What does it take to build a successful directing career? In this kickoff episode of our Director Mini-Series, Jennifer chats with artist, theater worker, and director Whitney White who shares her journey from music and acting to directing, emphasizing the power of staying open, trusting your instincts, and pushing past limitations. She breaks down her approach to directing—starting with an emotional response to a script, translating it into a world, and adapting her process to fit each project’s needs. Whitney highlights the importance of collaboration, documenting your artistic journey, and stresses that great work takes time with the best results coming from allowing the process to unfold naturally. Together, they share actionable advice, including applying for fellowships, creating work in community spaces, and building connections with fellow creatives who bring joy and rigor to their craft. She also reflects on directing The Last Five Years, a personal and full-circle moment in her career. Whether you're an emerging director or an artist expanding your craft, this episode is packed with insights, resources, and inspiration to help you take your next steps.
About Whitney: Whitney White is an Obie and Lily Award winning, as well as a Tony Award nominated director, writer and musician originally from Chicago, based in New York. She was a staff writer on Boots Riley’s I’M A VIRGO and is a believer of multi-disciplinary work and collaborative processes. Recent directing: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Broadway), Jordans (The Public Theatre), The Secret Life of Bees (The Almeida, UK), Soft (New York Times Critic’s Pick, MCC), On Sugarland (New York Theatre Workshop), Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (New York Times Critic’s Pick), What to Send Up When it Goes Down (New York Times Critic’s Pick), The Amen Corner (Shakespeare Theatre DC), An Iliad (Long Wharf), Canyon (LA Times Critic’s Choice, IAMA), Jump (National New Play Network Rolling World Premier, PlayMakers Rep). The Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington (Steppenwolf Theatre). Original works include: Semblance (NYTW), Definition (Bushwick Starr), and Macbeth in Stride for which she won an Eliot Norton Award for Best Musical Performance (American Repertory Theatre, Under the Radar Festival at The Public Theatre).Whitney has developed work with: Sundance, The Roundabout, New York Theatre Workshop, The Vineyard, The New Group, Page 73, Playwrights Realm, Juilliard, Trinity Rep, NYU TISCH, Luna Stage, SUNY Purchase, Princeton University, Atlantic Theater Company Acting School, The Drama League, South Oxford, Jack, The Tank, New York Musical Festival, The Lark, and others. Whitney is a part of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, is a recent recipient of the Susan Stroman Directing Award, Herb Alpert Award and the Jerome Fellowship. She is an Artistic Associate at The Roundabout and an associate Artistic Director at Shakespeare DC. Past residencies and fellowships: Colt Coeur, The Drama League, the Roundabout and the 2050 Fellowship at the New York Theatre Workshop. MFA Acting: Brown University/Trinity Rep, BA: Northwestern University.
Whitney’s Website: whitney-white.com/
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