True's Direction | Theatrical Director

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TRUE

SMITH

TRUE
SMITH

AVOCADO

AVOCADO

PLANO

PLANO

LUNGS

LUNGS

AVOCADO

AVOCADO

1/10

TRUE'S DIRECTION

Holistic theatre artist, rooted in community and activism.

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REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN.

so very excited! be there March 1st-9th! #tablework #rehearsals

so very excited! be there March 1st-9th! #tablework #rehearsals

I wanted to share some projects I have had the privilege of contributing to in 2024!

In order of appearance:
—————
- Assistant Director: “Every Brilliant Thing,” directed by @evette_srouji
- Intimacy Consultant: “The Early Girl,” directed by @elithabef
- Fight Director: “Bethany,” directed by @sarahctherine
- Intimacy and Fight Director: “A Kind Summer's Quest,” directed by @raeby.baeby

——
I am also incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow my craft and to have worked with such remarkable people. Thank you!

I wanted to share some projects I have had the privilege of contributing to in 2024!

In order of appearance:
—————
- Assistant Director: “Every Brilliant Thing,” directed by @evette_srouji
- Intimacy Consultant: “The Early Girl,” directed by @elithabef
- Fight Director: “Bethany,” directed by @sarahctherine
- Intimacy and Fight Director: “A Kind Summer's Quest,” directed by @raeby.baeby

——
I am also incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow my craft and to have worked with such remarkable people. Thank you!

My summer internship with Su Teatro!
-
I am thrilled to announce that my fantastic Diversity in the Arts Internship with Su Teatro has become a year-round, full-time position! I am so grateful for this opportunity and am excited to continue learning and working with such an inspiring nonprofit and its intelligent and caring staff. The support from my Su Teatro Familia has been overwhelming, and I feel truly blessed. Starting my career in the arts with a position at a community- and activism-based theatre that has been around for over 50 years is a dream come true!

My summer internship with Su Teatro!
-
I am thrilled to announce that my fantastic Diversity in the Arts Internship with Su Teatro has become a year-round, full-time position! I am so grateful for this opportunity and am excited to continue learning and working with such an inspiring nonprofit and its intelligent and caring staff. The support from my Su Teatro Familia has been overwhelming, and I feel truly blessed. Starting my career in the arts with a position at a community- and activism-based theatre that has been around for over 50 years is a dream come true!

Here are some moments I wanted to share from AVOCADO written by the brilliant @eveensler

I hope this glimpse into the production can stand as a testament to my actor’s brilliant work and trust in this piece (I miss all of your sweet faces)
@jayycie.b
@elithabef
@kieracrouch
@pineappledeedee

!!Please watch this video at your discretion; this piece contains language regarding human trafficking, such as sexual abuse/ violence/ murder.

AVOCADO was a part of the @unc_colorado One Act Festival this past spring.

Here are some moments I wanted to share from AVOCADO written by the brilliant @eveensler

I hope this glimpse into the production can stand as a testament to my actor’s brilliant work and trust in this piece (I miss all of your sweet faces)
@jayycie.b
@elithabef
@kieracrouch
@pineappledeedee

!!Please watch this video at your discretion; this piece contains language regarding human trafficking, such as sexual abuse/ violence/ murder.

AVOCADO was a part of the @unc_colorado One Act Festival this past spring.

AVOCADO
Written by V ENSLER

Director- TRUE SMITH
Stage Manger- KAELEIGH GRIZZLE

Women- JAYCIE STIDNT, DEE DEE MARTIN,
ELI SUDMEIER, KIERA CROUCH

“Can you smell it? It takes courage”
My directing capstone.
I’m at a loss for words; this show means the world to me. With such sincere gratitude, thank you to my brave, harrowing actors; you four are the light in all its meaning. I’m grateful for the uncomfortable, empathetic audience. You witnessed these women and felt it all with us; thank you. Thank you.

Produced by the University of Northern Colorado- One Act Festival

Production Photos: @belleshand

AVOCADO
Written by V ENSLER

Director- TRUE SMITH
Stage Manger- KAELEIGH GRIZZLE

Women- JAYCIE STIDNT, DEE DEE MARTIN,
ELI SUDMEIER, KIERA CROUCH

“Can you smell it? It takes courage”
My directing capstone.
I’m at a loss for words; this show means the world to me. With such sincere gratitude, thank you to my brave, harrowing actors; you four are the light in all its meaning. I’m grateful for the uncomfortable, empathetic audience. You witnessed these women and felt it all with us; thank you. Thank you.

