Directing

Staging plays can be a challenging and daunting task, for it requires an understanding of nearly every aspect of theatre art. But because directing involves a wide range of skills, it can be extremely rewarding, especially when all aspects of a production come together successfully. At Coe College, we believe that theatre majors, regardless of their particular interests, should have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of directing plays for the stage. Thus, all theatre majors, regardless of their areas of emphasis, take Directing I at some time during their four-year stay at Coe.

Theatre majors who opt for a directing emphasis can take Directing II as an independent study course. Additionally, there are opportunities to direct one-act plays, a full-length play in the Mills (our studio theatre) and—in certain instances—possibly even a faculty-supervised mainstage production.

Many professional directors started their careers in stage management or in literary management. As a student director at Coe, you will be encouraged to serve mainstage productions as either assistant directors, production stage managers, or dramaturgs. Any of these positions will offer you ample opportunity to learn more about your craft by working closely alongside faculty and/or guest directors.