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Boston's Best Directors In The Local Theater Scene

As a city boasting a wide variety of theater entertainment, Boston has catered to countless directors over the years. Some pass through with local and national tours. Others are working primarily in Boston, some for decades. Among these directors are a few who are still working the local scene in Boston and directing shows regularly. Local theaters know them by reputation and happily showcase their work.

Joshua Major
Joshua Major (Photo Credit: New England Conservatory)

Joshua Major
"La Gazzetta"
New England Conservatory
290 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 585-1100
www.necmusic.edu

Canadian native Joshua Major only came to work with the New England Conservatory as an opera stage director in 2012. However, he has worked in both Canada and the United States for more than a quarter of a century. This spring, Major is directing the cast and orchestra of "La Gazzetta," a comic opera by Gioachino Rossini. The opera follows a man who is so desperate to find a husband for his daughter that he goes around the world, even taking his search as far as to place ads in newspapers. Guests are getting a real treat with this performance, not only because of Major's direction, but because he is directing the American premiere of the Act I quintet, which was only rediscovered in 2011.

Kate Snodgrass
Kate Snodgrass (Photo Credit: Boston University)

Kate Snodgrass
"Boston Theater Marathon"
Calderwood Pavilion
527 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 933-8600
www.huntingtontheatre.org

Kate Snodgrass is a woman with many a job, as she is a professor, playwright and director. Her plays have won awards, as has the lady herself for her outstanding teaching ability. She is the co-founder of the "Boston Theater Marathon," for which she does an immense amount of work, stating that she puts in 12-hour days in her theater career. She is the artistic director for the Boston Playwright's Theatre, which puts on the award-winning marathon of 10-minute plays annually. Visitors should get ready for a non-stop barrage of quickie plays from comedies to tragedies and back again.

Related: 2013 Spring Theater Preview

Rene Pfister
Rene Pfister (Photo Credit: Berklee School Of Music)

Rene Pfister
"Hair"
Berklee College of Music Performance Center
136 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA
(617) 266-7455
www.berklee.edu

Rene Pfister is an instructor and vocal director who teaches at the Berklee College of Music and has been in the business for more than 20 years.  This summer, he is directing the voices in Berklee's production of "Hair," or officially, "Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical." As an iconic musical, audiences know when "Hair" is done well, and Rene Pfister promises to direct a performance of which theatergoers will approve. With hit songs like "Good Morning Starshine" and "The Flesh Failures," guests are sure to enjoy this evening of music and rebellion.

Scott LaFeber
Scott LaFeber (Photo Credit: slfstudio.com)

Scott LaFeber
"Two Gentlemen of Verona"
Cutler Majestic Theatre
219 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 824-8000
www.emerson.edu

Scott LaFeber is an associate professor and director at Emerson College. His career in theater and acting has led him to Broadway, off-Broadway and even roles in television. He is originally from New York, but has a long-standing presence in Boston theater. In 2013, he is directing Shakespeare's beloved comedy "Two Gentlemen of Verona." While not a widespread favorite like "A Midsummer Night's Dream," this play is only mediocre when compared to other Shakespeare works, but it is certainly hopeful in the hands of Scott LaFeber.

Related: Boston's Best Free (Or Almost Free) Theater

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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