DIRECTOR

Directing Experience

Since 2000, I've cultivated a robust career as a director in both academic, professional and community theatre settings, demonstrating a deep commitment to artistic innovation and educational excellence.

My most recent role as a director in residence and adjunct professor at Lindenwood University, home to the oldest BFA theatre program in United States west of the Mississippi river. The department allowed me to direct productions like Ordinary Days, Until You've Lost It, and [title of show], in addition to directing student work in my advanced acting and directing courses. At St. Charles Community College, I was hired to direct the Harry Potter satire, Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. And as a "Wildean" scholar (academically designated Oscar Wilde expert), Southern Illinois University hired me to direct their 2024 season's first play, Importance of Being Earnest.

My tenure at the Center of Contemporary Arts (COCA) began in 2003 when Executive Director and founder, Stephanie Riven, hired me to create COCA's first-ever Theatre Department. I immediately established COCA's pre-professional Theatre Company and continue to serve as the Director of the pre-professional Improv Troupe. During my 26 years with the organization, I have directed over 50 original comedies, revues, and improv shows.

A cornerstone of my experience is devising new works. Devising is a new theatre term for a vetted process of creating an original stage production without the use of a playwright. There is no primary author or team of writers in devising; rather, the ensemble retains equal ownership in the story-making and approval of the final script. In 2023, Lindenwood University's Performing Arts Department Chair, Emily Jones, hired me to create their new devising curriculum and course which would eventually become mandatory for all BFA majors before graduation. I became the faculty lead in a seven-month highly creative process with a cast of eight actors and five designers, resulting in a fully original theatrical production developed using improvised moment work, including historical facts guided by Viola Spolin and Augusto Boal driven rehearsals.

Beyond academia, I've directed for highly acclaimed theatre companies, including the Kevin-Kline Award-winning Insight Theatre, Ozark Actors Theatre, Tin Ceiling and Gemini Theatre Company. Production credits including Shrek Junior, Forbidden Broadway, The Wizard of Oz, Fox on the Fairway, Fiddler on the Roof, Dial M for Murder, The Dining Room, Sylvia, Man of La Mancha, The Tempest, The Importance of Being Earnest and Babes in Toyland.

I recently directed the powerful one-person show, Every Brilliant Thing, at the Village Actors Attic Theatre in Dupo, Illinois, starring Marybeth Scherr. The production, a testament to my passion for storytelling, achieved sold-out audiences and generated vital community discussion.

I possess broad directing experience across genres, including classics, musicals, modern drama, and new works, as well as various community-driven projects. This versatility extends to my casting and coaching; I am proficient at directing every level of talent, from veteran performers to non-actors, and I am equally comfortable working with both children and adults.

If you are seeking a director with a record using innovation, a critical-mind, and audience-engaging work, I encourage you to reach out. I'm looking for my next artistic project.

If you're interested in collaborating or in need of a director, contact me.