Produced by the University of Northern Colorado- One Act Festival

Production Photos: @belleshand

AVOCADO
Written by V ENSLER
One Act Festival in Norton Theatre
Tonight (4/27) 7:30pm
Tomorrow (4/28) 2:00pm

This story is so significant to us all. This cast is so brave. This show is the paramount of my directing. What more can I say? Please be there.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic and Vulgar Language surrounding sexual abuse/sexual assault/sexual violence/ Murder/human trafficking/

Beautiful photos by the lovely @belleshand

AVOCADO
Written by V ENSLER
One Act Festival in Norton Theatre
Tonight (4/27) 7:30pm
Tomorrow (4/28) 2:00pm

This story is so significant to us all. This cast is so brave. This show is the paramount of my directing. What more can I say? Please be there.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic and Vulgar Language surrounding sexual abuse/sexual assault/sexual violence/ Murder/human trafficking/

Beautiful photos by the lovely @belleshand

Missing the joy it was to be the Assistant Director for Seussical! I’m forever grateful to work alongside such talented people and to be granted this opportunity to help bring life to a world that comforted me as a child. 💗💗

SEUSSICAL
Musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Directed by Sheryl McCallum
Music Director, Victor Walter
Choreographer, Kimberly Clay
Costume Designer, Lauren Kensley
Sound Designer, Matt Pappas
Lighting Designer, Thomas Woolner
Scenic & Projections, DJ Pike & Evan Williams

Pictured Performers
Anderson Arneson as Horton the Elephant
Kyle Yoder as Jojo
Song Featured “Alone in the Universe”

Missing the joy it was to be the Assistant Director for Seussical! I’m forever grateful to work alongside such talented people and to be granted this opportunity to help bring life to a world that comforted me as a child. 💗💗

SEUSSICAL
Musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Directed by Sheryl McCallum
Music Director, Victor Walter
Choreographer, Kimberly Clay
Costume Designer, Lauren Kensley
Sound Designer, Matt Pappas
Lighting Designer, Thomas Woolner
Scenic & Projections, DJ Pike & Evan Williams

Pictured Performers
Anderson Arneson as Horton the Elephant
Kyle Yoder as Jojo
Song Featured “Alone in the Universe”

Thank you thank you for bringing me into your space and this project! Every show I am brought on as an Intimacy Director for truly allows for such a vulnerable human experience that I am so fulfilled by. I appreciate the trust I am given to do this work.

NEVER THE SINNER
by John Logan
Performed March 29th and 30th, 2024, at the Hensel-Phelps Theater in the Union Colony Civic Center

Director: Samantha Heppenstall
Assistant Director: Helene Brimhall
Stage Manager: Shellee Schwartz
Assistant Stage Manager: Eli Sudmeier
Technical Director: Kate Doust
Intimacy Director: True Smith
Choreographer: Jessica Fink
Scenic Designer: Kate Doust
Scenic Assistant: Maizie Haupt
Lighting Designer: Connor Sheets
Sound Designer: Ellie Hull
Costume Designer: Chess Woodie
Props Master: Savanna Steinhoff
Lead Dramaturg: Willow Johnston
Assistant Dramaturg: Makenzie Couch
Production Photography: Amy Joy James
Scenic Photography and Marketing: Maizie Haupt

CAST
*Nathan Leopold: Tyler Cox (left side)
*Richard Loeb: Brian Davis (right side)
Robert Crowe: B Cronk
Clarence Darrow: Caden Riehle
Germaine Reinhardt/Reporter: Sunny Wolf
Dr. White/Reporter: Abby Pilgrim
Dr. Bowman/Reporter: Saoirse Galligan
Dr. Hulbert/Reporter: Ella Lindenberg
Sgt. Gortland/Reporter: Mark Gomez
*Pictured Above

Thank you thank you for bringing me into your space and this project! Every show I am brought on as an Intimacy Director for truly allows for such a vulnerable human experience that I am so fulfilled by. I appreciate the trust I am given to do this work.

