Rhys McClelland

Favorite Shakespeare Play:

The Tempest when asked…but secretly King John!

Shakespeare Character That Best Describes Me:

Prospero 

 Favorite Shakespeare Quote:

 It changes with the season, but right now…

“mad world, mad kings, mad composition” King John 2:1

 Favorite Play That Isn’t by Shakespeare:

Educating Rita – Willy Russell

Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me – Frank McGuinness 

All-Time Favorite ASC Moment:

My first time stepping into the Blackfriars Playhouse and realizing no picture does its justice. It felt like being transported to another place and time, like the experience of many historical sites around the world. The space in which a performance takes place is a huge part of the dramaturgy of the event, and seeing the Blackfriars in person for the first time caused me to immediately reevaluate the potential of the whole Shakespearean cannon!! Thrilling. 

And more recently…

Feste putting a red nose on Malvolio during ‘Some have greatness thrust upon them’ during the ASCTC Showcase 2026! Hilarious!

BIOGRAPHY

Originally from the UK, Rhys is a passionate advocate of theatre arts education, and has spent his career facilitating access to theatre, and the joy of storytelling, to the curious for over 25 years.

Before relocating to the Shenandoah Valley, Rhys served as the Education Manager of the Public Shakespeare Initiative at The Public Theater in NYC, developing and leading programs across the five boroughs with students, teachers, academics, and actors. Prior to that, he held education leadership positions at The Shakespeare Forum NYC, The Shakespeare Society NYC, and both The Birmingham Repertory Theatre & Chichester Festival Theatre in the UK. 

Favorite directing credits include Iphigenia at Aulis, The Trojan Women, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, Henry V, Journey’s End, King John, The Tempest, As You Like It, and the world premiere of Lisa McGee’s The Heights for the National Theatre Connections Festival.

Rhys is also the Artistic Director of Eunoia Theatre in Harrisonburg, VA. An independent theatre company exploring new works, devised theatre, and reimagined 20th century classics through workshops, readings and performance in non traditional theatre spaces,

Rhys is a recipient of the 2004 Directors Guild of Great Britain Award, a Sunday Times Award for innovation, and is a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.