Welcome ——————————————————————

Ethan Nienaber is a director, producer, educator and arts administrator currently based in the Twin Cities, MN where he grew up and came to love theater by way of acting. He went on to study at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and graduated in ‘16 with his BFA in Acting before beginning his New York based career as a Kenan Fellow at Lincoln Center Education in the same year. He has had the pleasure of working with a broad spectrum of artists, from Broadway professionals to students of all ages, and is always looking forward to the next opportunity to enrich lives through art. With a vibrant energy and varied experience, he strives to lead exceptional, inclusive collaborations that challenge audiences to love more completely.

Ethan welcomed theater back in 2021 as the Assistant Director for the 5-time Tony Award-Winning, 1st National Broadway Tour of A Christmas Carol. Select directing credits include: Emojiland: The Musical (Associate Director: Off-Broadway [NYT Critics’ Pick], 1st Nat’l Non-Union Tour/ProShot, NYMF), Decky Does A Bronco (U.S. Premiere), The Project (Lincoln Center Education), Steel Magnolias (Masquers Theatre Company, MN), Back/Story (General Mischief Dance Theater, NY) and Singin’ in the Rain (Lakeshore Players Theatre, MN).

As an arts educator, Ethan is available as a private acting/audition coach, master class teacher and course instructor. As of late, he has served as the resident course instructor for a script analysis class for adults 45+ with Lakeshore Players Theatre in the Twin Cities. He has also taught physical theater and acting at his alma mater as well as Lincoln Center Education and has coached actors across the U.S.

Most recently, Ethan was the Associate Director for the Off-Broadway play Madwomen of the West by Sandra Tsing Loh. The cast featured television and movie stars Caroline Aaron, Marilu Henner, Brooke Adams, and Melanie Mayron.

UP NEXT: Ethan is a co-producer and the Director of The Forge Series! The Forge Series strives to develop new work that reflects all of the communities of our country and is pleased to be back in 2024 presenting a reading of The Myth of the Mountain by Danielle Koenig and Justin D. Cook.

Ethan is also directing Footloose for GREAT Theater in St. Cloud, MN, which opens in April 2024!