Josh Rigo is a theatre director and the Artistic Director of Elevator Theatre Company, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Josh's work is driven by a passion for compelling storytelling, honest performances, and ambitious, bold theatre. His creative experience extends beyond directing to music direction, choreography, producing, and theatrical design, bringing a broad understanding of the artistic and technical elements that shape a production.
Alongside his creative work, Josh is an acting coach and teaching artist, working with emerging and professional performers to explore character, deepen their connection to the material, and develop truthful, dynamic performances.
-Eusn Wheaton, Review of Spring Awakening
SPRING AWAKENING
Elevator Theatre Company | October 8-25, 2026 | Halifax, Nova Scotia
"I was moved. I forgot the time. I was taken to another place.”
-Jeremy Webb, Neptune Theatre
"My expectations were high going into Halifax’s debut for Elevator Theatre — and they were exceeded... Rigo uses captivating choreography, an acoustic soundtrack and careful casting choices, bringing new life to the musical."
-Jacqueline Graif, Dalhousie Gazette Review
DIRECTOR
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ONCE
Elevator Theatre Company | June 3-13, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario
"One of the best shows I've ever seen. I can't put into words how beautiful it was.”
-Annabelle T., Audience Review
"It is no surprise that ETC has been able to take on this production and bring audiences something so powerful and filled with emotion...creating an intimate environment with big sound and impact... Josh Rigo’s vision and choice lighting, which brings the audience into the show to feel like you’re part of it all, allows this beautiful story to unfold naturally and with such power.”
-Samara Caplan and Laura Gauthier, Apt613 Review
DIRECTOR
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AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Elevator Theatre Company | February 4-14, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario
"Superb direction, staging and casting...the performance left us in absolute awe.”
-Samara Caplan and Laura Gauthier, Apt613 Review
"Elevator Theatre Company has excelled at bringing emotional, pertinent and strong storytelling.”
-Samara Caplan and Laura Gauthier, Apt613 Review
DIRECTOR
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NEXT TO NORMAL
Elevator Theatre Company | May 14-24, 2025 | Ottawa, Ontario
"Pure, raw, unadulterated talent, emotion, and passion... My heart was cracked wide open.”
-Audrey E., Audience Review
"One of the best theatre productions I have ever seen.”
-Katie T., Audience Review
DIRECTOR
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ALICE BY HEART
Ottawa School of Theatre | May 1-2, 2026 | Orléans, Ontario
"Director Josh Rigo led the show with huge success.”
-Megan Piercey Monafu, Artistic Director at Ottawa School of Theatre
"It was beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring, introspective, funny, just a full roller coaster of emotions. I was hooked from the first song.”
-S.T., Audience Review
DIRECTOR
Also: Vocal Director, Choreographer, Lighting Design, Scenic Design
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Carleton Musical Theatre Society | March 7-9, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario
“A riveting success. Extravagant elements balanced with heaps of sincerity.”
-Alexa MacKie, The Charlatan Review
“Directed by Josh Rigo, the Carleton Musical Theatre Society’s rendition managed to strike a balance between campy craziness and earnest pathos. Across a meticulously crafted stage, the show’s success is showcased in the raw talent of those involved, particularly its quaint yet powerhouse performers."
-Alexa MacKie, The Charlatan Review
DIRECTOR
Also: Choreographer, Lighting Design
Artistic Director
Director
Actor
Through personalized, one-on-one coaching, Josh works with emerging and professional actors to deepen their understanding of character, strengthen their choices, and develop honest, compelling performances.
With a master's degree in theatre education and extensive experience as a director and music director, Josh brings both advanced training and practical expertise to his coaching. His individualized approach challenges actors to move beyond familiar choices, explore new possibilities, and discover greater specificity, depth, and truth in their work.
Whether preparing for an audition, developing a new role, or refining technique, each session is tailored to the individual actor, their experience, and their artistic goals.
PRIVATE ONLINE COACHING with JOSH
Ready to take your work to the next level?
For coaching inquiries and to get started, email josh@joshrigo.com.
Online booking portal coming soon.
