DIRECTING
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS (2015)
Phoenix Theatre, Indianapolis
***** FIVE STARS "WIT AND BUFFOONERY ABOUND IN BRITISH IMPORT AT PHOENIX THEATREBe prepared to park any sense of propriety at the door when you see 'One Man, Two Guvnors,' a raucous, riotous comedy at Phoenix Theatre. Richard Stockton Rand, professor and coordinator of Undergraduate Studies at Purdue University, directed. Considering his experience as a director, actor, and choreographer who teaches period styles, commedia dell'arte, clown, mask and combat, it is no wonder the broad physical comedy in the show is as stupendous as the actors he cast, who deftly execute it. Each and every cast member was pitch perfect in their comic timing, delivery and accents." Tom Alvarez, Indianapolis Examiner
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2014)
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore
“What a marvelous production you have created with the team at NAFA! The way you used the space to tell the story was creative and inspiring. My students and colleagues truly appreciated your professionalism and artistry. We are really fortunate to have you at NAFA sharing your expertise with the Department. We really hope and expect that you’ll come back to NAFA to direct and teach in the near future. On behalf of the students and the department, thank you again for all you’ve done for us.” ~ Wenhai Ma, Head of Department, NAFA
Tribes (2014)
Phoenix Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
“Consummately directed by Purdue University Professor Richard Rand, each actor in the superb “Tribes” cast turned in believable performances. The intimacy of the Basile Theatre and Rand’s inventive staging makes “Tribes” a particularly satisfying experience. Being so completely drawn into the play’s action on stage and in the house makes for compelling theatre.” ~ Tom Alvarez, Indianapolis Examiner
FIVE STARS *****
Don Juan (2014)
University of Minnesota/Guthrie Program
“Don Juan rocked. The playing was so effortless and TRUTHFUL. Every character was likeable. The story-telling was effective because it wasn't pushed or muddled with conceptual character choices; no one was trying to be funny, which of course made the story quite funny, but also poignant. And I got the story! I am so impressed with you, because you did all of this in such a short amount of time. You are an excellent director, Rich. Thank you for a wonderful Don Juan (and a hilarious Underpants!). Thank you for a great night of theater!” ~ Steve Cardamone, BFA Faculty, U of M/Guthrie Theater Program
Side Man (2011)
"Over the past few years the folks at Ka-Tet have mounted terrific shows. Their latest show, Side Man, may be their best work yet. Director Richard Stockton Rand and the creatives at Ka-Tet have mounted a hauntingly powerful drama that vividly depicts a long-lost way of life. Fabulous acting and deft staging make this marvelous play one of the best works in Chicago this year! Don't miss it. (Highly Recommended)" ~ Tom Williams, Chicago Critic
"Richard Stockton Rand's perfect-pitch staging captures every note...I don't want to call the work – or play – of Ka-Tet's ensemble acting. That's a term you can use only after it's over. (Highly Recommended)" ~ Lawrence Bommer
"Side Man was a beautiful production, both visually and emotionally." ~ Kaylee Holt, Chicago Theater Review
"I saw a really good play done by Ka-Tet Theatre…very strong chemistry and high quality acting…Big compliment to Mr. Rand who puts this all together and makes it such a crisp piece." ~ Theatre Talk with Tim McGuire
Almost, Maine (2009)
"The production was very tight and well-rehearsed. The entire ensemble owned the stage truthfully. Acting psychology was one of the great delights of the evening. The actors could easily have fallen into one-dimensional characterizations and "sketch" acting. Instead, the ensemble mined the depths of the character relationships, backstories, and psychologies and articulated this work in their very dimensional performances. The ensemble was appropriately energized and stageworthy. The stylistic balance and counterpoint between realism and surrealism was particularly noteworthy. This was an outstanding production of a good play, made better by a strong concept, cohesively and imaginatively designed and very well performed."
