The Director’s Chair: A Mentorship Program for Aspiring Young Directors
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
Have you ever dreamed of directing a play or musical but weren’t sure how to get started? Henderson County Performing Arts Center is proud to introduce “The Director’s Chair,” a new mentorship program designed specifically for high school and college students who are ready to step into the spotlight—not as actors, but as directors.
This student-centered initiative provides hands-on experience in the art of theatrical direction. Through one-on-one mentorship, participants will gain practical skills, leadership experience, and artistic confidence—all while contributing to the vibrant productions that define HCPAC.
The program is open to teens and young adults ages 13 to 25 and will culminate in a student-directed production of “Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl, a modern reimagining of the classic myth.
Three student directors will be selected to collaborate on every aspect of the show, from casting and auditions to blocking, lighting, set design, and tech. Auditions and rehearsals will take place during next spring and summer, and will offer a full experience of the directing process—from first read-through to the performance.
“The idea for this program is to give our young actors a chance to see what it’s like from the director’s perspective,” said Mentor Director and HCPAC Marketing Director Shaydi Clary. “We are proud to cultivate young professionals right here in Henderson County, and this is one more opportunity to do that.”
Clary, who will serve as mentor for the program, emphasizes that the directing decisions will be completely student-led.
“My goal is to provide them the opportunity to learn and make it their own show,” Clary said. “I won’t be doing any of the decision-making—that is completely the student’s! I’m there to provide advice and assist wherever it’s needed or wanted.”
Those interested in The Director’s Chair will complete an application and participate in an interview process. The goal is to ensure a collaborative and committed team, as the three selected directors will work closely together throughout the entire process.
“As an actor, you sign up and audition for roles,” Clary said. “But as a director in a community theatre format, sometimes you have to ask for the opportunity and explain why you’re the best for that role. For this program, I want to make sure we have three people who can truly work together, because they’ll be a team for several weeks.”
Applications for The Director’s Chair open in September, and the selected student directors will be announced in October.
“This is more than a mentorship program—it’s a chance to lead, to create, and to shape the future of theatre in Henderson County,” Clary said. “I started as a stage manager in 2019 and have since worked my way up to assistant director, director, and now board member.”
