Nice to meet you!
My name is Portia Strautman.
I’m a New York-based director originally from Kansas City, Missouri. I recently graduated from Hofstra University with a BFA in Drama, focusing on directing. My experience ranges from intimate, ensemble-led projects to large-scale productions. I love finding a moment in every production to go the extra mile—whether that’s planning a research trip to Niagara Falls or recreating a vintage photoshoot for Guys and Dolls—those extra steps make the process feel alive! I’ve always been drawn to variety. With each piece, I aim to find a unique voice not just through aesthetic alone, but by leaning into structure, emotional honesty, and collaboration.
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I care deeply about the kind of room I build. I strive to foster rehearsal environments that are inclusive, adaptable, and consent-forward. I earned my Consent-Forward Artist Certificate through Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) and I am currently pursuing advanced certification. This work has fundamentally shaped how I lead and listen.
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Beyond my own directing, I’ve been lucky enough to explore theatre globally. From Kabuki in Tokyo, experimental theatre in Copenhagen, to opera at La Scala. I seek out these experiences to challenge my assumptions and stay connected to how storytelling looks across cultures. For me, theatre is a way to ask hard questions, reimagine systems, and create space for new ways of being. No matter the scale or setting, I bring energy, curiosity, and humor into the room. That’s the kind of work I want to keep making.

816-787-7076
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Insta:
@portia.s
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