Elena Cho is a director whose work centers on intimate, ensemble-driven productions that amplify community voices. With roots in stage management, Cho transitioned to directing through new play development, bringing a technical eye and collaborative spirit to her productions. "My practice begins at the table, moves through the body, and opens early conversations about design," she says. "I create space for actors to bring their lived experiences into the story—that's where authenticity lives."
Her artistic influences span from classical to contemporary, drawing inspiration from varied theatrical voices. Cho studies the precision of Stephen Sondheim, the lyricism of Sarah Ruhl, and the movement-based approach of Anne Bogart. "Outside the canon, I study street life—how people pause, negotiate space, and improvise grace. I'm trying to bring that truth to the stage," she explains. Her work often reflects the courage found in August Wilson's worlds and the tender humor of Keiko Green.
Currently, Cho is directing a two-week workshop of an original play by a local poet at Warehouse Arts, offering pay-what-you-can tickets to ensure accessibility. She's also launching "First Drafts, Warm Lights," a monthly reading series providing emerging writers public exposure and actors valuable performance opportunities. Fall will see her helming a site-specific production in a community garden, working in partnership with neighborhood organizations.
Beyond her directorial work, Cho actively mentors student directors and opens her rehearsals to the public, believing in transparency of process. "My goal is to make theater porous: more doors in, fewer barriers, deeper care," she reflects. "Story thrives when it shares a table." This philosophy extends to her cross-disciplinary collaborations with musicians, visual artists, and even culinary creators, as she continually seeks new ways to expand theatrical boundaries while maintaining community connections.