Paula DAlessandris

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit:

I can use:

About me

Paula D'Alessandris is the Artistic Director/ Founder of Mind The Gap Theatre (MTG), New York's premiere Anglo-American theatre company dedicated to producing new British plays and creating an exchange of works between the US and UK. Favorite directing credits with Mind The Gap include the world premiere of The Cleric at 59E59 Theaters; Gary Owen's In The Pipeline; Workshops of: David Eldridge's Summer Begins and Under The Blue Sky (it's US premiere); Dan Remmes' What Doesn't Kill Us; her stage adaptation of Gary Oldman's Nil By Mouth, and many others. She directed three consecutive winners at the Samuel French Festival (all of which have been published) and many pieces in MTG's popular BritBits series of short plays by, for or about the British. Favorite credits elsewhere include Walter Vs. The Water Authority at 59E59; her multiple-award-winning productions at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival of the outrageous comediesStampede! and The Butter Bin; critical and commercial successes Love! Valour! Compassion! (in its Pittsburgh premiere), 'Night Mother, Extremities, Drinking in America,The Dumbwaiter; Locating The Plant (Irish Arts Center , NYC). Other work includes the audiobook Pilgrimage to the Rebirth. For more info visit www.mindthegaptheatre.com or www.theatredirector.net


Additional skills:
new play development
creative fundraising

Referees:
I have known Paula in a professional capacity for several years and have worked with her and Mind The Gap Theatre on a number of projects. She has always impressed me with her dedication, professionalism, strength of vision and directorial talent. Not only that, she is also a pleasure to work with on a personal level. I would entrust any play of mine in Paula's hands, knowing with confidence that it would receive a level of production that would not only meet, but go beyond my expectations. Where my playwriting career may take me from here I do not know, but it is my express desire that Paula will always be a part of it.
~ Andrew Biss, Playwright


Paula has, on several occasions, brought to life my plays through her inspired directing and unfailing commitment to the theater. Her spirit and dedication to a project are never-ending and rare attributes in any arena, most notably live theater. One quality which has always made Paula stand out in my eyes is her passion for the theater. Paula never just goes through the motions: her keen sense of dramatic mechanics and her astute sense of interpretation shows that she has what it takes to direct a quality production. It is so unusual to see anyone pour heart and soul into a project, yet that is exactly what Paula does with every show she is part of From the most complex scope to the tiniest detail, Paula is on top of the situation while managing never to forget that she directs because she loves it. Her passion and dedication for this art form make it a genuinely unique experience for all the actors, production staff and writers involved. Paula treats all in her path with respect and professionalism. It is always her goal to achieve the best possible product. And Paula, like so few, always achieves this goal.
~ Sean Michael O'Donnell, Playwright


Ms. D' Alessandris has a true gift for blocking, and a complete ability to see a play in its totality and physically bring it to fruition. Whether directing slapstick comedy or subtle dramatic scenes, she truly has a sense for maximizing each moment to its greatest potential. I have never worked with a director who possesses the skills Ms. D' Alessandris has for blocking and timing: it is to most a lost art. She also has a highly developed intuition when it comes to casting: again and again I have seen her put together a group of actors who evolved into a dynamic ensemble.
~ Zoje Stage, Producer/Playwright/Filmmaker


It is essential that an actor trust their director. I trust Paula and that is why I work with her any chance I get. I trust that Paula will never allow myself or anyone on stage to look bad or make a bad choice. This frees the actor to take risks and really explore knowing that Paula will be keeping an eye on us.
~ Eric Giancoli, Actor


As the Artistic Director of the Upstairs Theatre I have employed Paula to assist and direct for our mainstage. I have found her to be quite organized, very specific and knowledgeable. She brings a "freshness" to her work and inspires creativity from those that work with her. Paula is intuitive. She sizes up a situation well and problem solves with ease. Paula understands the boundaries of a budget and responds to its realities. She is creative enough to make things work and never complains about an occasional compromise. Paula has a very good work ethic and doesn't tolerate sloppiness from her colleagues. I admire her work and consider her a respected colleague.
~ Thomas Mclaughlin, Artistic DirectorlProducer


