Director

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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

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