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.

The goals of The Directors Project are:

|Enhance young directors’ artistic growth, broaden their knowledge, and hone their skills by providing opportunities to work with and learn from leading directors, playwrights, actors and designers around the country;

|Provide opportunities for young directors to present their work, and for the professional community to view and assess that work;

|Augment the network of professionals to whom new directors can turn for counsel, support, and employment;

|Accelerate 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.

Now in its twenty-sixth year, The Directors Project has advanced the careers of over 238 talented young directors. They are the artistic directors, associates, and resident directors at over 45 professional theatres. They are directing on and off Broadway, at major theatres across the country and abroad, and in film and television. Their work has been honored with Tony, Emmy, Obie, Bessie, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, Lucille Lortel, Drama-Logue and Helen Hayes Awards, as well as the NEA/TCG Directing Fellowship, the TCG New Generations Grant, the Alan Schneider Award, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA Fellowship, and the Sir John Gielgud Fellowship.

“The Drama League’s commitment to young directors is unparalleled. The degree of support and respect they give you is astonishing. The 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 Tony-Award winner HAIR
Artistic Director, American Repertory Theatre

“What is unique about the Directors Project is the observing, the meet-and-greeting that goes on: 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