top of page
FortsPress-Credit-Christian_Libonati-2.jpg

Directing

Julie Ritchey is a director-creator who specializes in immersive, participatory theatre for young people and their families. She is a wizard at dynamic performer/audience relationships, new work development, and lo-fi magic.

 

Julie is on a mission to create a world where young people are valued, supported, and included exactly as they are - not just as future adults. She partners with arts organizations, schools, and caregivers to create theatre that demolishes the hierarchy between young people and grown ups through story and play. Her artistic practice is rooted in a framework of anti-adultist collaboration that values young people as dramaturgs, advisors, creators, and experts rather than merely as audience members or consumers.

The projects in the portfolio below are all available for licensing. For a complete CV, contact Julie.

A kid playing in a fort

Forts!

Unlock the unlimited worlds of your imagination with this smash-hit production unlike anything you've ever experienced.

small planets graphic - no title.jpg

Small Planets

A play for new babies and their caregivers. Co-created with Georgette Kelly.

An actor playing with a young audience member

In The Grove

A sensory nature play for 18 month-3 year olds celebrating the magic of small things. Co-created with Eleanor Kahn and Miss Katie Sings.

Young people gather to celebrate

Gather

A town that forgot itself finds its way back together. Nominated for the Canadian Playwrights Guild Best New Play for Young Audiences. Co-written with Julia Lederer.

the villiage show image

The Village

When a child mysteriously appears in a village of forever-adults, the town must grapple with its identity and determine the best way to raise a child. Created with Sarah Hecht.

5. Cinderella and the Prince Waltz (Op. 87-29 29. Cinderella's Arrival at the Ball & 30. G

Cinderella

Prokofiev's Cinderella Suite comes to new life with this joyful, progressive, playful adaptation of the famous fairy tale. Written by Jessica Wright Buha.

Wannabe show image

Wannabe: Friendship Never Ends

Making friends is easy. Right? RIGHT?

The Van Gogh Cafe

The Van Gogh Cafe

A play in five courses where magic is made-to-order. Adapted from the book by Cynthia Rylant by Andrew J. Lampl.

Farewell Opportunity Play

Farewell Opportunity

How do you keep on roving when you—or someone you love—faces a dust storm that threatens to block out the sun? Written by Georgette Kelly

Uncorker of Ocean Bottles

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles

Audiences are at the center of this heartwarming mystery leading us to a celebration of friendship and community. Adapted from Michelle Cuevas's book by Andrew J. Lampl and Mel Pfeffer-Lampl.

Every brilliant thing

Every Brilliant Thing

A play about the little things that make life brilliant. By Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe.

With Love and a Major Organ - 19_edited.jpg

With Love and a Major Organ

Anabel gives her heart to a stranger she meets on the subway. She needs it back. By Julia Lederer.

Ellis and the Night Orchestra_edited.jpg

Ellis and the Night Orchestra

A chamber opera for young and family audiences. This playful and heartfelt story will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with bedtime. Music by Timothy Munro

Storm In The Barn

The Storm in the Barn

 When everyone says you’re too small to be the hero of any story, where do you find the strength to save your family? Adapted by Eric Coble from Matt Phelan's graphic novel.

©2035 by Julie Ritchey

Brisbane, AU

Chicago, IL, USA

bottom of page