I am currently the Artistic Director of Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta, GA (www.theatricaloutfit.org)
Originally from Belfast, I worked as a freelance director in Ireland before moving to the United States in 2006 to complete an MFA in directing at Columbia University. I have directed extensively in New York, regionally in the USA, and internationally, and my productions have been nominated for numerous awards.
My work is grounded in the idea that theatre, and other live art forms, are a vital response to a world that is becoming increasingly displaced onto digital platforms and virtual communication. Artists and audience come together in the same space, united by stories that celebrate, console, and wrestle with the complexity of modern life. I believe that the best work happens when a theatre connects deeply with its community, welcomes diverse voices, and fearlessly investigates the present moment.
I direct both new plays and dynamic productions of classics, with a focus on deep work with actors, and creating vivid imagery through design. Recent work includes Doubt by John Patrick Shanley (nominated for three Helen Hayes Awards), If I Forget by Steven Levenson (nominated for three Helen Hayes Awards), MotherStruck! by Staceyann Chin (nominated for 2 Helen Hayes Awards including ‘Best Production’), and The Hard Problem by Tom Stoppard. (For a full resume click here.)
Theatrical Outfit (TO) is a 45-year-old professional theatre company located in a beautiful historic building in downtown Atlanta. Our mission is to produce world class theatre that starts the conversations that matter, and we are proud to offer a home to incredible Atlantan artists right in the heart of our city . We believe in Authentic Storytelling that creates a place to have real conversations about topics that are relevant to our community; A Celebration of Place that honors Atlanta’s rich history while laying the foundation for its future; and Living Our Values by prioritizing inclusion and individual dignity for every person in our community.
Prior to joining Theatrical Outfit, I was the Associate Artistic Director of Studio Theatre, one of the leading contemporary theatre companies in DC. Before that I was the Director of Programming for Origin Theatre, an Off-Broadway company whose mission is to bring the best of European new writing to the USA. Additionally, from 2007 to 2015 I was an Associate Director of Rough Magic in Dublin, one of Ireland’s leading independent theatre companies for over 30 years.
Photo by Teddy Wolff