We invite you to submit a vision statement for the production(s) you would like to direct at the Milburn Stone Theatre. Your vision statement should provide a comprehensive overview of your creative approach and production concept, detailing how you plan to bring the story to life on our stage. Please be through with you vision but try to keep it under 1,000 words.

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(To read an example vision statement based around a production of OUR TOWN please click here.)

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Vision Statement Structure & Guidelines

Your vision statement should include the following sections:

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1. Introduction

Begin with a brief introduction, outlining your passion for the production and why you are drawn to directing this specific piece. 

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2. Concept & Overall Vision

• Describe your interpretation of the story and how you envision bringing it to life.

• Explain any unique stylistic choices or conceptual approaches you would have with this production.

• If applicable, discuss any specific inspirations or cultural influences that will shape your production.

 

3. Scenic, Lighting & Design Elements

• Outline your ideas for set design*: minimalistic, immersive, abstract, traditional, etc. These ideas do not need to be exact, this is mostly just to get an idea of what type of production design you would like to incorporate.

• Discuss any lighting choices** and how they will help establish mood, time of day, or dramatic tension.

• If projections or multimedia will be used, explain how they will integrate with the storytelling and what type of projections and multimedia would be incorporated (stills, video, a mixture, etc..)

 

4. Costuming & Visual Aesthetic

• Describe your thoughts to costume design***, including period accuracy, symbolism, or creative adaptations. If you want to add more to this section, please discuss how color, texture, and silhouette will contribute to character development. 

 

5. Blocking & Movement

• Explain your approach to staging and blocking, considering whether the movement will be naturalistic, stylized, or symbolic.

• If applicable, describe any choreographed sequences, stage combat, or highly physical performances that will shape the production’s energy (This would certainly change based on the needs of a play, a play with music or a musical.)

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6. Sound & Music

• Share your thoughts on the soundscape****: original compositions, underscore, live music, pre-recorded effects, or silence (As an example: If the production features musical elements, discuss their role in storytelling and emotional impact.)

 

7. Audience Immersion & Interaction

• Detail how you plan to engage the audience beyond traditional viewing—immersive elements, direct address, interactive moments, or innovative staging techniques.

• If applicable, explain any unconventional seating arrangements or audience participation elements.

 

8. Rehearsal & Directing Style

• Describe your directorial approach and how you work with actors and creative teams. (As an example: Discuss your rehearsal methods, including table work, improvisation, or ensemble-based techniques, explain how you encourage collaboration among designers, performers, and technical teams.)

 

9. Community Engagement & Educational Opportunities

• Explore how your production can extend beyond the stage into the Cecil County community.

• Consider partnerships with local schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations to create educational programming, discuss potential talkbacks, workshops, or community-driven initiatives to enhance audience engagement.

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10. Final Thoughts

Conclude with a personal statement about why this production excites you and what you hope audiences will take away from the experience.​

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Supporting Materials

To further illustrate your vision, you are encouraged to include visual references such as:

• Concept art, scenic renderings, or costume inspiration.

• Mood boards, sketches, or lighting plots.

• Reference images from other productions or films.

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These materials may be submitted as:

• PDF, PPT, or PPTX files

• Online mood boards (Pinterest, Canva, or similar platforms)

• Curated web links

 

Please send your Vision Statements and Supporting Materials to the Milburn Stone Theatre's Artistic Director, Andrew John Mitchell at amitchell@cecil.edu. Once received the Artistic Director will confirm receipt. If selected the Artistic Director will follow-up to set-up a meeting. Please note, due to timing restraints it might take 4-8 weeks to set-up a follow-up meeting.

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We look forward to reading your vision statement and seeing how your innovative and impactful creativity will help bring our productions to life at the Milburn Stone Theatre!

 

* Scenic Designs are a collaboration between the Scenic Designer, Artistic Director and Production Director. The ideas you are submitting can be taken into consideration, but the final design is one that will be finalized by Scenic Manager and the Artistic Director based on the needs and expectations of the theatre.

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** Lighting Designs are a collaboration between the Lighting Designer, The Audio and Lighting Technician, Artistic Director and Production Director. The ideas you are submitting can be taken into consideration, but the final design is one that will be finalized by the Lighting Designer, The Audio and Lighting Technician, and Artistic Director based on the needs and expectations of the theatre.

 

*** When a costume designer is not hired for a specific production the Milburn Stone Theatre traditionally rents a costume package from one of several theatrical costume rentals houses. Costumes can be adjusted/changed from predetermined plots, but will need to be approved by the Artistic Director

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**** Audio/Soundscape needs are a collaboration between the Audio Engineer, The Audio and Lighting Technician, Artistic Director and Production Director. The ideas you are submitting can be taken into consideration, but the final design is one that will be finalized by the Audio Engineer, The Audio and Lighting Technician, and Artistic Director based on the needs and expectations of the theatre.

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Thank you!

- The Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College

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