NEVER THE SINNER
by John Logan
Performed March 29th and 30th, 2024, at the Hensel-Phelps Theater in the Union Colony Civic Center

Director: Samantha Heppenstall
Assistant Director: Helene Brimhall
Stage Manager: Shellee Schwartz
Assistant Stage Manager: Eli Sudmeier
Technical Director: Kate Doust
Intimacy Director: True Smith
Choreographer: Jessica Fink
Scenic Designer: Kate Doust
Scenic Assistant: Maizie Haupt
Lighting Designer: Connor Sheets
Sound Designer: Ellie Hull
Costume Designer: Chess Woodie
Props Master: Savanna Steinhoff
Lead Dramaturg: Willow Johnston
Assistant Dramaturg: Makenzie Couch
Production Photography: Amy Joy James
Scenic Photography and Marketing: Maizie Haupt

CAST
*Nathan Leopold: Tyler Cox (left side)
*Richard Loeb: Brian Davis (right side)
Robert Crowe: B Cronk
Clarence Darrow: Caden Riehle
Germaine Reinhardt/Reporter: Sunny Wolf
Dr. White/Reporter: Abby Pilgrim
Dr. Bowman/Reporter: Saoirse Galligan
Dr. Hulbert/Reporter: Ella Lindenberg
Sgt. Gortland/Reporter: Mark Gomez
*Pictured Above

I wanted to share this moment I captured of PLANO by Will Arbery. Which I had the absolute privilege to direct last fall. After reading this section of the play, I was left emotional; I was left wanting more, the more that could only come from putting the words physically into the world. This video is a small testament that doesn’t nearly do justice to the cast, especially my three sisters and mom. I appreciate you all living in your character's vulnerability and sincerity. I miss working with you all every day. Please enjoy a snippet back in time to October of 2023.

Please note this video contains mature themes and brief simulated violence; watch at your discretion. If you would like a comprehensive list of triggers, please DM me.

Featuring Emerson McGuire, Adrian Coleman, and Via Gaizutis.

I wanted to share this moment I captured of PLANO by Will Arbery. Which I had the absolute privilege to direct last fall. After reading this section of the play, I was left emotional; I was left wanting more, the more that could only come from putting the words physically into the world. This video is a small testament that doesn’t nearly do justice to the cast, especially my three sisters and mom. I appreciate you all living in your character's vulnerability and sincerity. I miss working with you all every day. Please enjoy a snippet back in time to October of 2023.

Please note this video contains mature themes and brief simulated violence; watch at your discretion. If you would like a comprehensive list of triggers, please DM me.

Featuring Emerson McGuire, Adrian Coleman, and Via Gaizutis.

VOICEMAILS FROM ANOTHER HOME
My playwright debut. Thank you for the trust and vulnerability, my sweet friend Amy Joy. Thank you for the collaboration, Sarah, and thank you to my three callers for your heartfelt nuances.

If you wish to watch this play, you can find it through my website, link in my bio. Thank you for being a witness to my work and making it real. 🖤🖤🖤

Production Photos: @pineapplemaizie315

VOICEMAILS FROM ANOTHER HOME
My playwright debut. Thank you for the trust and vulnerability, my sweet friend Amy Joy. Thank you for the collaboration, Sarah, and thank you to my three callers for your heartfelt nuances.

If you wish to watch this play, you can find it through my website, link in my bio. Thank you for being a witness to my work and making it real. 🖤🖤🖤

Production Photos: @pineapplemaizie315

Last week was fortunately filled with producing “Muliebrity: A New Play Festival” and the upper-level director portfolio showcase. Organizing and curating this event was an extreme joy and wouldn’t have been possible without everyone involved. A huge thank you to the @dirtunco team and specifically my co-producer @sarahctherine, all the fantastic playwrights, directors, actors, and the supportive STAD faculty. I feel proud of my women-written/women-directed showcase idea, baby; thank you for enjoying this experience and these women with me.

Last week was fortunately filled with producing “Muliebrity: A New Play Festival” and the upper-level director portfolio showcase. Organizing and curating this event was an extreme joy and wouldn’t have been possible without everyone involved. A huge thank you to the @dirtunco team and specifically my co-producer @sarahctherine, all the fantastic playwrights, directors, actors, and the supportive STAD faculty. I feel proud of my women-written/women-directed showcase idea, baby; thank you for enjoying this experience and these women with me.

this piece means so much to me <3
———
Muliebrity \myoo-lee-EB-ruh-tee\ noun. : the quality of being a woman: femininity
NEW PLAY FESTIVAL (3/21 & 3/22)

