Stage Director
Buzz
Nagle Jackson
Playwright & Former Artistic Director, McCarter Theatre
"Frank Kuhn is one of the few directors whom I absolutely trust with my plays . . . or with anyone else's plays, for that matter. And that includes musicals, opera, or anything people have a mind to do on a stage."
Alex Roe
Artistic Director, Metropolitan Playhouse
"I will ever be grateful to Frank Kuhn for his thoughtful and exciting work on The Drunkard at Metropolitan Playhouse. Eschewing the obvious opportunities to mock the sentimental script -- the solution chosen by many revivers in our age -- Frank's work brought forth what is truly valuable in the work and showed it for its authentic virtues and its current worth. In addition, he matched his vision for the play to our aesthetic and means. It is a valuable partner who can bring his own unique gifts to a project and make his host look good, and so did Frank at Metropolitan."
Ginger Poole
Producing Artistic Director, Mill Mountain Theatre
“A production directed by Frank Kuhn is a true experience. It does not matter if you are sitting in the audience, sitting behind the table of creatives or the artists on the stage bringing the characters to life; Frank squeezes every ounce out of the story and he does this while being collaborative, innovative and nurturing. The process is where he works his magic and the product is always one of pride and success. He is one of the best that I have had the pleasure of working with.”
Laddy Sartin
Playwright, Catfish Moon
"One fascinating aspect of seeing a play you've written travel from page to stage is each production has the possibility of its own journey, and whether you ride the midnight train or on a magic carpet, the trip begins with the director. Well, Mr. Frank Kuhn doesn't need a road map to the special places of the heart, he seems to use a magic wand!"
Maurice LaMee
Artistic Director, Creede Repertory Theatre
I know I can count on Frank to coax, challenge, cajole and compel our company to achieve artistic heights and new terrain which we had previously thought beyond our reach. Frank inspires me by his example to work harder, to care more, and to get better. He's a director we need at the Creede Repertory Theatre.
Tim Rolek
Artistic Director & Music Director, San Francisco Opera
"What I most enjoy about working with Frank is his attention to detail. Rather than painting with broad strokes, his dramaturgy is both specific and richly layered, and he achieves results in a process that is collegial."
Daniel Gurskis
Playwright
"Serious though never solemn, Frank brings a point of view to his direction that is refreshing and provocative. He moves easily from the subtlest drama to the broadest comedy without ever losing touch with the humanity that is at the core of his work. I have worked with a great many directors both in the theatre and in film, here in this country and abroad. I rank Frank at the top of that group, not only for his outstanding conceptual mind but also for his understanding of what drives us as human beings."
David Matthews
Former Artistic Director, Temple Theatre
"As the Artistic Director of Temple Theatre, I worked with many skilled and talented directors. Frank Kuhn's production of The Lonesome West was, in a word, "brilliant"--critics' words, not mine, but I couldn't agree more. During my tenure at Temple Theatre Mr. Kuhn was the best director that I had the privilege to work with."
Tom Markus
Former Artistic Director, Virginia Museum Theatre & Temple University
"Frank Kuhn is a real pro, a guy I'd hire again any time I had the chance. He does imaginative shows that audiences love, and his range is from gritty realism to grand opera, and from small professional theatres up to the big ones like the McCarter. He's run theatres and understands staffs and budgets, he works lovingly with actors, he manages time well, he is a joyous presence in meetings and rehearsals, and he's a great guy to have a coffee or beer with."
Lee Kimball III
Artistic Director, Opera Delaware
"Frank Kuhn put together the most moving production of Madama Butterfly I have ever seen. The acting was superb, and the overall look of the production was highly professional, thanks to Mr. Kuhn's keen eye. He created a riveting production of Harriet, The Woman Called Moses. Set in the actual Quaker Meeting that served as a stop on the Underground Railway, the production was first class thanks to Mr. Kuhn's expert direction."
Jeff Carey
Playwright
"Frank is one of the strongest directors I've ever worked with when it comes to new play development. He has a keen understanding of what makes a play work, and communicates his ideas clearly. He's able to elucidate my wildest constructions."
Michelle Alexander
Musical Director, Opera Coach
"Frank Kuhn is one of the best directors I've collaborated with. Frank was exquisitely sensitive to the musical elements of Sweeney Todd at Creede Repertory Theater in 2006,and I always respect a director who allows the musical content to weigh in on dramatic decisions. Sweeney Todd was a tight show in every way, and I'm proud to have been a part of it, all thanks to Frank!"