A few things Rachel believes in...
Leadership Creating Freedom
A director's first responsibility is to provide clarity. I believe in leading with a strong, steady vision—one that gives every artist the confidence to take risks, ask questions, and do their best work. The clearest leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about creating an environment where everyone can discover them together.
The best ideas can come from anywhere.
The rehearsal room I strive to build is a circular one. While I hold the artistic vision, I believe every collaborator—actors, designers, stage managers, musicians, technicians, and playwrights—brings a perspective that can deepen the storytelling. When people feel trusted, heard, and empowered, the work becomes richer, braver, and more honest than any one person could create alone.
Mentorship is how our art form grows.
I grew up in a family of artists, where creativity was woven into everyday life and generosity was part of the process. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to learn from mentors whose guidance has shaped not only the artist I am, but the leader I strive to be. Passing that generosity forward—through mentorship, collaboration, and creating opportunities for emerging artists—is one of the greatest responsibilities and joys of my work.
Every story has a heartbeat.
Whether I'm developing a brand-new musical or directing a beloved classic, I'm searching for the same thing: the blood-pumping heart of the piece. I love uncovering the joy, humanity, and emotional truth that make a story feel urgent and alive. Every production has something new to reveal, and my job is to help bring that heartbeat to the surface.
New voices shape the future.
Championing new plays, new musicals, and the artists creating them is my North Star. I'm inspired by the collaborative process of developing work from the ground up, helping writers realize their vision while building rehearsal rooms rooted in curiosity, trust, and possibility. The stories that move us forward are often the ones we're hearing for the very first time.