Hot People Island by Deana Velandra
In September of 2025 I directed a new full length comedy, Hot People Island by Deana Velandra. The world premiere took place at the Cornservatory for a nearly sold out run. The title describes the show: A love island style parody with an obvious amount of laughs, and a surprising amount of heart. With a large cast (12 principal, 3 swings), It was an undertaking on a small black box stage. I focused on the balance of comedy, and humanity in this production. As a reality tv lover myself, it is really easy to fall into the cycle of viewing contestants as characters. Interpersonal relationships are very prevalent in this show unsurprisingly, and I found great joy in guiding all the moments of connection in this show. While still keeping it zany and fun! This show was Chicago Reader recommended!
Maddi LeBlanc is everything you want in a director. As an artist, Maddi is intelligent and imaginative, always encouraging actors to dig deeper and explore the details of a particular beat. She asks thought-provoking questions and provides meaningful insights, and is always more than willing to hear other ideas and consider other perspectives. As a leader, Maddi runs a tight ship while maintaining a joyful and equitable atmosphere. She shows the utmost respect for the material at hand, the production team, and the cast and crew, treating each and every person involved as a peer and fellow collaborator.
-Tom Cannan, Tom in Hot People Island
When Maddi is in the director’s chair, you know you are in a great working environment. Her ability to communicate her vision, adapt as needed, and make space for exploration has been a unique experience, I truly treasure. There is so much mutual trust and guidance that I always feel safe trying out new ideas and bits.
- Trisha Stigge
Sandy in Hot People Island
Trisha Stigge (Left), Triniti Cruz (Center) and Sarah Seidler in
Hot People Island.
Jonathan Castillo (Left), Emma Mansfield (center) and Triniti Cruz
in Hot People Island
Tom Cannan (left) and Blaire Prince in Hot People Island.
The Humans by Stephen Karam
I directed The Humans around Thanksgiving 2022, in an intimate space with no room for the two story set. This did not hinder the final product of the show in the slightest, and I couldn't be prouder of the production. Casting age appropriate actors who had the depth and understanding of their characters really brought the show to life. My concept for a dual quality light plot with a staircase that entered and exited through the middle panel of the space made for a story that read effortlessly and left many audience members deeply moved.
Rehearsal shot of Zoe Nemetz (Left) and Margaret Rogers (Right) as Brigid and Aimee Blake.
Rehearsal shot of Mike Speller (Left) and Margaret Rogers (Right) as Erik and Aimee Blake.
Hookman
My senior thesis directing project was Hookman by Lauren Yee at the Boston Conservatory. This stylized piece was a dream to direct ever since I did a scene as Lexi in my acting class Junior year. Technical complexity, as well as rooting truth in a heightened realism piece was a challenge that left me feeling very rewarded. As a director, I am drawn to pieces with intense and striking character development. In Hookman, Lexi is not really a "good person" in a lot of ways, but also is going through intense grief. I loved working with my team to examine the idea of the relative morality, especially when your grief is following you around like a serial killer.
"Maddi made my first production at BoCo an incredible experience. She cultivated a safe and comfortable rehearsal environment, and encouraged risk taking. Maddi balanced fun and professionalism in such an effective way. She slays the day away!" -Sophie Lindwall, Jess
"Working with Maddi was one of the biggest highlights of my year! She conducted rehearsals with professionalism while simultaneously creating a space for us to have fun and explore ourselves as performers." -Claire May, Yoonji