As a young kid, Trevor Boris (BA 02) never dreamed he’d be galivanting across the world working in comedy and television.
Originally from Selkirk, Manitoba, Trevor describes himself as a small-town boy at heart. He was a shy and quiet kid, whose parents dreamed of seeing him go into law. Trevor had other plans. Instead of heading directly to university, Trevor took a year off from school to consider his options. When he eventually committed to riding the Beaver Bus from Selkirk to Winnipeg every morning, little did he know his time at UWinnipeg would expand his horizon and send him heading for the big city.
“I think I slept through most of my Intro to Philosophy classes at 8 am,” laughed Trevor. “Those classes were early, but I was able to take a variety of courses I was passionate about.” While studying at university Trevor appreciated being able to explore other interests and hobbies including standup comedy. “University was a safe place. I didn’t have to pick my career, but it allowed me to pursue my passions as well.”
“I think I went to university in some ways always hoping that standup would take off.” He recalled doing one of his first standup routines in the Bulman Centre located in the basement of Riddell Hall. “There was a stage, and that’s probably where I did my first two minutes of standup comedy. Standup was really a hobby that turned into a career.”
Trevor completed a four-year degree in psychology with a special interest in social psychology. And while he didn’t go on to become a psychologist or work in that field, his studies were helpful in other ways. “University is a magical time where you get to figure some things out. My degree at UWinnipeg indirectly informed a lot of what I do.”
When Trevor finished university, he became a star on the MuchMusic program Video on Trial. He filmed 200 episodes and used his knowledge of psychology and comic skills to poke fun at music videos and entertain a generation of viewers. Eventually, he started to dabble in producing and directing on the show, and it was the behind-the-scenes jobs that excited him the most.
“You have more creativity and control behind the camera.” Since MuchMusic, Trevor has been involved with producing and showrunning reality TV series including Big Brother Canada, Hockey Wives and Paradise Hotel. Part of his work includes creating games and coming up with the twists and turns in reality television. Knowing about psychology and how people interact and behave in social situations has been incredibly helpful in creating engaging and enticing reality TV.
Today, Trevor is a TV producer and showrunner for Canada’s Drag Race. It’s one of the biggest drag race shows in the world and has won 18 Canadian Screen Awards, including best reality show. Canada’s Drag Race is in its fifth season and can be viewed on CRAVE.
Even though Trevor did not know what he wanted to do growing up, he is humbled and grateful for the ride he’s had. “This is not the journey I would’ve ever thought for myself. In some ways, I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up. I just like to stay open minded and look for opportunities. I ask for what I want and seek what challenges me.”
