Theatre Collaborations

Theatre work & collaborations.

Supporting theatres through new-work development, psychological analysis, creative collaboration, and audience dialogue.

Theatre and creative practice
Working with Theatres

Psychological insight throughout the creative process.

Dr. States offers theatres a range of collaborative services, from the early development of a new work to rehearsal and conversations with audiences.

Each collaboration is shaped around the needs of the theatre and the production. Her role is to offer insight, thoughtful questions, and useful resources that support the creative team’s vision.

New Works Consultation

Support the development of new plays through thoughtful exploration of character psychology, relationships, and emotional through-lines. Consultation can help creative teams consider how a character’s choices evolve and how the psychological life of the story develops across drafts.

Psychological Script Analysis

Examine the motivations, defenses, attachments, conflicts, and histories beneath the text. Detailed analysis traces psychological character arcs and identifies questions or opportunities that can strengthen emotional coherence and depth.

Written Character Analyses

Provide written explorations of individual characters and their relationships, offering actors and creative teams a shared resource for preparation and rehearsal. These analyses connect psychological insight to the text while leaving room for artistic interpretation.

Creative Team Consultation

Work with writers, directors, dramaturgs, actors, and theatre staff to explore psychological questions as they arise. Conversations are shaped around the production’s needs and respect each collaborator’s expertise, goals, and artistic direction.

Audience Talkbacks

Participate in post-performance conversations that invite audiences to reflect on character choices, relationships, and the human questions raised by a production. These discussions offer accessible psychological perspectives and space for curiosity and dialogue.

Rehearsal & Ensemble Support

Offer insight into emotionally demanding material, character relationships, and ensemble dynamics. Consultation supports grounding, thoughtful boundaries, and communication while helping performers engage deeply with the work.

Discuss a collaboration

Professional Theatre

Selected Credits

Goodman Theatre

Revolutions

Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Reconstruction

Steppenwolf Theatre

The Book of Grace

Arkansas Repertory Theatre

The Remarkable Resignation of Joycelyn Elders

The Old Globe

Topdog/Underdog

Penn State University School of Theatre

Various productions