How to Direct Almost, Maine | Insights from Playwright John Cariani

Learn how to direct Almost, Maine with insights from acclaimed playwright John Cariani. In this essential conversation for directors and actors, John shares powerful guidance on bringing emotional honesty, truth, and vulnerability to the stage, moving beyond typical interpretations.

If you're directing or acting in Almost, Maine (or any human-centered play!), this conversation with Tony Award-nominated playwright John Cariani is essential viewing. Don't forget to Like this video, Subscribe to Theatre Avenue for more insights, and leave a comment below with your biggest takeaway!

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Rather than asking “What would the character do?”, John challenges artists to ask something far more difficult—and more honest: What would you do if this were happening to you?

🎭 IN THIS VIDEO, YOU'LL DISCOVER

0:45 - The core question for actors: "What would you do?"
1:37 - Why theatre undervalues the drama of goodness and joy
2:09 - Why playing happiness on stage is harder than sadness
4:26 - The sentimental vs. romantic person in performance

John also explores why modern theatre often undervalues joy, how authentic happiness on stage is physically and emotionally demanding, and why ALMOST, MAINE resonates so deeply with audiences—especially in schools and community theatres.

This conversation is essential viewing for directors, drama teachers, actors, and students preparing ALMOST, MAINE or any play rooted in humanity, connection, and emotional truth.

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⭐ ABOUT JOHN CARIANI

John Cariani is a Tony Award–nominated actor and playwright best known for ALMOST, MAINE, one of the most produced plays in North America, with thousands of productions worldwide and translations in over a dozen languages.

As an actor, John has appeared on Broadway in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, SOMETHING ROTTEN, THE BAND'S VISIT and CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, earning an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony nomination. He is also widely known for his recurring role on LAW & ORDER.

John’s work—both onstage and on the page—celebrates empathy, vulnerability, humor, and the quiet power of human connection.

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