Do you have any experience directing a play?  Have you ever wanted to take a chance at helping to shape a theatrical performance but didn't know where to start?

Upstage Players has an experience that might be just right for you!!

Our upcoming production of John Cariani's Almost, Maine needs directors & Upstage is offering its first ever DIRECTING MENTOR-SHIP

Deadline is coming up quickly, Don't miss out !!

Here are the details:
  • Almost, Maine is an honest, actor driven, play consisting of nine short vignettes about love.  
  • Each vignette is like its own separate 10-15 minute play but is strung together in a matching theme and place and story arc.
  • Our Artistic Director, Andrew Lidestri, is  the helm of the project, directing 5 of the vignettes and mentoring up to four additional directors as they explore the other four pieces.  
  • With the exception of one (which has three) each piece has only two actors in it.
  • Each scene may have a different cast but some actors may be double or triple cast into more than one scene.
  • This commitment requires a creative mind and a considerable amount of dedication, as each director is responsible for making their piece come together in the short rehearsal period.    
  • While the entire piece will have a stage manager, the student directors will stage manage their own pieces during rehearsals, keeping track of their actors, their blocking, and scene needs.
  • Directors may audition for other vignettes.

Directors must be available for production schedule listed below

Potential directors are encouraged to read the 4 pieces available to be directed which are attached on this page.  Then fill out the form above to apply to direct with us.  Directing a play takes time, effort, and great care, but the short rehearsal process of Almost, Maine makes this an accessible opportunity for all!
Production Schedule:
Auditions:  Dec 17 & 20
Rehearsals: Jan 6,7,10,13,14,17,20,21,24,27,28,31
Tech Week: Feb 1,2,3,4
Brush Up Rehearsal: Feb 10
Show Dates: Feb 5,6,12,13,14

How will the mentoring work?? ======>

This can be the perfect experience for someone looking to try their hand at directing.  Each vignette we are looking for a director for is relatively short allowing the director to really delve into the material and see great results.
  • Directors will meet together occasionally during the rehearsal process to discuss issues with their scenes and the show as well as Andrew Lidestri's overall concept
  • Andrew Lidestri, Artistic Director & directing mentor, will attend several rehearsals of the student director's scenes.  He will give his feedback & notes to the director so that the student directors can then go back to their cast and make adjustments as they see fit.  
  • Student directors are encouraged to reach out to the Upstage team as they have questions and concerns.