Directing

My Approach and Philosophy:

To me, directing is not just a career path; it is my greatest passion. My director approach integrates script analysis, dramaturgy, character exploration, and a solid foundation in design to honor the playwright’s intentions while adapting narratives to resonate with contemporary audiences. I find joy in both reframing classical works to highlight their modern relevance and uplift diverse voices as well as exploring new playwrights and scripts entering the field. Each script is an avenue to encourage the audience, cast and crew to think beyond ways in which they usually think and act as agents of change even after the curtain closes.

As a director, I am dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment where every artist feels valued and empowered—regardless of race, gender, sexuality, ability, or socioeconomic status. I firmly believe that theatre should reflect the rich diversity of our world; thus, it is essential that we uplift all voices within our community. In this collaborative space, we can celebrate our shared humanity and discover strength in our differences. I strive to foster an environment where designers, performers and theatre artists work together on a path of collective discovery to enhance the production as a whole.

In my role as a director, I aim to foster a culture of mutual trust where artists feel safe to explore without fear of judgment. Recognizing that each individual holds unique strengths and challenges, I actively seek ways to tailor my teaching and leadership methods to engage with individual interests and needs—ensuring they flourish both personally and artistically while contributing meaningfully to the overall purpose of the production.

As a director in educational theatre, I view each production and script as a unique opportunity to cultivate transformative experiences for performers, designers, technicians, and the broader community. I am committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can express their authentic selves and embrace vulnerability. Through an adaptive leadership style, I recognize and celebrate the individuality of each participant, tailoring my approach to meet their distinct talents and learning needs. Central to my process is building strong connections with my cast and crew, enabling us to foster creative thinking, problem-solving, and discovery. I believe that theatre should be accessible to students of all abilities and diverse backgrounds, ensuring they see themselves represented on stage while developing cultural and global awareness. By actively seeking new scripts that resonate with diverse experiences and reframing classic narratives, I create a space where performers and designers can explore their intersecting identities. Theatre serves as a vital platform for individuals of all ages to discover and celebrate their uniqueness while fostering a deeper appreciation for one another.

Current Projects:

The Wizard of Oz | Camp IHC Summer 2025

Lake Camp Variety Show | Camp IHC Summer 205

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Shadow Cast), Cottey College, Spring 2025

Bull in a China Shop by Bryan Turner, Cottey College, Spring 2025

Redirect to the following link to access a sample from my director's book: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o16IOp5CUUryMnooQ-DTcR_h0ZUxu_z1/view?usp=sharing

Redirect to the following link to access select scenes from the production: https://youtu.be/RIdqTxDbZo8?si=Pyy6YzazjpPk145j

Director's Statement

Revolution: a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something : a change of paradigm

Bull in a China Shop by Bryna Turner, based on the real letters between Mary Woolley and Jeannette Marks, depicts the lives, loves and political struggles of these two trailblazing women. This witty, powerful and thought provoking piece explores a passionate love story, the fight for women’s rights and the tension between personal desires and political ambitions. And, perhaps most importantly, it begs the question: What does it mean to be truly revolutionary?

This production is more than just an excavation of queer history—it is a mirror held up to our own time. The fight for women’s rights, queer visibility, and social justice is ongoing, and Bull in a China Shop reminds us that revolution is not just something we read about in history books; it is something we ourselves can embody. Mary Woolley and Jeannette Marks did not wait for change—they became it. Their voices, their passion, and their love were political acts in and of themselves. As we bring this story to the stage, we celebrate the empowerment of women, the resilience of queer relationships, and the relentless pursuit of progress.

Even now, close to 90 years since Mary Woolley’s time at Mount Holyoke, we exist in a world where the voices of women and LGBTQ+ individuals are still being silenced and erased, this play stands as a testament to the power of visibility. It is a reminder that history is not just what has been written—it is what we choose to amplify. Through Mary Woolley and Jeannette Marks, we explore what it means to be a woman in leadership, to stand at the crossroads of personal ambition and collective progress, and to fight for a future that may not yet be ready for us.

To embody revolution is to live with courage, knowing that change is not just in the hands of the powerful but in the actions of anyone who dares to “think in ways in which we don't usually think”. Sometimes, it means being a bull in a china shop—crashing through outdated systems, shattering injustice, and refusing to move quietly. But sometimes revolution moves quietly. It can exist in small, deliberate acts of defiance or utilizing our gifts to inspire change. Whether through bold action or quiet resistance, anyone can spark change. The power has always been yours—use it.

This production is our revolution. It is a declaration that love is resilient, that leadership takes courage, and that all of us have the voice and power to challenge the world as it is and demand the world as it should be.

-Amanda Klair Soukup, Director, Dramaturg & Scenic Artist

Big Love by Charles Mee, Realized Scene 2025

Redirect to the following link to view a sample from my director book for Big Love: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zm1S1oorH1I-0ReYRJAJ7nOmNk87wQYF/view?usp=drivesdk