“Voicemails from another home”
photo credit: @pineapplemaizie315

this piece means so much to me <3
———
Muliebrity \myoo-lee-EB-ruh-tee\ noun. : the quality of being a woman: femininity
NEW PLAY FESTIVAL (3/21 & 3/22)

“Voicemails from another home”
photo credit: @pineapplemaizie315

FELLTOUNGE
Written by JO STEELE

Director- TRUE SMITH
Assistant Director- JO STEELE
Stage Manager-KRISTIN OLIVE

Dodrick FELLTONGUE Sr- ADAM JOHNSON DODRICK Felltongue Jr- TAYLOR MOCK
LINORA Questing- AMY JOY JAMES
Jonathon �“NATHON”- DAVIAN HARRIS
MICHEL Questing- KAYLEE WEATHERFORD
HEDDA Felltongue- FELIZ MARTINEZ
JONATHON Whitefoot- AIDAN WIGGINTON
ANSEL Kindly- CJ GISEBURT
NARRATOR- RAE DEBORD

Staged Reading Produced by @dirtunco

Production Photos: @pineapplemaizie315

FELLTOUNGE
Written by JO STEELE

Director- TRUE SMITH
Assistant Director- JO STEELE
Stage Manager-KRISTIN OLIVE

Dodrick FELLTONGUE Sr- ADAM JOHNSON DODRICK Felltongue Jr- TAYLOR MOCK
LINORA Questing- AMY JOY JAMES
Jonathon “NATHON”- DAVIAN HARRIS
MICHEL Questing- KAYLEE WEATHERFORD
HEDDA Felltongue- FELIZ MARTINEZ
JONATHON Whitefoot- AIDAN WIGGINTON
ANSEL Kindly- CJ GISEBURT
NARRATOR- RAE DEBORD

Staged Reading Produced by @dirtunco

Production Photos: @pineapplemaizie315

FELLTOUNGE
Written by JO STEELE

Director- TRUE SMITH
Assistant Director- JO STEELE
Stage Manager-KRISTIN OLIVE

Dodrick FELLTONGUE Sr- ADAM JOHNSON DODRICK Felltongue Jr- TAYLOR MOCK
LINORA Questing- AMY JOY JAMES
Jonathon “NATHON”- DAVIAN HARRIS
MICHEL Questing- KAYLEE WEATHERFORD
HEDDA Felltongue- FELIZ MARTINEZ
JONATHON Whitefoot- AIDAN WIGGINTON
ANSEL Kindly- CJ GISEBURT
NARRATOR- RAE DEBORD

Staged Reading Produced by @dirtunco

Production Photos: @pineapplemaizie315

FELLTOUNGE
Written by JO STEELE

Director- TRUE SMITH
Assistant Director- JO STEELE
Stage Manager-KRISTIN OLIVE

Dodrick FELLTONGUE Sr- ADAM JOHNSON DODRICK Felltongue Jr- TAYLOR MOCK
LINORA Questing- AMY JOY JAMES
Jonathon “NATHON”- DAVIAN HARRIS
MICHEL Questing- KAYLEE WEATHERFORD
HEDDA Felltongue- FELIZ MARTINEZ
JONATHON Whitefoot- AIDAN WIGGINTON
ANSEL Kindly- CJ GISEBURT
NARRATOR- RAE DEBORD

Staged Reading Produced by @dirtunco

Production Photos: @pineapplemaizie315

PLANO
Written by WILL ARBERY

Director/Intimacy Director- TRUE SMITH
Fight Director-JACOB JOHN NOON
Movement Choreographer-
CAMBRIA BARTLETT
Stage Manager/Sound Designer-
KRISTIN OLIVE
Costume/Props Designer- FELIZ MARTINEZ
Lighting Designer- DANG PHAM
Stage Hand- MAIZIE HAUPT

Anne- EMERSON MCGUIRE
Genevive- ADRIAN COLEMAN
Isabel-VIA GAIZUTIS
Mary-KATE DOUST
Steve- ANDREW MCCOY
John/Juan- DARIO CARMELO CORREA
Faceless Ghost- NICOLAS WEARY

Produced by University of Northern Colorado School of Theatre Arts and Dance Studio Season Series and @operationcheesecake.unco .

