Attention Directors!

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Winters Theatre Company is now seeking applications from directors interested in directing a production for our upcoming 2026 season.

 

​We are excited to hear your proposal for any type of production / genre. While we are most definitely looking forward to ALL proposals, we would also like to note the following:

 

• We would be interested in director proposals for a Shakespeare production, for show dates in August 2026. For many years, the Winters Theatre Company schedule included a Summer Shakespeare show. Now in our second season at the historic Winters Opera House, we are looking forward to continuing the Summer Shakespeare tradition.

• Winters Theatre Company has a long tradition of producing a family friendly, holiday themed show in late November / early December. Often the holiday production has roles for all ages. We hope to continue this tradition for the 2026 season and would be interested in proposals for a holiday production.

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If it's of interest, a list of all Winters Theatre Company productions since our founding in 1980 can be found here: winterstheatre.org/pastproductions

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The 2026 season will be selected from director submissions. Refer to Submission Guidelines below.

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WTC directors should have a clear vision for their production, good communication skills, and a passion for theatre. The company values collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Experience in directing plays, musicals, or other theatrical works is a plus, but not required.

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2026 Season Selection Process
 

Applications Accepted through May 31, 2025
 

Anybody interested in directing a show(s) with the Winters Theatre Company (WTC) must submit an application using the online Director Application form. The application asks for information regarding the production being proposed and about you as a director, including your schedule. If you have questions about the online application form or need any help, please email wtcplays@gmail.com.

We strongly encourage submissions as early as possible during the application window, in order to give us adequate time to review your proposal.

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Reviews and Interviews: June / July / August 2025

After review of submissions, the Play Selection Committee will schedule interviews with those applying directors whose proposal is selected as a potential candidate for the 2026 season.

Interviews will take place during summer 2025. Most interviews will be in-person, at the Winters Opera House theatre. If an in-person interview is not feasible, then an interview via Zoom can be arranged.
 

All directors can expect an email acknowledgement within 48 hours that their application has been submitted. If you do not recieve an acknowledgement, please email wtcplays@gmail.com. If the Play Selection Committee would like to schedule an interview with you, we will follow up by August 1st to schedule an interview. All applicants will be notified of a final decision regarding their application by September 1st at the latest.

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The Play Selection Committee will then take all applications and interviews into account and recommend a 2026 Season calendar for submission to the WTC board by September 2025 for final approval.

Submission Considerations and Guidelines:
 

• Please submit a separate application for each production you are proposing to direct.
   

• The Winters Opera House stage (home of WTC) Is approximately 22′ x 16′. The backstage /offstage area is limited. Complex and large sets are difficult in our space. If you submit a show with a large or complex set or other significant technical requirements, please be prepared to share your ideas for making it work in our space and within our budget.
   

• The online application will ask you to indicate when you are available to direct. WTC productions typically run for 2 or 3 consecutive weekends (Fri/Sa/Su). Rehearsals are usually scheduled for 2-3 days per week for 5 to 6 weeks prior to tech week.  Please let us know if you have different scheduling requirements.
   

• The online application asks directors to submit an estimated budget for the production being proposed. This is a preliminary budget, and allows you (and us) to begin thinking in more specific detail about the production requirements.
   

• During your in-person interview, we will discuss your design / production requirements.  While WTC has dedicated volunteers that help provide technical and design support for our productions, we encourage potential directors to consider recruiting outside crew that they may have worked with previously. We are always looking to welcome new talent and perspectives to our company.
   

• Please be aware that contractual agreements with publishing companies prohibit changes to published scripts. Do not submit scripts that you have personally edited or changed.
   

• Directors should familiarize themselves with which company or entity holds production rights for the submitted work, if applicable. This information is required in the application and may require some advance preparation.
   

• Directors and crew for WTC productions are volunteers. Being selected to direct with the Winters Theatre Company should not be considered as an offer of employment.
   

• Note: The WTC Board of Directors will  support each selected season production in various capacities. All directors, cast, and crew will be required to agree to and follow specific policies which are in place to ensure the safety of all particpants as well as WTC. The Board will assign a board member to serve as the Board Liason for each production. The Board Liason helps support each director in bringing their vision to the stage.

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If you would like to chat more about a production you may be considering applying to direct, please email wtcplays@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with the right person.​​