D i r e c t o r
“Morgan makes her students believe in their own potential and abilities, regardless of how big or small their role may be. She redefines the phrase ‘there are no small parts, only small actors.’ Morgan makes us believe that our contributions matter, that everything we do plays a major part in the experience as a whole.”
- Jessi Delfino, BA Advertising
University of Texas
“Morgan was one of the first directors to show me what healthy, growth-oriented artistic practices look like: working as an ensemble, open communication with all members of the company, accepting and growing from failure, and more. Not only does she create a space for everyone to grow, she also encourages students to be well-rounded in all aspects of theatre.”
- Natalie Connelly, BFA Theatre
University of Colorado (Boulder)
D i r e c t i n g
P h i l o s o p h y
I believe that excellent performances are the by-product of an intentional process. I believe this process should be guided by serving the most vulnerable in the room while simultaneously setting a high bar for each individual to achieve their personal best. I believe rehearsals should be fun but fair, structured but kind. I believe in building a strong sense of community and trust so that the group exists in a brave space—one where failure is encouraged, boundaries respected, and consent key. As a director I believe it is my job to guide the group in its entirety across the finish line, each individual feeling confident about the part they’ve played in the success of the whole. For me this means that in my process, there truly are no small parts.
I believe theatre is for ALL. I want to see people of all ages, races, languages, genders, and sizes in our rehearsal and performance spaces. I believe we should do away with the idea of the guru or master. There is no one “right way” for the artist—training from all backgrounds and methods should be considered as fodder for creative development and improvement. I believe much of the performing arts has been steeped in colonialism and privilege, and that white artists today have a responsibility to move forward the work of creating a more diverse and equitable industry for all people, especially those in previously underserved groups. I believe that this work is essential to restoring justice to our communities and our art.
Ultimately, I believe theatre is the perfect vehicle for so many of life’s pivotal lessons. Courage, empathy, teamwork, critical thinking, spatial coordination, life management, work ethic, respect—these skills are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true impact the performing arts can have on our students and communities. If care is taken in the process, theatre has the potential to be so much more. By creating a brave space for all to grow and learn, powerful storytelling can be a catalyst for creating genuine, meaningful change.
