Behind the Curtain: Stage Directing 101
A 3-Part Director’s Workshop
As part of our ongoing effort to develop and support new directors, Rockport Little Theatre is excited to offer this hands-on workshop opportunity.
Join veteran director and author of Way Off Broadway, Lynn Soeby, for an engaging, practical experience that explores how directors turn words on a page into a full theatrical production.
🎯 Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for anyone who has ever considered directing a show. No theatre experience is required. If you’re simply curious about directing and willing to learn, you are absolutely welcome.
If you’re an experienced actor, a seasoned stage manager, or someone who has stepped into directing or assistant directing and realized there’s more to learn—this workshop will meet you where you are.
Veteran directors are also invited to attend, especially those who believe there’s always something new to learn and refine.
🎬 What You’ll Learn
•Analyze the script for production details
•Create a strong directorial concept
•Build and lead a production team
•Run effective auditions
•Block and stage scenes
•Guide actors in character development and acting skills
•Use rehearsal techniques that get results
•Coordinate costumes, scenery, props, and technical elements
•…and much more to help you build your director’s toolkit
✅ What You’ll Walk Away With
A clear, step-by-step understanding of the directing process, along with practical tools you can immediately apply to your next production.
📅 Workshop Schedule
All sessions run 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (lunch included)
Part 1: Planning and Organizing
Saturday, May 23
Part 2: Staging and Rehearsing
Saturday, July 25
Part 3: Behind the Scenes (Everything Else!)
Saturday, October 24
Participants who complete all three sessions will have opportunities to shadow veteran directors and be considered for future directing or assistant directing roles.
💲 Cost $55 for the full 3-part series
Includes:
✔ Lunch at each session
✔ Workshop materials
✔ Textbook (included with registration)
👩🏫 Meet the Instructor: Lynn Soeby
Lynn brings more than four decades of experience in theater direction and music education. A veteran educator with the Department of Defense Education Activity, she spent 25 years teaching and directing internationally, including in South Korea, Japan, and Italy.
Her directing credits include productions such as The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Oliver!, The Music Man, Arsenic and Old Lace, and The Sound of Music. Most recently, she has directed productions with Rockport Little Theatre, including Nunsense, The Wizard of Oz, and Nunsensations!.
Lynn is also the author of Way Off Broadway: A Complete Guide to Producing Musicals with School and Community Groups and has served as a clinician, guest conductor, and workshop leader at international festivals and conferences.
Her passion is helping directors and performers build confidence, creativity, and practical skills. Whether you’re new to directing or looking to refine your approach, Lynn brings a supportive, hands-on perspective that makes the art of directing accessible, engaging, and fun.
🎬 Ready to Get Started?
If you’ve ever thought about directing—or want to take your skills to the next level—this is your opportunity.
👉 Register today at rockportlittletheatre.com or click on the link above.
Spots are limited—reserve yours today!