The Road Trip. It’s an American institution, obsession, and rite of passage. Traveling on, hitting the highway, whether following well-worn paths or “lighting out for the territories” in Huck Finn’s famous phrase, the lure of the road occupies a hallowed place in our national consciousness, beckoning in mutual directions from the intersection of leisure and longing.

When I conceptualize choreography for a show it’s important that it is driven by the story … and this story is ON A BUS! So you can only do so much before things start to look like a bad 80s music video. But the challenge is something I’ve embraced over the past six months.

This year’s Summer Youth Conservatory show Violet takes us on a journey across the American South in the 1960s. As we travel from Appalachian North Carolina toward Oklahoma, the music that moves us along is as varied as the locations and characters we visit on the way. From bluegrass to gospel, folk to Memphis blues, it’s an experience that invites us to hop on the bus and join our heroine, Violet, for the ride.

“What made me want to direct this show? Its huge HEART and amazing MUSIC.”

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two key staff members to the PlayMakers leadership team as Justin Haslett joins us this month as Managing […]

As one of the leading performing arts organizations in the state, proudly embedded in a public research university with a legendary foundation in social justice and inclusion, PlayMakers Repertory Company will continue to unequivocally support diversity in all forms.

After his production Tings Dey Happen, on life in oil drilling towns of Nigeria, Dan Hoyle wanted to investigate closer to home. He spent three months driving across our country, attempting to find the true meaning of America and what it means to be American.

When Bill Brewer served up “gloriously epic” costume designs for Sweeney Todd, PlayMakers’ costume shop delivered. Longtime PlayMakers Costume Director Judy Adamson leads a talented team of professionals and students to create the stunning looks we see onstage for all of our productions. For a show like Sweeney Todd with its large cast, multiple costume changes, and specific and challenging designs, the charge is especially great.

There’s no place like London, but Jan Chambers‘ masterful design for Sweeney Todd undoubtedly pulls us right into the heart of Fleet Street. The set is expansive and multi-tiered, featuring everything from revolving rooms to trap doors.