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Diane Paulus

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BIO

Diane Paulus is the Artistic Director of the A.R.T., where her directing credits include: Prometheus Bound, Death and the Powers: The Robots' Opera (premiered in Monaco in September 2010), Johnny Baseball, Best of Both Worlds and The Donkey Show, a disco adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which ran for six years Off-Broadway.



Her recent theater credits include The Public Theater's revival of Hair on Broadway (2009 Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Musical, nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Director, as well as winner of a Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama League Award for Best Revival of a Musical). Other recent work includes Kiss Me, Kate (Glimmerglass Opera) and Lost Highway (ENO co-production with the Young Vic). Opera credits include Il Mondo Della Luna (Gotham Chamber Opera at the Hayden Planetarium), Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro, Turn Of The Screw, Cosi fan tutte; and Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria, L'incoronazione di Poppea and Orfeo at the Chicago Opera Theater. Diane is a Professor of the Practice of Theater at Harvard University.

Paulus was recently named one of the "50 Most Powerful Women in Boston" by Boston Magazine and received the 2011 Elliot Norton Award for Best Director for her work on Prometheus Bound, Johnny Baseball and Hair.

She is a recent recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Boston Conservatory.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Children's Crusade
[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1981
Performer

Productions

N/AN/A
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Director
17761776
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Director
17761776
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Jagged Little PillJagged Little Pill
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Director
Waitress (Non-Eq)Waitress (Non-Eq)
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Original Director[Replacement]
Jagged Little PillJagged Little Pill
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
WaitressWaitress
 
[Broadway, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
WaitressWaitress
 
[West End, 2019]
Director
Gloria: A LifeGloria: A Life
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
Jagged Little PillJagged Little Pill
 
[Boston, 2018]
Director
In the Body of the WorldIn the Body of the World
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
WaitressWaitress
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Director
Amaluna - Cirque Du SoleilAmaluna - Cirque Du Soleil
 
[West End, 2017]
Director
Finding NeverlandFinding Neverland
 
[US Tour, 2016]
Director
WaitressWaitress
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
Invisible ThreadInvisible Thread
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
WaitressWaitress
 
[Boston, 2015]
Director
Finding NeverlandFinding Neverland
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Director
New York Spring SpectacularNew York Spring Spectacular
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Co-Creative Director
PippinPippin
 
[US Tour, 2014]
Director
PippinPippin
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Director
The Gershwins' Porgy and BessThe Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
HairHair
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
HairHair
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
HairHair
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
HairHair
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
HairHair
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Best of Both Worlds
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Swimming with Watermelons
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Brutal Imagination
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Eli's Comin'
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
The Baby and Johnny Project
 
[New York, 2001]
Director
The Donkey Show: A Midsummer Night's Disco
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director

Writing

Eli's Comin'
Playwright

Awards and Nominations


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Diane Paulus, Jagged Little Pill

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Direction of a Musical

Diane Paulus, Jagged Little Pill

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Diane Paulus, Pippin

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Diane Paulus, Pippin

Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Direction of a Musical

Diane Paulus, Pippin


winner
Drama League Awards - 2012 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

Diane Paulus

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Direction of a Musical

Diane Paulus, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess

Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Diane Paulus, Hair

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Diane Paulus, Hair

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Direction of a Musical

Diane Paulus, Hair

Videos

More Videos

News


Photos: THE ODYSSEY Celebrates Opening Night at American Repertory Theater Photo
Photos: THE ODYSSEY Celebrates Opening Night at American Repertory Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 20, 2025

Check out photos from inside the opening night of The Odyssey at American Repertory Theater. Kate Hamill turns a contemporary lens on Homer’s epic, asking how we can embrace healing and forgiveness in order to end cycles of violence and revenge.
WP Theater Announces 2025 Space Program Residents Photo
WP Theater Announces 2025 Space Program Residents
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2025

WP Theater has announced the residents of the 2025 Space Program. Crystal Skillman's award winning play, OPEN, will make its Off-Broadway Premiere running July 8th-27th.
Photos: NYTW's 2025 Gala Honors Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango, and Greg Nobile Photo
Photos: NYTW's 2025 Gala Honors Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango, and Greg Nobile
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 11, 2025

New York Theatre Workshop just celebrated its NYTW 2025 Gala, honoring Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile. Check out photos from inside the big day.
Photos: DEAR EVERYTHING Climate Control Benefit Performance Photo
Photos: DEAR EVERYTHING Climate Control Benefit Performance
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 3, 2025

Last week, Dear Everything, hosted a one-night-only concert event. Dear Everything was written and narrated by Tony and Obie Award Winner V (formerly Eve Ensler). The event took place at Terminal 5 in New York City. See BroadwayWorld's photos here! 
Video: Jane Fonda & More at V's DEAR EVERYTHING Concert Photo
Video: Jane Fonda & More at V's DEAR EVERYTHING Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2025