~ Lee Orchard, Chair, Valparaiso University, KCACTF Respondent
"Rand's expertise lies in helping young actors craft interesting, unique and believable characters and his troupe shines as brightly as the stars in the "Almost, Maine" sky. Bravo to all!" ~ Kathy Matter, Lafayette Journal & Courier
Road (2009)
"Road is a most engaging show filled with strong character acting, innovative staging filled with excellent lower class British accents. I have not witnessed a finer ensemble piece in many a year. Director Richard Stockton Rand has energized his cast giving them permission to play their vignettes all out. The result is a most truthful and energetic look into the dark world of the disenfranchised. You'll be amazed at the acting presented here. How often can you see 12 skilled actors each fully enshrining their characters? You'll enjoy your 2 hours and 25 minutes in the dreary world of Lancashire's alienated people. The ensemble work here is first class. Ka-Tet Theatre is off to an excellent start. Highly Recommended" ~ Tom Williams
"For its debut, Ka-Tet sports a fine ensemble of 12 mostly young actors playing 27 major and minor roles, throwing themselves with deep commitment and great comic ability into director Richard Stockton Rand's rapid and highly physical staging. In the tiny and dark storefront space, Rand creates most effective tableaux utilizing the theater's depth all the way into the back alley. Ka-Tet probably is unaware of the legendary 1987 Chicago premiere of Road, directed by Robert Falls for Remains Theatre ( staged one block from Ka-Tet ) . Most Ka-Tet kids would have been two years old, but it's just as well. They make Road their own, and put themselves on the Chicago theatrical road map." ~ Jonathan Arbanel, Windy City Times
"Directing Ka-Tet Theatre's debut, Richard Rand shows how inventive staging can transform a tiny storefront into a world." ~ Justin Hayford, The Reader
"Road is a very impressive and surprising work. I had no idea this company was so brilliant. I look forward to watching them flourish in the upcoming season. Road is a brilliant start for their season." ~ Ruth Smerling, Theatreworld Internet Magazine
A Story About a Girl (2006)
“A Story About a Girl is strongly directed…To see a new play, so satisfyingly presented, is a rare treat. Purdue is to be thanked as well as congratulated.”
~ KCACTF state representative, Professor Elliot Wasserman, University of Southern Indiana
Road (2005)
“This is one of the most effective and powerful theater experiences I have seen in twenty years. The work was ‘ensemble’ in all of the positive aspects of the word, including designers, technicians, even extending to house management in creating THIS world of THIS play. It appears that the director’s clear vision invited creative contribution all around. Thank you for this important work.” ~ KCACTF Respondent, Dr. Tim Good, DePauw University
The Cherry Orchard (2003)
“The strength of Rand’s final moment, which is also the show’s final moment leaves an impact the audience cannot forget.” ~ Kathy Matter, Lafayette J&C
To Kill a Mockingbird (2003)
“This was a splendid production. The director did a masterful job of developing his ensemble and choreographing its movement. I have sincere admiration for the artistic leadership of Richard Stockton Rand…and I congratulate the entire Purdue Theatre on this grand effort.” ~ KCACTF Respondent, Prof John Steven Paul, Valparaiso University
“One of the finest productions I have seen at Purdue Theatre over the last forty-five years.” ~ Dick Jaeger, The Lafayette Leader
Directing (representative)
Angels in America Part One Millennium Approaches
One Man, Two Guvnors
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
n Juan
Tribes
Brighton Beach Memoirs
The Venetian Twins
Almost, Maine
Noises Off
The Underpants
A Story About a Girl
Road
The Cherry Orchard
To Kill a Mockingbird
Side Man
Moon Over Buffalo
The Dining Room
Tartuffe
A Doll’s House
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Of Mice and Men
North of Providence and Dolores
Win, Lose or Draw
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The Zoo Story
Arsenic and Old Lace
Fool for Love
Cabaret
Talking With…
The Runner Stumbles
When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
The Lesson
The Woolgatherer
The Real Inspector Hound/After Magritte
The Sea Horse
Ah! Wilderness
The Clown Project
Beirut
Guards at the Taj (staged reading)
The Brother’s Size (staged reading)
The Sunset Limited (staged reading)
If I Hold My Tongue (staged reading)