“I take a very actor-centric and physical approach to directing."
I’m interested in how dynamic relationships between performers and audience members heighten the narrative within lost stories, portrayals of status throughout history, compassionate acts of forgiveness, and stage pictures that transcend realism. I believe that when a story is told well, it crosses bridges and oceans, and transcends language and cultural boundaries. I want to guide teams of artists to the point where the synthesis of all creative elements guides the living water of a story to the root of a community; so together, everyone collectively directs empathy and emotional intelligence upwards and out into the world.
I aim to do this with a lot of heart and laughter along the way. - Elena
I’m interested in how dynamic relationships between performers and audience members heighten the narrative within lost stories, portrayals of status throughout history, compassionate acts of forgiveness, and stage pictures that transcend realism. I believe that when a story is told well, it crosses bridges and oceans, and transcends language and cultural boundaries. I want to guide teams of artists to the point where the synthesis of all creative elements guides the living water of a story to the root of a community; so together, everyone collectively directs empathy and emotional intelligence upwards and out into the world.
I aim to do this with a lot of heart and laughter along the way. - Elena
Elena began directing with a group of fellow graduates from the William Esper Studio in a production of Becky Shaw by Gina Gionfriddo. Since then, she’s worked with Shiyr Productions on Overruled by G.B. Shaw, Carrying Helen by Marianne Hardart at the Cherry Lane Theatre, and Night Witches, through her own production company, Ground Rush Productions. She recently began directing film alongside Checker Liar Pictures for Brownstone Film's cop drama, Suction. She continues to further her skills as a director by emboldening her choices, working within the structured language of the Meisner acting technique, and seeking new and simple ways to bring stories to life.
by Members of the Ensemble, and inspired from “A Dance with Death: Soviet Airwomen of World War II" by Anne Noggle (devised)
Ground Rush Farm, Virginia, 2017
Ground Rush Farm, Virginia, 2017
press for "Overruled"
Directed by Elena Kritter for Shiyr Productions, the show moves with a bright, fun rapidity. […] With simple staging and lovely period costumes, the show is engaging and effective.
…it is amusing to realize that director Kritter has staged intimate, private conversations squarely in the middle of prying eyes.”
– Theatre is Easy
press for "Carrying Helen"
'Carrying Helen' exists somewhere between the land of the one-woman show, narrative dance, documentary theater, and traditional theater, blending the mediums with amazing synergy to tell a simple, compelling story. "
– Theatre Is Easy
Elena Kritter, the director, has kept the performers churning and frenzied in the face of seemingly impossible odds. She’s kept a firm hand on the pace and ensures that there is not too much sentimentality, but real experiences told in the moment. "
– NY Theatre Guide
press for "Becky Shaw"
Director Elena Kritter faces a daunting challenge of telling so many stories in a small space. She handles this with aplomb, making the stage feel bigger through the various configurations of the modular set to create several distinct environments, each with its own personality. This is no mean feat, as limited space also dictates a more limited theatrical gesture. One feels her assured directorial hand as she allows the actors to follow their own rhythms yet also keeps the swirling plot lines pretty well focused.”
– The Front Row Center
Elena Kritter provides smart direction, with informative pantomimes in each transition (made seamless by Andrew Diaz's minimal but malleable set pieces) that illuminate characters' states immediately before and after each scene.”
– Theatre is Easy