Paula D' Alessandris is absolutely the most creative and inspiring director that I have ever worked with in my years acting in the Pittsburgh theater community. Paula has the ability to draw talent out of actors that didn't know that they were capable of outstanding performances. I wish that every director that I worked with had the foresight and gift of choosing material that Paula possesses. Paula's instincts and ideas completely enhance the environment for actors. Her enthusiasm has always been contagious, and it is completely accurate to say that actors become excited and jump at the chance to work with her.
~ Marcia R. Sekulich, Actress

I've worked with Paula D'Alessandris on a number of occasions as both an actor and a writer -- sometimes both simultaneously. She is a dedicated and talented director whose visions are often as unique as her willingness to listen and collaborate. Her keen sense of humor is always visible in her work.
~ Dan Remmes, Playwright/Actor

It has been a privilege to have had Paula both produce and direct my work. She is astute, professional and a joy to work with.
~ Kevin Lee, Playwright

I have worked with Paula D'Alesandris on numerous projects over the past five years and can say without hesitation that she is a wonderful director. Working with Paula is always a pleasure - rehearsals are filled with lots of laughter and fun. She has the rare ability to really listen to the actors she works with, making the process a true collaboration. She is smart, witty and insightful - among a million other positive attributes - and I would work with her any day of the week!
~ Charlotte Dooling, Actress



Paula D'Alessandris is an actor's director. She is insightful and open-minded, respects the written word, and gets the most from both the text and her actors. I value the time I have spent with her, and look forward to future projects.
~ Laura James Flynn, Actress

Paula D'Alessandris has managed to keep afloat both her ideas and the reality of a British theatre company, here in NYC, despite all the adverse economies due to 9/11 and the Bush administration and for that alone should be commended. She has also given British actors a very safe haven and place for their ideas and voices and for that we love her, add to all this a woman of great passion for the theatre, drive, intensity, intelligence and a wonderful talent for directing and nurturing actors and you have someone who is truly a gift to the British and American Theatre or Theater!
~ Elizabeth West, Actress, Broadway and Off-Broadway


Paula D'Alessandris is one of the most loyal and hardworking directors I know. Working with her is the most relaxed I have ever been and as a result I think I have done some of my best work for her. Her support of my career has kept me going and her love of the theater is apparent to anyone who works with her. I highly recommend Paula and envy you the opportunity to work with her.
~ Polly Lee, Actress


Simply put, Paula D' Alessandris is one of the finest directors working today. She has great respect for the play script; she does extensive homework and research; she has an extraordinary knack for casting; she budgets time well; and she excels at communicating with the actors. As a playwright if have any input on who directs my work, I choose Paula because I know my words are in good hands, and I will receive a top-notch production.
~ FJ. Hartland, Playwright


I have the pleasure of working with Paula D'Alessandris on a number of occasions as a Mind The Gap Theatre member. She is an imaginative and talented director and a joy to work with. Her courtesy and professionalism make my job as an actor easy.
~Fiona Walsh, Actress


Paula is a one of a kind director, with vision and skill and the know-how to lay down her ideas without compromising any feeling or vibe in the room, you feel constantly nurtured, supported, and inspired by her encouragement and guidance. Can't wait to work with her again! Also, Paula, is so willing to hear new ideas and let's me try things endlessly until we both look at each other and KNOW when we've found it. She strives for excellence and in that, knows how to support her actors to strive for excellence too. She has a GREAT sense of humor, which counts tenfold in this biz and in the creative process. Paula rocks.
~ Amir Arison, Actor

Skills

Job Titles	Writer, Director, Producer, Production Support, Creative Director, Marketing / PR, Casting Director, General Staff
Years in industry	6+ years
Work Permits	USA