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Directorial Philosophy

My directorial philosophy is rooted in the transformative power of kinetic theater. For me, theater thrives in the dynamic interplay of motion and design, crafting not only visually compelling patterns but also emotionally and intellectually resonant images. The core elements I work with—actors and designers—are kinetic art in action, encompassing the dimensions of body-in-space, direction, rate, energy, control, and movement.

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The journey begins with the empty stage: the "lights up" moment where a story is born out of nothingness. From that first spark, the energy of the production becomes paramount. Without an understanding of the kinetics—how movement and energy shape the narrative—the production risks falling into a creative vacuum, and as we know, nature abhors a vacuum.

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In this kinetic framework, control is intrinsically tied to character. A character’s nature is revealed through their actions—what they must do (manners) and what they desire to do (motives). This tension aligns with the two fundamental states of energy: potential and kinetic—what could happen and what is happening—mirroring the play's action. As actors move across the stage or inhabit space, they manipulate energy. Potential energy is conserved through rest and controlled movement, while kinetic energy is expended in action and speech.

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External elements such as set, costume, lighting, and sound design further shape this energy, influencing how it expands and interacts within the performance space. Aesthetically pleasing theater emerges when a director skillfully integrates these kinetic elements, harmonizing all aspects into a unified, compelling narrative. It is this deliberate orchestration of movement and energy that defines my approach to storytelling on the stage.

"In theater, we don’t just tell stories; we move them into existence, weaving motion, design, and energy into a living narrative." -Dallas M.-

© 2025 by Dallas Martinez

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