Today, we’re thrilled to launch our new “Directors Assemble” series on the Front Row Blog with a spotlight on Divya K., director of Excuse Me by Amir Razavi. Divya has been a familiar face at Encore in so many roles, from cast member and backstage crew to front of house, stage management, and even mini-camp counselor. Now, she is stepping into an exciting new role as a first-time director! We caught up with Divya to learn more about her creative process, her vision for Excuse Me, and what this new chapter means to her. We’re delighted to share her story with you.
We are so excited to see you direct Excuse Me! Can you please tell us what it’s about and why you chose it?
Excuse Me is a comedic skit about a man with commitment issues. I chose this piece because I found it funny and it seemed interesting to put on. It made me laugh. I think audience members can relate to the overall message of this story because meeting new people can be scary.
What shows and programs have you participated in with Encore? Are there any upcoming Encore shows in our Season of Dreams that you will be involved in?
I have been in cast for many shows including Charlotte’s Web (2023) and Mystery at Shady Acres (2023). I stage managed The Best Haunted House Ever (2025) and am currently co-stage managing Dare to Dream JR (2026).
Now that you have many years of theatre experience, how excited are you to take the next step and direct? What are you looking forward to about it?
I am thrilled to have the chance to direct a show, especially with Encore since it is such a fun community! I thought it would be fun to learn different roles in the theater, I have never gotten the chance to direct before. It sounded cool and exciting. I am most looking forward to seeing the final result from hours of rehearsals. I always enjoy when the show finally comes together. It’s satisfying.
Who is a director that inspires you and why?
My middle school theater department directors, Ms. Hunter and Mr. Jonas inspire me because in spite of all the chaotic children, they were able to create a fun theater production which sparked my passion for theater.
What are your favorite aspects of theatre and is there a moment you’ve felt proud of your work that you’d like to share?
I was really proud of myself and the entire cast and crew of WL’s Hadestown! I thought it was a phenomenal show with really cool effects and choreography.
What are you most excited for audiences to see at Student Directed One-Act Plays?
I am excited for the audiences to see the effort and creativity the entire team put into their production.
This is our second annual student directed one-act plays. What advice do you have for the student director’s that will follow your footsteps?
I would tell a future student director to take breaths and be flexible when something goes unplanned.
This is Encore’s Season of Dreams, what are your dreams and goals for this production? How do you hope to achieve them?
I hope to create fun — but productive rehearsals. I hope to achieve them by playing games that everybody enjoys but keeping track of time and ensuring the cast is focused during blocking and running the show.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Divya! We’ve got five more directors assembling, so check back with us soon to see who is next. And be sure to get your tickets to Student Directed One-Act Plays, running April 17-19 at Theatre On the Run.
Divya K. (She/Her) is a sophomore at Washington Liberty High School. She has enjoyed performing in the cast, her favorites are Hadestown, Charlotte’s Web, Mystery at Shady Acres and Matilda. She enjoys working in the crew at Encore. Some shows she has been in crew are The Lion King JR and The Wizard of Oz. Earlier this year she got to stage manage Encore’s The Best Haunted House Ever. In her limited free time, Divya enjoys crocheting or attempting to knit while watching television shows such as Friends.
Photo Credit Cindy Kane Photography and Emma Crawford, other photos courtesy of Divya K.