ARC Academy: Read, Think, Conceive and Execute for Directors with Richard Rose
DATE: April 25 - 26, 2026
We’re thrilled to welcome Richard back this spring as part of the ARC Academy workshop series. A celebrated director with more than 40 years in Canadian theatre, Richard has earned multiple Dora Awards, international honours, and has directed over 150 productions across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.
About the Intensive
Designed for emerging directors – whether new career professionals or theatre enthusiasts with some experience – this workshop explores how to read, interpret, and transform scripts into compelling rehearsal and production plans. An overview of all the phases of directing the play!
Participants will explore how to:
- Break down a script and identify core action
- Shape instinct into concept, vision, and strategy
- Communicate effectively with designers, actors, and production teams
- Prepare directing scripts for design meetings, dramaturgy, rehearsal, and tech
The intensive includes one-on-one mentorship and independent analysis work.
Format:
Each participant will get tickets to see Master Builder (runs from April 21-25, 2026). In addition they should read:
- Oedipus Rex https://johnstoniatexts.x10host.com/sophocles/oedipusthekinghtml.html
- Winters Tale https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/the-winters-tale/read/
- King Lear https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/king-lear/read/
Participants should also read the Master Builder script (provided upon registration).
If you are interested in participating, please email a short letter of interest to our Outreach Coordinator, Jesse McRae, at jesse.mcrae@saintjohntheatrecompany.com
Workshop Details
DATE: APRIL 25-26, 2026
Two day in-person intensive.
TIMES: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm / 1 hour lunch / 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Participant Information
Two day in-person intensive; times TBD.
For over 40 years, Richard Rose has been a distinguished director in Canadian theatre. Awards include 5 Toronto Dora awards for Direction, the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Direction and Bitef Festival’s (Belgrade) Audience Choice Award. Mr. Rose received the prestigious Walter Carsen Prize and City of Toronto Mayor’s Award for career achievements plus an Honourary Doctorate from Thorneloe University, Sudbury. Recently he was appointed to the Order of Canada in recognition of his theatre work. He has directed over 150 productions across Canada and internationally in Los Angeles, New York’s Off Broadway and London’s West End in the mediums of opera and film.