Grace Wessels

London-based theatre director originally from Houston, Texas.

My directing style is first and foremost being emotionally and artistically sympathetic to the text - having a particular skill at text analysis and bringing detail to well-rounded emotional arcs. I believe in truthfully presenting a production while still taking artistic risks and pride myself at creating a collaborative and inspiring environment for my creative team and actors.

I am interested in all facets of performance, but with a particular interest in Musical Theatre and American Classics.

Preferred pronoun: She/Her

Credits

Co-Artistic Director, House on the Hill Productions, 2011-Present

Assistant to the Directors, Dolly Parton's 9 TO 5: The Musical, Savoy Theatre, Currently running, 2018-2019

Director Observer, Verdi's Macbeth, Royal Opera House, 2018

Director/Producer, UK Premiere Sondheim's The Frogs, Jermyn Street Theatre, 2017

Company Stage Manager, Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, National Tour & Jermyn Street Theatre, 2016

Company Stage Manager, Barbershopera’s Three Musketeers, Brno Theatre Czech Republic, 2015

Director, Eugene O'Neil's Fog, Jermyn Street Theatre, 2015

Assistant Director, Eugene O'Neil's The First Man, Jermyn Street Theatre, 2015

Company Stage Manager, Tuesday’s at Tescos, 59E59 Theatre NYC, 2015

Assistant Director, Sondheim's Into The Woods, Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, 2014

Director/Producer, William Inge's Natural Affection, Jermyn Street Theatre, 2014

Director/Producer, Shakespeare's King Lear, The Rose Bankside Theatre, 2012

Artistic Director, Bristol Shakespeare Festival & Company, 2009-2011

Assistant Director, Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, National Tour, 2011

Training

BA in Drama: Theatre, Film, and Television from Bristol University. 2007-2010

Development Workshop for Comrade Rehearsed Reading, at ETT by Tonderai Munyevu
Movement for Directors with Sara Green, Laban’s Theory, creating character through movement
Development Workshop for Love and Information, at The Crucible with Caroline Steinbeis
Emotional Safety Workshop with Rachel Bagshaw, on creating an emotionally safe artistic space
Drama Facilitators Training Workshop with Group 64, teaching drama to young people (ages 3-18)