Production Photos: @anders.arneson

PLANO
Written by WILL ARBERY

Director/Intimacy Director- TRUE SMITH
Fight Director-JACOB JOHN NOON
Movement Choreographer-
CAMBRIA BARTLETT
Stage Manager/Sound Designer-
KRISTIN OLIVE
Costume/Props Designer- FELIZ MARTINEZ
Lighting Designer- DANG PHAM
Stage Hand- MAIZIE HAUPT

Anne- EMERSON MCGUIRE
Genevive- ADRIAN COLEMAN
Isabel-VIA GAIZUTIS
Mary-KATE DOUST
Steve- ANDREW MCCOY
John/Juan- DARIO CARMELO CORREA
Faceless Ghost- NICOLAS WEARY

Produced by University of Northern Colorado School of Theatre Arts and Dance Studio Season Series and @operationcheesecake.unco .

Production Photos: @anders.arneson

PLANO
Written by WILL ARBERY

Director/Intimacy Director- TRUE SMITH
Fight Director-JACOB JOHN NOON
Movement Choreographer-
CAMBRIA BARTLETT
Stage Manager/Sound Designer-
KRISTIN OLIVE
Costume/Props Designer- FELIZ MARTINEZ
Lighting Designer- DANG PHAM
Stage Hand- MAIZIE HAUPT

Anne- EMERSON MCGUIRE
Genevive- ADRIAN COLEMAN
Isabel-VIA GAIZUTIS
Mary-KATE DOUST
Steve- ANDREW MCCOY
John/Juan- DARIO CARMELO CORREA
Faceless Ghost- NICOLAS WEARY

Produced by University of Northern Colorado School of Theatre Arts and Dance Studio Season Series and @operationcheesecake.unco .

Production Photos: @anders.arneson

PLANO
Written by WILL ARBERY

Director/Intimacy Director- TRUE SMITH
Fight Director-JACOB JOHN NOON
Movement Choreographer-
CAMBRIA BARTLETT
Stage Manager/Sound Designer-
KRISTIN OLIVE
Costume/Props Designer- FELIZ MARTINEZ
Lighting Designer- DANG PHAM
Stage Hand- MAIZIE HAUPT

Anne- EMERSON MCGUIRE
Genevive- ADRIAN COLEMAN
Isabel-VIA GAIZUTIS
Mary-KATE DOUST
Steve- ANDREW MCCOY
John/Juan- DARIO CARMELO CORREA
Faceless Ghost- NICOLAS WEARY

Produced by University of Northern Colorado School of Theatre Arts and Dance Studio Season Series and @operationcheesecake.unco .

Production Photos: @anders.arneson

Have you marked your calendar yet?👀🤞

Have you marked your calendar yet?👀🤞

LUNGS
Written by DUNCAN MACMILLAN

Director-TRUE SMITH
Stage Manager- SARAH AUSLOOS

Woman- SYDNEE GLASSIER
Man- Ryan Wigginton RYAN WIGGINTON

Produced by University of Northern Colorado Studio Season , D.I.R.T and Student LEAF. In collaboration with UNCO Earth Guardians and The Garden Club.

Production Photos: @moodywires

LUNGS
Written by DUNCAN MACMILLAN

Director-TRUE SMITH
Stage Manager- SARAH AUSLOOS

Woman- SYDNEE GLASSIER
Man- Ryan Wigginton RYAN WIGGINTON

Produced by University of Northern Colorado Studio Season , D.I.R.T and Student LEAF. In collaboration with UNCO Earth Guardians and The Garden Club.

Production Photos: @moodywires

CLARA’S LITTLE QUESTIONS
Written by HELEN R. MURRAY

Directors-TRUE SMITH & GABRIELLA PAFUMI
Lighting Designer- JACK DINGMAN

Lydia- MALEA KINNISON
Clara-ALLY ERRICO
James- LIAM COVENTRY
Ensemble-AARON ASSAF
Ensemble- GRACEY LOUCKS
Pianist-CLARA LIN
Bassist- ELLA HEMENGER

Produced by The Playground and One Another Theater.

Production Photos: @jorge.m.jaquez

CLARA’S LITTLE QUESTIONS
Written by HELEN R. MURRAY

Directors-TRUE SMITH & GABRIELLA PAFUMI
Lighting Designer- JACK DINGMAN

Lydia- MALEA KINNISON
Clara-ALLY ERRICO
James- LIAM COVENTRY
Ensemble-AARON ASSAF
Ensemble- GRACEY LOUCKS
Pianist-CLARA LIN
Bassist- ELLA HEMENGER

Produced by The Playground and One Another Theater.

Production Photos: @jorge.m.jaquez

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