About the Directors Project

SINCE ITS FOUNDING IN 1984, THE DIRECTORS PROJECT HAS GROWN TO BECOME THE PREEMINENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THEATRE DIRECTORS — PROVIDING TALENTED YOUNG ARTISTS WITH CAREER-CHANGING EXPERIENCES IN THE PROFESSIONAL THEATRE.

As the country’s leading career development program for early and mid-career directors, the Drama League Directors Project has literally changed the face of the America Theatre. Our alumni now number over 270 and can be found working in all aspects of the entertainment profession. ‘Drama League Directors’ are directing on and off-Broadway, at regional theatres across the country, and in film and television. They are the artistic directors and associates at 55 regional theatres. Others hold prominent positions throughout the industry as producers, writers, agents and administrators, and many are educating the next generation of directors at some of our finest professional training programs. Their directing work has been honored with awards from Tonys to Emmys, and with the praise of critics and audiences alike.

The Directors Project:

Enhances young directors’ artistic growth, broadens their knowledge, and hones their skills by providing opportunities to work with and learn from leading theatre artists around the country;
Provides opportunities for young directors to present their work for the professional community;
Augments the network of professionals to whom new directors can turn for counsel, support, and employment; and
Accelerates the process through which new directors gain acceptance within the professional community, bringing their unique skills and vision into the working life of the American theatre.

The Drama League Directors Project also maintains an active support network for its alumni. Most recently, it has expanded into international programming. The US-Bulgarian Directors Exchange that fosters artistic exchanges between industry professionals, Drama League Directors, and the many exciting theater companies in Bulgaria. Residencies have been created between our alumni and the Sfumato and the Nikolay Binev Youth Theatre companies. New for 2013 are our Resident Artist Programs.

To meet the needs of young directors entering the profession today, the Directors Project now offers SEVEN different application programs – Click below for more information on each program:

Hangar Summer Residency Program • New York Fall Directing Program

Musical Theatre Directing Program • Classical Fellowship for Directors of Color

Project Development Programs: New Directors/New Works • Resident Artists Program

U.S./Bulgaria Stage Directors Exchange

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“Simply put, if it wasn’t for the Directors Project, I wouldn’t be directing theatre in New York today.”
~John Rando, Fall Directing Program 1992
Tony Award-winning director of Urinetown

“The Drama League’s commitment to young directors is unparalleled. The degree of support and respect they give you is astonishing. They opened the door to my professional career and continue to be there for advice, encouragement, and an invaluable sense of community.”
~ Diane Paulus, Fall Directing Program 1997
Director of “Pippin” and the 2012 Tony-winning revival of “Porgy and Bess,”
& Artistic Director, American Repertory Theater

“What is unique about the Directors Project is the observing, the meet-and-greeting that goes on, and these young directors are actually given a show to direct. The Directors Project addresses the American theatre’s biggest need: talented, intelligent, versatile directors who work all the time.”
~ Andre Bishop, Artistic Director, Lincoln Center

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The Directors Project works with theatres across the country that support our fellows in various capacities – from meetings and seminars to seasonal residencies.
Our thanks to the following theatres for their invaluable participation in our work:

American Repertory Theatre, Cambridge, MA

Atlantic Theater Company, NYC

Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA

Dallas Theater Center, Dallas, TX

The Goodman Theatre, Chicago, IL

Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, MN

Hangar Theatre, Ithaca, NY

Hartford Stage, Hartford, CT

La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla, CA

Manhattan Theatre Club, NYC

Manhattan Class Company, NYC

McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton, NJ