DIRECTOR Proposals

Submissions for the 2025-2026 MainStage Season begin November 1, 2024

To apply, please send the following materials as a single Word or PDF attachment, with a total length of no more than four pages, to programming@blueslipper.org

  1. Contact Information

       - Name:

       - Email:

       - Phone Number:

       - Website/Portfolio (if applicable):   

    2. Play Proposal

       - Title of the play:

       - Playwright:

       - Approximate Length:

       - Intermission (Yes/No)

       - Have you directed this play before? (Yes/No) If yes, when and where?

    3. Why This Play?

       - Why are you passionate about directing this specific play? What personally draws you to it?

    4. Why Now?

       - What makes this play particularly relevant for the 2025-2026 season? How does it speak to contemporary audiences or address current themes?

    5. Artistic Vision

       - Describe your artistic vision for this production. How do you plan to interpret the play, and what elements will you emphasize?

       - What is your approach to working with actors, set and costume designers, and other collaborators to bring this vision to life?

    6. Thematic Relevance

       - What themes in the play resonate with you, and how do you plan to highlight these in your production?

    7. Casting

       - Do you have any specific casting ideas or preferences for this play? 

    8. Budget & Production Needs

       - Do you have any special production requirements (e.g., set design, costume needs, special effects)? Please provide a very basic budget breakdown if possible.

    9. Audience Engagement

       - How will your production engage with the audience? Do you have any ideas for community outreach, talkbacks, partnerships or other interactive elements?

    10. Scheduling Availability

       - What is your availability during the 2025-2026 season? Please list any conflicts.

    11. Additional Information

       - Is there anything else you would like us to know about your directing approach or your connection to this play?

Resume and References
Provide an appropriate resume or bio or personal website, along with two to three references.

Guidelines for Directors

1. Mandatory Auditions: Directors must hold open auditions for all roles in the production. Casting decisions cannot be made without a formal audition process to ensure fairness and transparency.

2. Audition Timeline: Auditions must be scheduled no more than 6-8 weeks before the opening performance. This allows ample rehearsal time while preventing burnout or scheduling conflicts for cast members.

3. No Pre-Casting: Directors are not allowed to cast any roles before the official audition process. This ensures that new and less experienced actors have a fair opportunity to participate.

4. Community Focus: We are a community theatre, and as such, we prioritize casting actors from our local community. While experience is valuable, we strongly encourage new actors and community members to audition and become involved.

5. Non-Paid Roles: All acting roles are volunteer-based. We are committed to the spirit of community theatre and do not offer financial compensation to actors. This aligns with our mission to foster local talent and provide a platform for all.

6. Inclusivity: Directors are encouraged to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for actors of all experience levels, backgrounds, and abilities. Productions should reflect the diversity of our community.

7. Professionalism and Conduct: Directors are expected to maintain a respectful and professional atmosphere during rehearsals and performances, ensuring that all cast and crew feel valued and safe.

8. Scheduling: Rehearsal schedules should be clear and considerate of actors’ availability, as many of our participants balance theatre with other commitments. The full schedule should be made available by the first read-through, and should include dates, times, and scenes. Ideally, a general schedule will be communicated at either auditions or once a role is offered. Please be respectful of the end time stated for each rehearsal, as going over significantly can place enormous stress on the lives of our cast and crew.   

9. Creative Vision: While directors have creative freedom, they are encouraged to consider the theatre’s mission when planning productions. Productions should appeal to a broad audience and serve as an opportunity for local talent to shine.

10. Collaboration with the Board: Directors must communicate regularly with the theatre’s board regarding production progress, casting decisions, and any challenges. A required weekly check-in will be further explained in detail, as well as an initial meeting with our programming/marketing team to go over a detailed list of to-dos, deadlines, and assigned jobs. This ensures alignment with the theatre’s values and goals.