I’m Sarna Lapine. I’m a director of theatrical performances— musicals, plays, opera, concerts. I’ve directed all around the world, including where I’m based in New York City. Originally, I earned my degree in English literature, and anthropology— I never planned on being a director. The theater just ended up being where I chose to study humanity.

Theater by its nature is the great equalizer. We should have to sit elbow to elbow with strangers in a dark room and be asked to be actively engaged in conversation and catharsis. I see it as my responsibility to facilitate conversation with writers, designers, producers, actors, and even audiences to generate new ideas and dialogue within community. So much of my role is working and talking to artists to help them connect with the bigger picture— we succeed when process can be about contributing to something greater than one’s self and making it the absolute greatest it can be.

photo by Sofia Colvin