
Meet the Founders
Artistic Director
Tracy Smith
Tracy Smith brings nearly two decades of experience in community theatre to the helm of Chai Life Productions. A highly accomplished performer with a dynamic range of theatre roles to her credit
– from Into the Woods to Steel Magnolias – Tracy also possesses a deep commitment to mentorship and technical excellence. Her extensive vocal training, combined with experience working with both children and adults ensures that she is well-positioned to lead an organization that is ambitious, inclusive and of high calibre.
Executive & Managing Director
Ari Cohen
Ari brings an equally vital contribution to the team. Deeply embedded in Calgary’s young family demographic, Ari plays a pivotal role in recruiting participants both young and
mature. In addition to his work with youth outreach, Ari contributes to building grassroots awareness and driving audience attendance. His involvement ensures that Chai Life Productions will not only be well-supported by families but will also reflect the lived experience and aspirations of the next generation in Calgary’s Jewish community
Director of Legacy & Mentorship
Laura Shuler
Spanning a lifetime in musical/dramatic immersion, Laura has explored musical theatre (acting, directing, producing, play writing) and has taught/led adult/children’s’ choirs numerous facets of vocal/dramatic production, as well as musical instrumentation in public and charter schools in the Calgary area, and served on many boards for the Arts for over 37 years. By recently reprising her cherished roots in community theatre as Yente in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, Laura returns full circle to where she began 48 years ago with ‘The Beth Israel Players’, and now she brings all of her lived experience to Chai Life Productions.
