I have met many artists in my young life who are ambitious, inspired, and fiercely talented. I have even met a few who are all of this and, beyond that, kind. But rarely have I met anyone who is as creative, compassionate, and above all capable as Paul. Anyone can have big ideas, but it takes great skill to properly execute them. Working with Paul allowed me to see those skills in action. He was highly attentive to actors, incorporating table work, working props, and transitions into as much of the rehearsal process as possible so that nothing would come as an unwelcome surprise. He gave designers and technicians wonderfully detailed notes (the most helpfully specific I’ve seen from any director so far) and allowed them time and space to do what they do best- create. He drafted thoughtful, consistent schedules in collaboration with our Stage Manager that ensured every scene was accounted for and every company member was prepared. The result was a bulletproof production that was ready for tech with several days to spare before tech week was scheduled to begin. As he said himself, “If I got run over by a bus tomorrow, you good people would know what to do”. A production that runs so seamlessly is difficult to put together on any scale, but to cultivate such comfort and confidence in a company of high school students is truly a great achievement. I am grateful to have worked with him, and even more grateful to call him a friend.

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Paul as an assistant director on "Love's Labor's Lost." The experience was truly unforgettable, and it wouldn't have been possible without his guidance, leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence. From the very first day, I was struck by his passion for this project and his commitment to bringing Shakespeare's words to life in a way that was both authentic and accessible. His attention to detail and his willingness to explore new ideas helped to create a truly collaborative and inspiring environment that allowed everyone involved to grow and flourish. His leadership on this project was nothing short of exceptional. He created a culture of mutual respect and trust, where everyone felt comfortable sharing their ideas and contributing to the creative process. His ability to listen, to communicate clearly, and to provide constructive feedback helped us all to achieve our very best work. As an assistant director, I learned so much from him, and I will carry these lessons with me throughout my career. His commitment to his craft, and his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him are qualities that I aspire to emulate in my own work. But most of all, I want to thank Paul for his kindness and his generosity. He took the time to mentor me and to help me develop my skills as a director, even when he were under intense pressure to meet deadlines and make decisions. His patience, his encouragement, and his support meant more to me than he can possibly imagine. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible experience of working with him on "Love's Labor's Lost." He is a truly remarkable director, and I feel honored to have been a part of his team. I hope that we will have the opportunity to work together again in the future.

I had the opportunity to assist Paul on The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Great River Shakespeare Festival a few years ago. It was my first (and favorite) assisting experience. It was great to see how much of what I was learning in the classroom of my directing M.F.A. was embodied in Paul’s directing. He is a master of stagecraft: from him, I developed a deeper understanding of table work, strategies for early blocking rehearsals, communicating with designers, problem solving with actors, working moment-to-moment, and always making sure the story is being told. The most valuable thing that I walked away from the internship with was seeing how a director is the “father” of the production. Paul has the gift of making people feel included, valued, and free to express, play, and try things. I learned that a director needs a keen awareness of the sensitivities, efforts, and talents of all members of the production. He is very caring, and a passionate educator at heart. He wants to get to know his assistants; he wants to make sure they are learning. I always felt so included and a member of the production. Beyond the internship, Paul has continued to provide valuable advice and mentorship about navigating this challenging, but very rewarding career. I am grateful that if I ever need a phone call to ask for advice, he is happy to chat and catch up!

Before anything, Paul Barnes is a teacher: one who has left an indelible imprint on my approach to leadership and directing. When assisting Paul, you're privileged to learn both by example and by direct transmission. A master of clear storytelling, Paul consistently takes time to explain his approach to the work by spelling out the "why and how" of his process. He has the unique gift of building communities of collaborative artists that work with respect, integrity, and love. Watching Paul talk to designers, watching him interact with his cast and crew has been enormously instructive. From him, I have developed deep respect for the individuals working at every stage of a theatrical process, I have learned to say thank you, to know every individual's name, and the value of fostering personal relationships. I have learned that details matter. Paul is always ready to answer questions about his process - and has dedicated himself to creating communities and collaboration across generations. As a mentor, I've so appreciated his willingness and enthusiasm for watching my growth and allowing me to offer what I can to the rehearsal room. Paul understands and appreciates the naïveté and enthusiasm of early-career artists: something unique in established directors and something which makes him an ideal mentor. Observing Paul for nearly a decade and assisting him directly on several productions has been a highlight of my early career.

