Directing Mentorship

The fall one-act play allow an opportunity for student to direct a play entirely on their own. This is perhaps the most challenging task in our program, requiring a strong creative vision, a command of the maternal, self-discipline, relentless energy, and exceptional character. 

At the heart of almost any theatrical performance is the guiding hand of a director, a unique professional who takes change of the production process and shapes almost every aspect of the show. Directors audition and cast actors; assemble and oversee the production team; provide design directives; leading rehearsals; and manage the production schedule for the project, ensuring that all the moving part connect. Perhaps most importantly, they also supply a unifying understanding of the text and a particular vision for the production, which might mean a unique setting, a visual style or mood, or an intercepting design concept that plays off theme in the texts. 

The list below is short for a reason. It takes a special kind of individual to make this kind of commitment. Consider how difficult it must be, directing one's peers. It's one thing to perform in a group with a common rank and responsibility; its quite another to suddenly be the group leader. All at once, you are in charge and no longer "one of them." Jealousy and skepticism become new adversaries. The student director must earn their fellow actors' respect or they will reject their leadership and the play is doomed. Therefore, in addition to directing skills already needed, this journey requires trust, strength and humility. 

 



Beja Wolf

Beja Wolf



Assistant Producer on I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night and Trains & Boats & Planes

Director of Mistake on the Lake in 2015

Spotlight

“Beja Wolf was ready to direct before she directed. She had the poise, vision, organizing skills, self-discipline and, most of all, empathy to direct her cast through a complex and challenging play. Her grasp of the material, movement design, and humanity was wondrous.”

Broderick Miller




Past Directing Mentees

Fall 2023 | Vows  | Nikolai Jerrard & Samara Quinn

Fall 2023 | Flash Flood  | Julia Ihly

Fall 2022 | The Magically Marvelous Traveling Circus Train | Sofie Wilson

Fall 2022 | The Pink Edition  | Sasha Ivanir

Fall 2022 | Dark Passage  | Raizoh Lippit & Jaden Willmott

Fall 2021 | Only Human | Nell Murphy

Fall 2019 | Decision 12 | LouLou Brazil Baltz

Fall 2017 | Sacramentum | Lilia Gabbro

Fall 2015 | Mistake on the Lake | Beja Wolf

Fall 2012 | Arrival | Rebecca Schumacher

Fall 2009 | Jackpot | Libe Barer & Riley Smith

Fall 2008 | Hellth Case | Olivia Russin

Fall 2007 | Turbulence | Ellie Bensinger

Fall 2006  |  Thunderbird  |   Montana Mills