DARREN LAWSON
STAGE DIRECTOR

Crafting memorable stories...one production at a time.
About
Darren Lawson...passionate storyteller.
Darren Lawson, PhD is Dean Emeritus of the School of Fine Arts & Communication at a nationally recognized university in South Carolina. For 27 years, he oversaw the university’s academic programs in art and design, music, communication, and theatre. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he was producer for all stage productions in the university's 2,600-seat performance venue and a frequent stage director in this historic space. A winner of multiple national awards, he stage directed many grand opera productions (Aida, Samson et Dalila, Il Trovatore, Andrea Chénier, Mefistofele, Rigoletto, and others) and musical theatre shows (Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Titanic: The Musical, A Tale of Two Cities: The Musical, Little Women: The Broadway Musical). He was also a frequent actor in the university's repertoire theatre group, portraying such roles as Cyrano in Cyrano de Bergerac, Leontes in The Winter’s Tale, Gloucester in King Lear, Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jaques in As You Like It, and many more.

Opera Directing
Opera Gallery
Darren has over 20 years of experience directing national award-winning operas for the stage.
Dana Beth Miller
Mezzo/contralto
"I have sung with opera companies all over the world, and Darren Lawson ranks among the top directors in the business. During our production of Samson et Dalila, he displayed a clear, concise, and supremely elegant artistic vision, with an impeccable attention to detail. He is an incredible collaborator, always allowing the artists freedom to create within his framework. The passion and vision that he brings to his work are infectious and were an inspiration to the entire cast and crew on the Rodeheaver Auditorium stage. It was an absolute honor to be a part of the rich operatic history at BJU, with Darren at the helm.”
Brandon Hendrickson
Baritone
"Darren Lawson brings a perfect balance of clarity and creative freedom to his stage direction in the realms of both musical theater and opera. I had the privilege of being directed by Darren in two large-scale, epic productions: Titanic the Musical as Captain E.J. Smith and Samson et Dalila as the High Priest. His vision for both productions was both grand and precise. He provided a wonderfully creative working environment where my personal interpretation could complement his thoughtful and cohesive concepts for these enormous productions. Working with Darren was truly a first-rate and inspiring experience. I very much look forward to working with him again on future productions."
Angela Horn-Barrett
Mezzo Soprano
"Darren Lawson is a visionary, a master craftsman. He has an incredible ability to immerse the players on stage in his beautiful world of imagination. He fosters an environment of respect, trust and teamwork, allowing each artist to contribute to the creative process. The artists and audiences leave the theater after each performance having been on a journey to better understand their humanity. Over the years, every show I have ever done with Darren Lawson has been a welcome blessing."
Eugene Richards III
Bass-Baritone
"Working with Darren on Don Giovanni was a wonderful experience that I hope to be able to repeat. His way with artists allows us to be comfortable asking questions and making choices to find what works best in the staging as well as for the artists. The atmosphere Darren creates as a stage director builds comradery among the cast and naturally this leads to great performances!"
David Ward
Basso Buffo and Stage Director
"Darren Lawson’s productions sparkle! His storytelling is direct and authentic. He creates an atmosphere that invites the audience to enter into the tale he is weaving. Darren’s creative vision is impressive, and he actively engages his performers to be a part of it. He is a singer’s director, nurturing performances and allowing performers to discover their character, both guiding and staying out of the way. He has a clever eye for the visual aspects of a production and his Cenerentola (producer) was the most clever in which I have appeared. He’s a great storyteller because he trusts and respects both the material and his artists, and he’s not afraid to have fun!"
Indra Thomas
Soprano
"Darren Lawson is an innovative and caring stage director. This was evident when he directed me at Rodeheaver Auditorium at BJU's opera production of Aida, where I played the title character. His stellar and beautiful interpretation of this timeless opera left a lasting impression on me. I was particularly impressed by the preparation of the BJU students who participated in the production. Thank you, Darren, for such a memorable experience. May God continue to bless you in your future endeavors."
WATCH NOW

Aida - Full-length Archival Recording

Il Trovatore - Le fosche notturne (Anvil Chorus)

