Anthony Roger

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Directing with the actor experience in the forefront

 
 

As an LGBTQ+ director, stage manager, and theatre educator with Philadelphia roots, I strive to tell stories that give a voice to those silenced by societal conventions embedded in the human experience. I’m interested in exploring new works or approaching revivals with a contemporary lens, with a focus on mental health and LGBTQ+ stories. My curiosity for the underdog stems from an early age of self-discovery when I struggled to find my place in the world. After years of trying conventional activities that society deemed appropriate for a young boy, theatre provided me with a safe space to discover and evolve my identity.

 

My directing style heavily focuses on the collaboration process by encouraging creative freedom with the production team while maintaining a central focus on the playwright’s intentions. For the actor, I prioritize table work with a heavy focus on script analysis to guide the actors in making decisions that are strongly rooted in the text while teaching and testing different acting techniques to help challenge the actor. By valuing collaboration over competition, I strive to offer an environment where artists feel comfortable with the vulnerability required to tackle complex stories. By offering a space where the “outcasts, misfits, losers, and loners” are celebrated, the production process becomes a cohesive unit where artistic freedom and humanity play a key role in giving the underdog the spotlight they deserve. 

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My Work

 
 

Director

Harvey Fierstein’s International Stud*

Villanova Theatre, 2023
*Thesis project - awarded DISTINCTION for directing

Hedwig & the Angry Inch

ASH Theater Company, 2022

The Laramie Project

Fat Lady Brewing & ASH Theater Company, 2022

Little Shop of Horrors

ASH Theater Company, 2018

Last Five Years

ASH Theater Company, 2017

Next to Normal

ASH Theater Company, 2016

 

Stage Manager

Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim

Villanova Theatre, March 2025
directed by DR Valerie Joyce

Far Away by Caryl Churchill

Villanova Theatre, October 2024
directed by edward sobel

Solo Nova Theatre Festival

Villanova Theatre, September 2024

Featured shows: I Will Speak for myself (Dr. Valerie Joyce), She was a conquistawhore (Rachel o’hanlon-rodriguez, stories in my mother tongue (noelle diane johnson), & Demoniac (kate fischer)

Sunday in the Park with George

Villanova Theatre, 2023
Directed by Dr Valerie Joyce

 

Performer

Seussical the Musical

Mr Mayor, 2017

The Wizard of Oz

Scarecrow, 2011

The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin Hood

Soldier, 2010

 

Arts Administration / Consulting

Villanova Theatre

Stage Management Consultant, 2024-2025
Thanksgiving Play - Directed by Tanaquil Márquez

ASH Theater Company

Co-founder / executive director, 2014-2024 Junior Theatre Program - Youth educational program

 

Training

Villanova University

Master of Arts, 2023

Towne Playhouse

Acting coaching, 2009-2010

 

 

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