A strong director makes for a strong production

By Jessica Sage

Dear Jessica,

Jessica, you’ve spoken before about matching directors to particular plays, but I’ve also heard you talk about wanting to work with a particular director for their own strengths almost regardless of the production. Can you define what you see in a director that sparks that response from you?

— Bonnie B.

Dear Bonnie,

Thank you for the question, Bonnie. At Rogue Theater Company (RTC), we’ve been lucky enough to bring a number of very strong directors into the company’s fold. And as you’ve noted, I’ve spoken before about finding the right director for a particular play, but, at times, I’ve also mentioned certain directors — as well as actors — with whom I really want to work.

The distinction between these two approaches to finding directors might seem a fine point but, actually, big or small, it’s not only an important distinction, but it’s also part of the reason RTC’s productions stay strong, compelling, and fresh. Simply put, sometimes the material inspires you first; sometimes it’s a particular artist who captures your imagination. And both are valid ways of getting to a great result.

But as to what in a particular director sparks my imagination and interest, that’s captivating to think about. When I have a play in hand and want to find the perfect choice of director, I’m looking for a director who — to quote myself — “not only appreciates the complexity of the play but also has the skills and vision to bring its intricacies to life on the stage.” But right along with these attributes, his or her passion and insight can play a huge part in the play’s success.

And some of these attributes come into play when I’ve come upon a director with whom I hope to one day work. The passion and insight I perceive from his or her production that I attend are probably what initially capture my interest, whether the play is a known classic or a brand new work. And when I see that individual’s imprint across a growing body of work, I often find that my initial assessments were right, and the more I see, the more excited I get about the prospect of working with her or him. That inspires me, and my imagination takes over.

An added thought that leads me to directors with whom I’d like to work — and that list is forever growing — comes from my belief that directing is an extension of acting. Actors, I firmly hold, must exercise two important muscles: empathy and transformation. When a person carries those qualities into the role of director, it makes for richer and more meaningful working relationships and can translate to a deeper experience for the audience. So when someone whose acting I’ve admired — who has exhibited the passion, skill, empathy, and ability to transform — extends her or his efforts into directing, I’m watching. Those abilities overlaid in a more big-picture way across an entire production — which, in a way, describes a director’s vantage point — can point the way to success for the whole team behind a production and for the production itself.

Early last year, I wrote a column for Sage on Stage about what makes directing enticing. Among the directors I interviewed for that column was Terri McMahon, who most recently directed “Gidion’s Knot” for RTC. This small passage from Terri’s longer response resonates with me. As Terri explained of directing:

“I have always been interested in the big picture of a play, the structure, how the writing can blossom a world and habitat to play in. As an actor, I have been more than willing to be a part of someone else’s thinking and point of entry. But when I am the director, the leader of the piece, I am overjoyed to be the inventor of the angle we are pursuing. I adore the added responsibility and courage it takes to then articulate that message so that everyone — actors, designers, production and ultimately audience — understands and can come along for the ride.”

That — exactly — is what I am always looking for in a director for any production I’m part of and, especially, for Rogue Theater Company productions.

Theater lovers, what would you like to know about theater, acting, stagecraft, etc.? Send your questions to contact@roguetheatercompany.com. In the meantime, let’s bring up the houselights and have some fun!

Jessica Sage is artistic director of Rogue Theater Company. RTC’s 2025 season opens in February with Barry Kraft’s exploration of “Julius Caesar” and “As You Like It,” followed by “Doubt: A Parable,” beginning March 12. For more information about the entire season, see roguetheatercompany.com.