When I came to the Phoenix Theatre, I was excited to join the directing course primarily for the hands-on component that involved directing scenes. This practical experience was one of the main reasons I chose this program, as it promised a comprehensive understanding of theatre production that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. However, to my disappointment, this vital part of the curriculum has been removed, shifting the course's focus to almost entirely lecture-based content.
When I was a first-year student, I was involved in multiple directing scenes. This allowed me to connect with upper-year students, which facilitated my integration into the Phoenix community. The relationships that I established thanks to the directing scenes gave me new expertise, exposure, and support throughout the rest of my degree. It allowed me to practice auditioning and rehearsing in a university setting. These rehearsals gave student actors the ability to explore more of what makes the Phoenix community so special, and gave new directors the chance to fail and succeed. The current directing course is not doing long-form directed scenes and is not holding general auditions for students. I am concerned for our current first-year students who are missing out on an essential tradition in the Phoenix.
While lectures are important for theory, they should not stand alone, and practical engagement should complement the lectures. The hands-on directing scene component is essential to developing practical skills in directing. Directing requires people skills and the ability to guide focus. Without this component, students miss out on crucial experiential learning that prepares them for the art of the directing industry. Directing is an inherently practical discipline, requiring live interaction, creativity, and on-the-spot decision-making that cannot be fully grasped through lectures alone.
This is not just for myself, but for the future student body. Therefore, we propose that the Phoenix administration reinstate the practical directing scenes component. This will not only enhance the educational experience but will also align with the hands-on structure of the Phoenix that I have previously admired. By signing this petition, you are supporting a return to a dynamic and comprehensive directing course that prepares students for successful careers in theatre.
Please join me in urging the Phoenix Theatre to reconsider its current curriculum structure. Let's ensure that future students receive the full-bodied education they deserve. Sign the petition to make your voice heard and help us bring practical directing scenes back into our courses.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
October 10, 2025
45 Comments
As a previous Phoenix student (2014 alum), who to be honest has many issues with my experience there - directing scenes were a pivotal part in my education both as an actor and director. The loss of these to the directoring stream seems foolish and I fully support bringing them back.
As a former production student, the ability to act in a direction scene, provided me the opportunity to see a tiny sliver of what my fellow students were working on in acting and directing. With my course load I never would have gotten that opportunity otherwise.
Developing a directing practice takes time and hands on experience, and directing scenes are the first place where I was able to begin that process. New phoenix directors should have the same opportunity, if they don't get the chance during their education, then when will they?
The experience I gained from facilitating and directing rehearsals in a (free!) space without the pressure of a class environment was irreplaceable. Students need the opportunity to apply what they learn in their lectures and receive feedback before they’re expected to do it in the industry.
The directing scenes are such a vital part of Phoenix culture, and a phenomenal way for first years to meet upper years. Without them the first years will be left in the dark.
I very much appreciated the chance to participate in directing scenes in previous years and was looking forward to auditioning for more this year. It's unfortunate that we don't have this option this year .
This is such a brilliant, important part of the program, and a huge part of what makes the Phoenix so special as a program. Bring it back!!
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When I came to the Phoenix Theatre, I was excited to join the directing course primarily for the hands-on component that involved directing scenes. This practical experience was one of the main reasons I chose this program, as it promised a comprehensive understanding of theatre production that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. However, to my disappointment, this vital part of the curriculum has been removed, shifting the course's focus to almost entirely lecture-based content.
When I was a first-year student, I was involved in multiple directing scenes. This allowed me to connect with upper-year students, which facilitated my integration into the Phoenix community. The relationships that I established thanks to the directing scenes gave me new expertise, exposure, and support throughout the rest of my degree. It allowed me to practice auditioning and rehearsing in a university setting. These rehearsals gave student actors the ability to explore more of what makes the Phoenix community so special, and gave new directors the chance to fail and succeed. The current directing course is not doing long-form directed scenes and is not holding general auditions for students. I am concerned for our current first-year students who are missing out on an essential tradition in the Phoenix.
While lectures are important for theory, they should not stand alone, and practical engagement should complement the lectures. The hands-on directing scene component is essential to developing practical skills in directing. Directing requires people skills and the ability to guide focus. Without this component, students miss out on crucial experiential learning that prepares them for the art of the directing industry. Directing is an inherently practical discipline, requiring live interaction, creativity, and on-the-spot decision-making that cannot be fully grasped through lectures alone.
This is not just for myself, but for the future student body. Therefore, we propose that the Phoenix administration reinstate the practical directing scenes component. This will not only enhance the educational experience but will also align with the hands-on structure of the Phoenix that I have previously admired. By signing this petition, you are supporting a return to a dynamic and comprehensive directing course that prepares students for successful careers in theatre.
Please join me in urging the Phoenix Theatre to reconsider its current curriculum structure. Let's ensure that future students receive the full-bodied education they deserve. Sign the petition to make your voice heard and help us bring practical directing scenes back into our courses.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
October 10, 2025
45 Comments
Directing scenes gave me my first and basically only chance to act at the Phoenix outside of an acting class. Then as a third year student I learned a lot about directing through being able to direct actual actors. These scenes are integral to students learning process both as an actor and director.
As a previous Phoenix student (2014 alum), who to be honest has many issues with my experience there - directing scenes were a pivotal part in my education both as an actor and director. The loss of these to the directoring stream seems foolish and I fully support bringing them back.
As a former production student, the ability to act in a direction scene, provided me the opportunity to see a tiny sliver of what my fellow students were working on in acting and directing. With my course load I never would have gotten that opportunity otherwise.
Developing a directing practice takes time and hands on experience, and directing scenes are the first place where I was able to begin that process. New phoenix directors should have the same opportunity, if they don't get the chance during their education, then when will they?
The experience I gained from facilitating and directing rehearsals in a (free!) space without the pressure of a class environment was irreplaceable. Students need the opportunity to apply what they learn in their lectures and receive feedback before they’re expected to do it in the industry.
The directing scenes are such a vital part of Phoenix culture, and a phenomenal way for first years to meet upper years. Without them the first years will be left in the dark.
I very much appreciated the chance to participate in directing scenes in previous years and was looking forward to auditioning for more this year. It's unfortunate that we don't have this option this year .
This is such a brilliant, important part of the program, and a huge part of what makes the Phoenix so special as a program. Bring it back!!
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Directing scenes gave me my first and basically only chance to act at the Phoenix outside of an acting class. Then as a third year student I learned a lot about directing through being able to direct actual actors. These scenes are integral to students learning process both as an actor and director.