Erik Berg (they/them) is a filmmaker, poet,
and actor living and working in Toronto.

They are also an artistic consultant.
This is a site about their artistic consulting.

Past Projects & Testimonials

Let Me Be Frank! by Janel Rae

Working with recording artist Janel Rae on the script and lyrics of her original musical, written for screen, was deeply rewarding. This process involved notes on drafts, deep conversations about character, theme, and plot, a three day writers intensive, and support during and after her Industry Read in November 2023.

“It doesn’t take long to see how much a mind like theirs can crack open your art work. Erik is passionate, insightful, eloquent, fantastically ruthless and creates a space that makes your work more true, concise and elevated. Often I am leaving our meetings with a strong sense of motivated direction. This is a gift that is crucial during development. A sense of magic, a spirit pushing you onward despite all things. I would recommend Erik to anyone at any stage. Their ability to maneuver based on your needs, your journey point, is proof that they have cultivated knowledge, a love for art and a keen eye that is very empathetic and well-rounded. It is rare to find someone as flexible and selfless as Erik, especially when working on your own intimate passion projects.” -Janel Rae

Peaches by Elio Zarrillo

Elio Zarrillo was chosen as one of five playwrights for Zee Zee Theatre’s National Queer and Trans Playwriting Unit, and they specifically requested to work with me as a dramaturg on their new play, Peaches. This involved biweekly meetings, providing research and resource materials, writing exercises, notes in response to drafts and guidance with structure, character development, scene construction and dialogue. Our work together culminated in a weeklong workshop with Theatre Outré in Lethbridge, AB.

“Erik feels stories. I have never, in my life, met a more voracious devourer of stories than Erik. Their grasp on storytelling through theatre, literature, poetry, film, music and visual art is only secondary, however, to the way in which they hold space for the artist they’re working with. Erik is a dramaturg and collaborator dedicated to seeing their playwright tell the story the playwright wants to tell. Erik is a co-conspirator, a master question-asker and a fierce friend. Without ego, they are effortlessly dexterous in their pivoting between the work’s big picture and granular details and never afraid to push their playwright to go further and deeper. Oh, and they will stay up writing with you until 4am and then make you breakfast the next g*****n morning.” -Elio Zarrillo

Don’t Look Down by Scott Hammell

World renowned magician, Guinness record-breaking stunt performer and motivational speaker, Scott Hammell, wanted to build a story-telling show combining live magic with the harrowing and inspiring stories of stunts from his past in a riveting, interactive show that told a grander story of perseverance, problem solving and the rewards of being true to artistic passion. I met with him weekly, working on the construction of each individual story, the show’s structure as a whole, what magic tricks were executed when and how, performance micro details of delivery and stage design.

“Erik was great at refining what I was trying to say and articulating it to my audience in a clear way. They masterfully reconstructed my linear show into a much more interesting and entertaining format. That type of work can often feel tedious, but Erik was a lot of fun to work with and provided incredibly valuable insights. I have been excited to work with Erik on a variety of projects ever since. ” -Scott Hammell

Perfection by Mark Clearview

Selected for Summerworks Theatre Festival, Mark Clearview’s one(ish) man show featuring comedy, magic, stunts and spectacle required regular meetings and rehearsal, collaborative script sculpting, joke writing and a committed eye refining the show throughout its acclaimed run in the prestigious festival.

“Working with Erik Berg has been the single greatest improvement to my body of theatrical work. Whenever I have a new script or sapling of an idea, Erik is the artist I trust to see it first. To improve my words. To strengthen my themes. To eke out the soul of the piece. There is a way in which Erik communicates ideas, that transcends spoken and written word, and yet both are used with fastidiously refined care and panache. My own craft is stronger for it. I wish I didn't need the help. But, back to that mind, I crawl, time and time again.” -Mark Clearview

What are you looking for?

Often my involvement in a project is of a much smaller scale than the examples above. It can be as simple as reading something through, watching, listening to, or looking at of things and giving a limited response, answering the artist’s questions or suggesting some next steps. I’ve worked with filmmakers, musicians, and painters as well as writers and theatre makers. Whether you are looking for a simple outside eye to give a quick response or an artistic companion to help you through first brainstorming stages to a final artwork, I’m happy to find the right fit for how I can work with you to be a part of bringing your artwork to life and to completion.

All rates are negotiable and tailored to the specific needs and means of the artist I’m working with.

Consultation

First time meet: discuss an artwork, you can feel me out and ask me questions, I’ll offer ideas, solutions, ask questions of my own and help you see your work, process, materials and goals in a new light.

$50 / 1 Hour Consultation

Written Response

Send your work to me, along with requests or questions, and I will offer a thoughtful reply within the week, answering your questions and responding to the elements as requested by the artist.

$80 / Work

In-Person Response

Send your work in advance of an in-person meeting (or over zoom if preferred/necessary).

$100 / Meeting (1-2 Hours)

Outside Eye

Periodic meetings through the development of the project, offering responses to specific questions and making small offers.

Negotiable

Dramaturg

I join the project as its dedicated dramaturg, process is defined between dramaturg and artist, as per the artwork’s needs.

Negotiable