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JOHN SKUFCA

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As Creative Director and Show Producer at RWS Global, I led the creative evolution of Holland America Line’s mainstage offerings, helping reposition the brand's entertainment strategy through artist-forward experiences. Partnering closely with Holland America Line's VP of Entertainment and shipboard operations, I helped craft new production formats that fused timeless design, high-caliber choreography, and specialty/variety genres for a global cruising audience.

Holland America Line:
World Stage

 

Key Experiences

  • Step One Dance Company: A touring dance company fusing projection mapping, high-caliber choreography, and contemporary storytelling—designed to elevate the cruise line’s mainstage programming.

  • ...& Company: A boutique production format built around headliner talent supported by a dynamic ensemble; a love letter to the variety entertainment era.

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Key Contributions

  • Creative Direction: Along with the VP of Entertainment, directed the reimagining of HAL’s dance and performance offerings, elevating visual storytelling and production design.

  • Choreographer Collaboration: Partnered with a roster of award-winning and internationally recognized choreographers, including Barry Lather, Benji Schwimmer, Sarah O’Gleby, Avi Haham, Tara Nicole Hughes, Tobias Ellehammer, and Talia Favia.

  • Production Oversight: Directed casting teams, rehearsals, and creative installs at sea, ensuring consistent quality across ships.

  • Format Innovation: Helped craft two distinct, guest-forward show formats designed to reflect HAL’s brand evolution and cultural tone.
    Process Optimization: Streamlined cross-departmental workflows to improve delivery timelines and shipboard communication.

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Key Collaborators

  • Holland America Line: Brand partner commissioning new entertainment formats aligned with HAL’s guest strategy.

  • RWS Global: Creative and production partner overseeing the delivery of entertainment experiences across the fleet.

  • Step One Dance Company: Performance company showcasing projection-integrated dance experiences.

  • Poleshuck Design: Media and lighting partner.

  • Barry Lather: Emmy-nominated choreographer known for his work with top artists and major award shows.

  • Benji Schwimmer: Winner of So You Think You Can Dance Season 2 and acclaimed choreographer.

  • Sarah O'Gleby: Broadway and television choreographer with credits including The Tony Awards and The Oscars.

  • Avi Haham: International choreographer recognized for his innovative dance productions.

  • Tara Nicole Hughes: Choreographer and dancer with extensive film and stage experience.

  • Adrian Clee: Contemporary choreographer known for his emotionally resonant movement across stage and screen.

  • Tobias Ellehammer: Renowned for his viral dance videos and collaborations with global artists.

  • Talia Favia: Award-winning choreographer and founder of The Difference Between dance company.

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