Director and Tutor: Guiding Others Toward Realizing Their Own Vision

Washington junior approaches roles as director and tutor from a place of guidance and collaboration

Jessica Kelso '27 has cultivated her love for theater over the past 15 years, pursuing both on- and offstage roles in various productions. This spring, she made her directorial debut, co-directing William Shakespeare’s Hamlet alongside theatre professor Dale Daigle. 

But this was no ordinary production of Hamlet. Kelso’s reimagination of the tragedy included a Batman twist that integrated Bruce Wayne's origin story, shifting the primary characters into DC Universe counterparts. Staged in Tawes Theater, the unconventional production marked a milestone in Kelso’s long relationship with theater that began well before she arrived on campus. 

Kelso, an English and theatre double major with a minor in journalism, editing, and publishing, came to Washington College knowing that storytelling would play a central role in her life. 

“I had always wanted to be an English major for as long as I can remember,” she said, and growing up around the theater only deepened that interest. When she arrived on campus, adding theatre as a second major felt like a natural step.

Although Kelso has acting experience, she quickly realized that her passion lies behind-the-scenes. 

“I much more enjoy being able to watch everything come to life than be a part of that life on stage,” she said.

Throughout her time at Washington, Kelso has explored many areas of theatrical production. She primarily works as a stage manager but has also designed lighting, sound, and sets. Directing Hamlet marked her first time leading a full production. 

Directing involves far more preparation than audiences often realize, Kelso explained, and the process begins long before rehearsals start. Directors must select the show, secure performance rights, assemble a design team, and organize auditions before casting the production.

Once rehearsals begin, the director's role becomes one of guidance and collaboration. Rather than telling actors exactly how they should perform, Kelso believes directors should help performers discover their own interpretations. 

“I don't believe at all that a director should model what they want the actor to do and say, ‘mimic this,’” said Kelso. “I think it's really the director's job to give the actors the tools they need in order to bring the character and bring the story to life in a way.”

For Kelso, the audition and casting process presented a challenge, as she had actors of varying skill levels auditioning for roles. 

“You can have a lot of really great actors and some inexperienced actors, and you need to be able to fit them all into the roles that you think that they'll perform the best in,” said Kelso. “And unfortunately, that's not always the roles that you want them in.” 

Her directing philosophy centers on creating an environment in which the actors and crew can feel supported and successful. When casting, she focuses on placing actors in roles where they can thrive, even if those roles don’t match her initial vision. 

“I want to put my actors and the people I work with in a place where they're going to be the most successful,” said Kelso. “I want them all to have a good experience and to be successful.”

Kelso’s approach to leadership has been significantly shaped by her various roles on campus. In addition to her work in the theater, she serves as the editor-in-chief of the Washington College Review, works in the theater scene shop, tutors in the Writing Center, acts as a peer mentor to first-year students, and works at the Washington College Rose O’Neill Literary House. She is also the technical coordinator of the Dance Club and president of the Asian Culture Club. 

She credits two roles—peer mentor and writing tutor—with greatly inspiring her directing style. As a peer mentor, Kelso guides new students through their first year of college, helping them navigate unfamiliar experiences. She sees a similar dynamic with newer actors who are often outnumbered by experienced actors and seeks to create a welcoming space for them. 

As a Writing Center tutor, Kelso was trained to help students with the writing process rather than do the work for them. She applies this same principle when directing. 

“I think of the director as a leverage point to help the actors and a tutor is in that same role of helping the student,” said Kelso. “Because ultimately it is the student's work to finish their assignment, to learn their lines, to perform, to submit their papers.”

Reflecting on her time at the College, Kelso says that the most valuable lesson she learned is confidence in her own abilities.

“When I do approach a new place or a new job, I can approach it with the idea that I am capable of being there and I am there for a reason.”

—Andraya Sudler ’26