Il Trovatore - Or co' dadi, ma fra poco (Soldiers' Chorus)
Musical Theatre Directing
Musical Theatre Gallery
Darren's extensive stage directing experience can be seen in multiple, national award-winning musical theatre productions.
Olivia Vadnais
Actor/Singer
"Working with Darren is a dream. While highly organized and possessing a clear vision, he also leaves plenty of space for his actors to play and discover in process. In his dedication to serving the work - never his own ego - Darren finds a balance between a sturdy hand of guidance and a willingness to hear ideas, creating a wonderful creative and collaborative environment. Everyone working on one of Darren’s shows feels they are part of the team. His knowledge of and appreciation for musicianship of his actors and orchestra is a huge asset to any production, working in tandem with his extensive stagecraft expertise to create a rich experience that’s a feast for the eyes and the ears. I would work with Darren again in a heartbeat."
Tony Mowatt
Actor/Singer
"Working with Darren is a privilege. As a director, he’s smart, detailed, and collaborative. As a human being, he’s compassionate, patient, and kind. Darren has an uncanny ability to bring his humanity to his work. He leads with his heart and never places himself above the job at hand. He creates a safe environment where actors are encouraged to explore. Darren is beyond special; and his artistic voice is imprinted on every piece he tackles. He’s one of those directors that could call me up on a Monday and I’d drop everything to do a show with him on Tuesday."
Caitlin Mesiano
Singer/Actor/Dancer
“I had the pleasure of working with Darren on Little Women: The Musical in the 2,600-seat Rodeheaver Auditorium. To bring such an intimate story to life in such an impressively large space is truly a talent in itself. His directing style and skilled staging ability helped audience members even in the very furthest seats from the stage feel connected and included in the storytelling.”
Megan Stapleton
Soprano
"Dr. Darren Lawson is a director I fully trust. I love doing projects with him not only because he always creates a beautiful show, but also because I know that I am going to be safe and supported under his direction. Darren is known for facilitating a stable, happy environment for his cast and crew. He minimizes drama, frequently protecting his performers from any stressors that arise so they can focus on their job on the stage. He has a generous spirit and a great listening ear. I always feel comfortable going to him to discuss questions or ideas about my creative process. Stability, encouragement, mutual trust, healthy communication, joyful art-making, and a fantastic production: this is what you will always get with Dr. Lawson at the helm."
Patrick Dunn
Actor/Singer
If you ever find yourself lucky enough to work with Darren Lawson, consider yourself in the company of one of the most dedicated and talented directors in the business. Having made my Broadway debut at age 12, and being lucky enough to work with directorial legends from Hal Prince to Susan Stroman - I consider Dr. Lawson amongst my top. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Darren on three separate productions, and each time was an experience worth repeating—so much so that I didn’t need a second ask to sign up again.
Darren’s approach to directing is nothing short of a masterclass in preparation and trust-building. He leaves no stone un-turned in his pre-rehearsal dramaturgical research, making sure that everyone on and off the stage is well-equipped to present the best product possible. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with someone who balances vision with practicality, Darren is your man.
When I first auditioned for Darren, it was clear he understood what I could bring to the stage. More importantly, he made it known that he valued the process just as much as the performance. From then on, whenever Darren called, my answer was a resounding yes—so loud, in fact, my agents probably wondered if I still needed them. I knew I didn’t need to negotiate pay, perks, or privileges because Darren would always take care of his actors – both on stage and off.
Being an actor with Darren at the helm feels more like being part of a close-knit crew than just a cast. He creates an environment where creative risks are encouraged, and every role feels essential. Darren’s success isn’t just in the final product, but in the atmosphere he creates: one where everyone feels valued, supported, and eager to be there. If I’m ever lucky enough to have him steer the ship again, I’ll happily climb aboard—fourth time’s the charm, right?
If you’re looking for a director who leads with expertise, kindness, and a good laugh along the way, Darren Lawson is your best bet.
WATCH NOW

Little Women_ The Broadway Musical Preview
