THE PROM
Directed by Rena Gavigan
Produced by Rhinebeck Theatre Society
KINKY BOOTS
Directed by Rena Gavigan & Dorothy Luongo
Produced by Rhinebeck Theatre Society
Directed by Rena Gavigan & Dorothy Luongo
Produced by Rhinebeck Theatre Society
"I have never worked with an intimacy coordinator before, but working with Rena was amazing. She was thorough in explaining her process and making my scene partner and I comfortable. As a director she kept up the same communication and openness. There was a moment where I was dealing with severe anxiety and she helped adjust the amount of people in the room, calm me down and guide me through the work we needed to do.”
Ashley, Lauren in Kinky Boots
“Rena is one of the most caring, thorough, and sincere artists I've ever worked with. This applies deeply to her directing and intimacy coordination. All of her work comes from a truly genuine place within her and it beams through everything she does, producing results that inspire us all to redefine what it means to do our best.”
Frank, Charlie in Kinky Boots
BOY by Anna Ziegler
Directed by Rena Gavigan
Produced by Rhinebeck Theatre Society
Inspired by a true story, BOY explores the complicated terrain of trying to find love in a new body, and the inextricable bonds between doctor and patient. In the 1960s, a well-intentioned doctor convinces the parents of a male infant to raise their son as a girl after a terrible accident. Two decades later, the repercussions of that choice continue to unfold.
February 3-13, 2022 at the Dutchess Pride Center and the Morton Memorial Library.
“Rena is an absolute dream director to work with. Not only is she insightful, prepared, and organized to a T, but she strikes that perfect balance of having a vision while also allowing her actors to play, explore, and bring their own voices to the work. Her passion and care inspire me to dig deeper and give the most authentic performance I can. Plus, her care for her actors is palpable, and she is always putting the well-being of the folks she works with first, which creates a wonderfully safe and supportive environment.”
Erin, Jenny in Boy
"On that first day of rehearsal, I noted how incredibly prepared Rena showed up as a director. It was really inspiring to me to see a young, female artist speak with such confidence and clarity to what she hoped to accomplish. She presented to us her vision for the project, her values for collaboration, mutual respect, rehearsal culture and expectations. Rena spent two weeks on tablework alone, which I was very grateful for, and delved deep into all the topics and nuances of this show. From discussing in depth LGBTQ+ glossary and terms, to the fascinating discussions about intimacy work in the theatre and how to approach it, Rena proved rehearsal after rehearsal that she was on top of her game."
Alex, Judy in Boy
“From the very beginning of rehearsals she discussed the importance of community agreements, land acknowledgments, and active consent with the cast. She paid attention to everything from creating natural blocking to assuring good audience sight lines working in the round to assuring proper COVID precautions were in place. I would gladly work with her again.”
Michael, Wendell in Boy
Photography by Olivia Michaels
Rena directed the world premiere of
Hungry Hearts by Ari Spence!
2nd Annual Family Pride in the Park!
Starring Ellie DeMan & Sophie Dora Tulchin
Rena directed three plays in
Arc Stages' First Annual Playwriting Festival,
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing"
Troupe 98, by Paige Zubel
Love’s Disenlightenment, by Jeff Dunne
Hong Kong Date Night, by Angela J. Davis
Rena directed the Touring Production of WIZARD OF OZ at the CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck!
As You Like It Cast & Crew at the CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
"Same Love" (Macklemore)
Choreography by Rena Gavigan
Choreography by Rena Gavigan
"OCD Poem" (Neil Hilborn)
Choreography by Rena Gavigan
Choreography by Rena Gavigan