Assistant Directing can often fall into two categories: Passive and Active. Passive experiences I would describe as observing opportunities; a time to stay silent; a time to take notes and not get in the way of the work. I mention this because to understand assisting Paul Barnes it is imperative to know just how active a role you play. Assistant Directing for Paul is Directing. It’s taking notes, giving opinions, checking sight lines, doing research, late nights, early mornings, and always collaborative. It’s repetition, it’s specificity, it’s no egos allowed, and it’s a whole lot of trust. Assisting Paul is an opportunity to learn from someone who never stops learning himself. He’s constantly passing notes and giving advice about what he thinks makes great theatre. What is so important about my time assistant directing for Paul, which I would do on any show he asked, is that the dialogue between us never ceases. The dialogue of director to director, mentee to mentor, and friend to friend, is open well after the show closes. If you are fortunate enough to enter this conversation I would highly recommend sitting up, paying attention, and I guarantee you will learn worlds from each other.

I had the inspiring opportunity to assist Paul Mason Barnes on a production of MACBETH in 2008. He electrifies the room with a creative energy charged by his knowledge, experience and warmth. In working with him, I gained immense insight into the craft of directing both in the rehearsal room and behind the scenes. The lessons I learned by working with him are still with me today. He has a clear vision and yet trusts his team of artists to fully collaborate in the creative process. Paul was always willing to answer my questions and hear my thoughts. Better yet, Paul entrusted me to to flex my directorial muscles by working with actors and staging scenes, mainly the witch sequences. His trust and generosity in these moments not only allowed me to hone directorial techniques but develop a deep sense of self-confidence and pride in my work. Paul was and remains a supportive, generous and talented mentor who inspires in me a hunger to learn more, do more and risk more. Work with this man if you have the chance. Thanks for everything, Paul!

Paul is a director who leads by example, communicates clearly and kindly, and works to make rehearsals a worthwhile experience for the entire company. He is also a master at his craft and a joy to watch work. When I worked with him on The Madwoman of Chaillot, he always took time to explain his thought process through each rehearsal, providing deeper insight to my observations. Paul always made sure to point out not just what he was doing, but why. Through him, I learned to let the play “work on me” every time I see it, I gained practical knowledge of blocking techniques, and I have a greater understanding of how to communicate with actors, designers, and a stage manager. Paul gave me a voice in the room, and I always felt appreciated. Whether it’s doing research, checking sightlines, or asking questions, Paul welcomes your input and wants you to walk away having learned something and contributed to the production every day. I have never assisted a director as caring, attentive, and thoughtful as Paul. He has a special way of creating an environment where everyone feels valued. He wants to hear from you, during and after the production, and he cares about your growth and development as an artist. Paul is an inspirational leader and storyteller, as well as a wonderful mentor and friend.

One often hears rumors of Paul Barnes’ productions, but I had the rare opportunity to be involved in two consecutively: I first worked as an actor in The Madwoman of Chaillot at the Clarence Brown Theatre, and then transitioned into an assistant director on Paul’s production of Macbeth at the Great River Shakespeare Festival. Having this dual perspective on his creative process, I can safely say that there is never a stone left unturned in a Paul Barnes piece, and if there is, it’s because he’s turned that stone before and you don’t want to know what’s underneath. I immediately connected with his sense of efficiency and dedication to the task at hand. The belief that preparedness and focus lead to the best discoveries is omnipresent in Paul’s room. Watching his manner tune to those in the room was a masterclass in understanding what disparate actors and members of the creative team need in the moment. I may have learned the most outside of the rehearsal room, as we would sit with the notes taken over the course of the day’s work and parse them into actionable items for each actor based on their own vernacular and how they would best respond to the text. Beyond the technical skills of being a director, what an assistant gains from working with Paul is an ally and confidant. Always ready to listen and explain, Paul’s lessons on directing blur into lessons about life and vice versa. He always encouraged me, the cast, and creatives to keep asking questions, because he is always asking them himself.