Creative Intentionality

I direct with people in mind, starting with the playwright and their work. I invest time, thought and intentionality into each show I take on, laying the groundwork for exploration of the source material, allowing time and attention to detail of the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of the work. I am naturally drawn to stories that have redemption at the heart of them, always looking for creative ways to share the story with our audience. I love the learning and discovery that goes into each project.

Audience Engagement

Coming from a producing background gives me a unique perspective as a director. I know the importance of keeping an audience engaged and excited for the next show in the season. I enjoy learning why each show was selected and what the producers hope the audience will leave their theatre saying. We can create beautiful, meaningful theatre, but if no one wants to buy a ticket, it’s hard to keep the lights on!

Heart for… Collaboration

Through the years I have been able to surround myself with amazing designers, staff, and creatives. Knowing that you are in the middle of a group that brings their unique experiences and expertise to each project is thrilling. Having the opportunity to share your vision with them, allowing them a safe space to create and then hearing their ideas come to life in ways that not only enhance your vision, but add new ideas and dimensions to the outcome, is unlike anything else a director can experience. My goal is to present my thoughts to my team with clarity and intentionality and then step aside and see them light up with all the possibilities that their expertise can bring to the production. I have found that nothing draws a team closer than a shared vision brought to life.

Heart for… Community

You can have a vision for the work, a place to produce it and people who help you bring the elements of your vision to life, but your actors literally open their hearts up for you and breathe life into your show. And that should be handled with great love, care, and support. Over thirty years as a director has taught me that some of the best experience comes from what I’ve learned as a wife and mother. I strive to create a family with all my casts. Helping them discover the truth in our work and how to bring that clearly to their character is just as important as how to leave it at the theatre when the show has ended. I appreciate honesty in any performance, giving actors a safe place to create, discover, fail, succeed, and find joy in the process is something I strive for. I believe that if I have done my very best work, you won’t even notice that I’ve been in the room.

Heart for… Continual Learning

People who know me well, know that I love to learn new things. Having a supportive family means that I can take the time to participate in continuing education courses that keep me present in the new practices of theatre. Learning also means sharing your knowledge with others. I enjoy time that I have with young actors, whether they are just wanting to see if they have an interest in performing arts or if they are finding a life passion. It is on my generation to not only teach, but to encourage the next generation of artists, whether that is one on one acting lessons, group lessons or directing youth productions, I always find that they give me more than I can ever hope to give back to them.

In the Works!

Julie will be directing “Disenchanted” for Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park’s Indoor Series, running Oct 4-20.

Poisoned apples. Glass slippers. Who needs ’em?! Not Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses in the hilarious hit musical that’s anything but Grimm. The original storybook heroines are none-too-happy with the way they’ve been portrayed in today’s pop culture so they’ve tossed their tiaras and have come to life to set the record straight. Forget the princesses you think you know – these royal renegades are here to comically belt out the truth. Received an “Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical” nomination (Outer Critics Circle Awards) and a “Best New Off-Broadway Musical” nomination (Off Broadway Alliance).

Julie is very passionate about storytelling. She incorporates the expected with the unexpected. She takes extra care to foster a sense of community among her cast… both on and off stage.

Tim Bair

Producing Artistic Director – Theatre in the Park

Julie is a director who walks that fine line between allowing the actor to live their truth onstage and providing the necessary insight to gently lead the actor into creating a successful, believable character. She produces true and honest shows that can be attributed to casting, vision and being a vulnerable director with an open heart; ready to learn from everyone around her. The integrity of the show is always number one and she successfully achieves this by maintaining a safe space to learn and play.

Graham Fairleigh

Actor

I have worked with Julie both as an actor and a production team member. She casts shows well and brings such vision and creativity to every project she tackles. She’s not afraid to dream big. She listens to and collaborates with her creative team. All this results in memorable, polished productions, often with unique and surprising elements, and always with lots of heart

Cara Hampton

Actor | Music Director

Julie Ewing directed my daughter, Rachel, in several productions at First Act Theatre Arts. Julie was quickly a family favorite. My daughter loves the stage. My daughter also has Down Syndrome. First Theatre Arts has a program called HEART (Helping Encourage Awareness and Recognition in Theatre) that promotes inclusive theatre. Julie was intentional in casting Rachel and others with disabilities in meaningful ways. One of our favorite roles was when Rachel was cast as the Mirror and Menu in Beauty and the Beast. Julie paid attention to the small things like adding a crown to Rachel’s costume. Rachel truly felt like a princess and like she was an important part of the cast.

Jawanda Mast

Mother of performer Rachel Mast

Julie Ewing has directed some of Olathe Civic Theatre Association’s most successful shows, both financially and artistically since she started directing for us in 2013. Little Women, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Bright Star sold out most performances. She won the Buddy Award for direction for both Bright Star and The Drowsy Chaperone and won a Best Costume Design award for her work on One Man, Two Guvnors. The “hair shirt” was a sight to behold! Julie has a tremendous ability to surround herself with really talented performers and designers to execute her vision of the show. To anyone asking, yes, hire Julie Ewing to direct a show for your theatre. You won’t be disappointed!

Shelly Stewart Banks

Olathe Civic Theatre Board Member

As designers, we spend a lot of time in the script looking at how our specific aspect is going to have an effect on the overall production. In my case, sound design has a significant impact on how the show is going to capture the audience as active listeners. Julie Ewing’s shows come to life in such a unique way on stage that it gives designers room to be unique as well. She has high expectations that push us to the limits. She’s able to tell us what she needs so we can quickly adapt. Her shows have helped me grow as a designer as well. Above all though, she is a director that will stand by her designers through everything. She knows in most situations, the spaces we work in are limited and ultimately, our rehearsal times are limited. She works around that, and designers still get the time they need and ultimately, her shows become award winning shows. Anytime Julie Ewing has a show, I can’t wait to get the message from her asking to sound design the show because I know it’s going to be a great show and it’s going to make me a better designer.

Joshua Finch

Sound Designer

I had the privilege of working with Julie Ewing while I was the Artistic Director of Christian Youth Theater in Kansas City. Julie directed numerous musical productions, and her directorial work always manifested beautiful stage pictures with artistic excellence. Julie directed large casts of young artists (ages 8-18), and she provided opportunities for the cast members to learn from her vast theatre knowledge. I appreciated her dedication and ability to bring truthfulness and life to each production.

Gina Milbourn