Video has been released from last Thursday’s galvanizing musical uprising Dear Everything, the one-night-only concert event. Check it out here!
Works & Process Will Host San Francisco Opera: THE MONKEY KING by Huang Ruo and Davi Photo
Works & Process Will Host San Francisco Opera: THE MONKEY KING by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang With Diane Paulus
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2025

Works & Process at the Guggenheim will present San Francisco Opera: THE MONKEY KING (猴王悟空) by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang with Diane Paulus, in March.
Review: WAITRESS at Omaha Community Playhouse Photo
Review: WAITRESS at Omaha Community Playhouse
by Christine Swerczek - Jan 27, 2025

One of my favorite pieces of musical theatre opened at the Omaha Community Playhouse on January 24th. WAITRESS, featuring the prodigious music and lyrics of Sara Bareilles and book by Jessie Nelson, was adapted from Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film script of the same name. Shelly wrote, directed and co-starred in the film, but was murdered in 2006 when she was only 40 years old. Sadly, Shelly never saw the film which opened three months later.
WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL Film Sets Max Streaming Date Photo
WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL Film Sets Max Streaming Date
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 13, 2025

The recording of Waitress: The Musical, starring Sara Bareilles will be available to stream on Max in time for Valentine's Day, February 14, 2025. The filmed capture was screened in theaters in December of 2023 and is also available to rent and purchase.
Jane Fonda, Rosario Dawson & More to Take Part in V's DEAR EVERYTHING Event Photo
Jane Fonda, Rosario Dawson & More to Take Part in V's DEAR EVERYTHING Event
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 3, 2025

Dear Everything, a one-night-only musical uprising written and narrated by Tony and Obie Award Winner V (formerly Eve Ensler), will take place at Terminal 5. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL HD at BCA Plaza Theatre Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; BCA Plaza Theatre Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Photos: DIARY OF A TAP DANCER Opens At American Repertory Theatre Photo
Photos: DIARY OF A TAP DANCER Opens At American Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2024

Trailblazing tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel and longtime collaborator director Torya Beard return to A.R.T. this holiday season to share the joyful, resilient, and liberating spirit of tap. Go inside opening night in new photos.
KING JAMES Vermont Premiere to Open at Northern Stage Photo
KING JAMES Vermont Premiere to Open at Northern Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024

​​​​​​​Northern Stage will kick off the new year with the Vermont premiere of King James by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winner Rajiv Joseph. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL HD at BCA Plaza Theatre Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
WAITRESS Live Capture Will Stream on National Theatre at Home Next Year Photo
WAITRESS Live Capture Will Stream on National Theatre at Home Next Year
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2024

Three new shows will be part of National Theatre at Home's streaming service in 2025. The recently announced productions include Coriolanus, Death of England, and Waitress.
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Boston Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 9, 2024

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Christine Dwyer to Join BROADWAY BARFLY at The Green Room 42 Photo
Christine Dwyer to Join BROADWAY BARFLY at The Green Room 42
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 27, 2024

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present “Broadway Barfly,” a zesty evening with comedian, actor, singer, and YouTube creator Robert Driemeyer. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
OTHELLO Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Finds Full Cast Photo
OTHELLO Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Finds Full Cast
by Stephi Wild - Nov 12, 2024

The complete cast has been announced for Shakespeare's Othello, starring Tony Award winner and two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal.
Meet the Cast of SWEPT AWAY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of SWEPT AWAY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2024

The Avett Brothers new musical Swept Away begins previews tonight, Tuesday, October 29. The official opening will be on Tuesday, November 19 at the Longacre Theatre. Meet the cast of Swept Away here!
Photos: Mandy Gonzalez's Opening Night in SUNSET BOULEVARD Photo
Photos: Mandy Gonzalez's Opening Night in SUNSET BOULEVARD
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 24, 2024

This week, Drama Desk and OBIE Award winner Mandy Gonzalez made her first guest star appearance as ‘Norma Desmond’ in Jamie Lloyd’s new Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. See photos from Gonzalez's opening night here! 
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Diane Paulus written?

Diane Paulus has written 3 shows including The Donkey Show: A Midsummer Night's Disco (Creator), Eli's Comin' (Playwright), Swimming with Watermelons (Conceiver).

What awards has Diane Paulus been nominated for?

Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jagged Little Pill, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jagged Little Pill, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Pippin, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Pippin, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Pippin, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hair, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hair and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hair.

What awards has Diane Paulus won?

Diane Paulus has won the Outstanding Director of a Musical award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Jagged Little Pill. She also received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards.

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