartfelt transformation to the pure joy of the Space Dogs, this show invites audiences of all ages to......

  • Four large-scale productions. Nationwide tours. Global artists. Rave reviews. A nation standing in applause. Over four consecutive years, I had the privilege of directing and leading the creative vision for Circo Jumbo’s ground-breaking touring productions in Chile – works that redefined family circus through narrative,......

  • As Director of the 2025 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, I crafted the narrative, led the creative vision, and directed the full production of this prestigious national celebration. The Awards are Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts and are presented by the Governor General,......

  • I was honored when my friend Brent Harden invited me to create a special production for a significant milestone in his family business. The theme was Elegance and Beauty.  And the result? Pure fun. Brent has a remarkable talent for crafting unforgettable life moments, and......

  • I am so excited and happy to share that I featured an incredible cast of  Vancouver dancers and actors for COLDPLAY at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium on Sept 22 and 23. Thank you LIVE NATION Vancouver. I loved working for you and your teams. Photo courtesy......

Featured Projects

Above all else, Marlise is a joy to work with. She is a deeply sensitive, and attuned visionary creative director, with her feet firmly planted on the ground. There is no shortage of industry people with grand visions, but as a producer the question quickly becomes, 'at what price?' Marlise has honed 30 years of theatrical experience into one simple mission: crafting grace, beauty, and awe into elegance.

P. Johnson, Producer, OneDome