Directing portfolio
Doug’s Directing Philosophy
The thing I love about theatre is the ability to collaborate with a wide variety of different artists all bringing their unique perspective to a single story. I believe that everyone involved — whether it’s the musical director or the person sweeping the stage —should feel comfortable voicing their ideas in the rehearsal space.
As an acting instructor and long-time actor myself, I approach both playwriting and directing from an actor’s mindset. Before goals are discussed, sleeves are hemmed, or sight-lines are checked, I believe the most important question to ask is “How can I best tell this story?” Actors, what is your character’s function? Designers, how can you express part of yourself without overshadowing the narrative?
I push my actors to be very intentional at first, rather than impulsive. I ask them to do deep dramaturgical work before our first table read. In rehearsals, actors are encouraged not just to understand their character “motivations,” but their function in the story, how the circumstances impact not only their interiority but their breath, rhythms, and physical and vocal choices.