Artistic Philosophy
My art is for everyone. When I make a play, I want anyone to be able to engage with it, regardless of what their background might be. Nowadays, Shakespeare is considered high culture. In his time, however, going to the theater was more like going to the movies today, in terms of its cultural status and economic threshold. Theatre and film are two different art forms, but the theater can be just as welcoming and accessible an environment as a movie house. When I say “accessible,” I am not saying that Shakespeare plays need to be simplified, nor made flashy with special effects. Rather, I mean that an actor who truly understands the language can make it clear to any audience member. The same holds true with plays of any era; the understanding of the artist becomes the understanding of the audience.
Directing Portfolio
Kind Words
- Lynn Beaver of BroadwayWorld: "Deb Streusand's direction is masterful. It's always wonderful to see a director who understands the material and can bring it to a modern audience so effortlessly."
- Michael Meigs of CTX Live Theatre: Director Streusand's movement of the characters is graceful and measured."
- T. Lynn Mikeska of the Austin Chronicle: With director Deb Streusand at the helm, this fabulous group of feisty females recontextualizes Richard III's played-out plotline, taking it from the doldrums to dynamite for Women Who Act."
Trailer for my production of Shakespeare's Cymbeline:
Photo Gallery
Click any image below for a description of the show I directed and more photos.