Reviews:
Testimonials:
“I have had the pleasure to work with Trace Oakley on several projects, most recently my critically acclaimed solo show, “Love, Madness, and Somewhere in Between”. When I decided to bring LMSIB to the Hollywood Fringe I HAD to have Trace direct. Trace is an “actor’s director” in the truest most positive sense of the term. He is also a gifted writer who respects the writer’s vision. Trace gives actors a freedom to “dive into the deep end” knowing that he will never let them drown. In the end Trace will go with his gut but it is a decision based on critical corroboration rather dictatorial rule. A breathe of fresh air and a true pro. I would work with Trace anytime and am honored to call him my friend.”
-- James J. Cox, Actor/Writer/Producer, LOVE, MADNESS AND SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN
"I worked with Trace on a special fundraiser for our theatre - a reading of Twelve Angry Men by prominent Los Angeles attorneys. He was able to direct a dozen non-actors to deliver an incredible performance (with blocking) in two days! The audience was blown away. Thanks to Trace, twelve people had an experience of a lifetime, their friends and family got to see them perform and surpass all expectations and our theatre made a lot of money!"
-- Spike Dolomite Ward, Executive Director, Theatre West
“Trace Oakley is a highly creative and insightful director. He is seasoned and savvy in all aspects of production, but most importantly it's his feel for the soul of a show and his uncanny eye for detail that always takes the play and the actors to the next level. Trace was key in helping me develop my new one-woman musical The Accidental Club, and gave me the confidence and inspiration I needed to make the debut of a new show a success!”
-- Sherrie Scott, Writer/Composer/Performer, THE ACCIDENTAL CLUB
“Working with Trace was such a pleasure on both occasions. He is a very kind-natured and patient director, with such focus and creative genius that makes each cast member trust his decisions implicitly and want to work with him over and over. He has so far directed two wonderful shows for my theatre company and I hope to be able to work with him again.”
--Nic Henry, President, Culver City Public Theatre
“I was very lucky to be directed by Trace in the play 'The POW and the Girl' which took place at The Sherry Theater in NoHo. From the very first rehearsal Trace made me feel comfortable and free to immerse myself in the character I was playing, he created a relaxed, collaborative, open and passionate environment that helped me dive right into the character and the story. I love his human and caring approach to directing actors, he had a very constructive way of giving directions so that instead of making me doubt myself, he'd instill confidence in me to try something new. He was always very energetic and focused throughout every single rehearsal and would even stay longer to comment on certain ideas or doubts I might have had. I would absolutely love to work with Trace again, he creates a safe and creatively free working environment for actors and has a contagious commitment and passion for his craft.”
-- Natalia Biboa, Alice in THE P.O.W. AND THE GIRL (Sherry Theater, North Hollywood)
“RuddiGORE was one of the best shows ever presented at studio/stage”
-- Bill Sterritt, Owner/Producer, studio/stage Los Angeles
“Trace is a wonderful director who provides the most relaxed, creative atmosphere in which to work. Working with him is such a refreshing, collaborative experience, and truly, a pleasure.”
Andrea Stradling, Lady Catherine in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Culver City Public Theatre)
“You are gifted in bringing a script to life. With your direction a throw away line becomes one of the funniest parts of a play. I appreciate you being open to our ideas. You are very creative and I am thankful you cast me. The ensemble cast worked beautifully together- you know what you are doing :).”
-- Margot Leonard Vigar, Holly in KKIS RADIO MENDOCINO (Camino Real Playhouse)
“Trace was my very first director for my very first role and was a pleasure to work with. He was open to ideas and suggestions while still having a vision of what he would like produced on stage and communicated clearly what he had in mind. I would love to work with him again, any time!”
-- Lindsay Waller, The Swamp Creature in KKIS RADIO MENDOCINO (Camino Real Playhouse)
"As an actor, working with Trace is always a lot of fun. He is quirky and creative and finds the most interesting ways to make any story come to life. From musicals, to ghost stories, to classics he always puts magic and somehow flashlights on the stage. As a choreographer, I love working with Trace. He really encourages creativity and embraces big crazy ideas. I always look forward to the next show."
-- Averi Quinn Yorek, Choreographer/Actress/Singer/Dancer
(has worked with Trace on nine shows)
-- James J. Cox, Actor/Writer/Producer, LOVE, MADNESS AND SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN
"I worked with Trace on a special fundraiser for our theatre - a reading of Twelve Angry Men by prominent Los Angeles attorneys. He was able to direct a dozen non-actors to deliver an incredible performance (with blocking) in two days! The audience was blown away. Thanks to Trace, twelve people had an experience of a lifetime, their friends and family got to see them perform and surpass all expectations and our theatre made a lot of money!"
-- Spike Dolomite Ward, Executive Director, Theatre West
“Trace Oakley is a highly creative and insightful director. He is seasoned and savvy in all aspects of production, but most importantly it's his feel for the soul of a show and his uncanny eye for detail that always takes the play and the actors to the next level. Trace was key in helping me develop my new one-woman musical The Accidental Club, and gave me the confidence and inspiration I needed to make the debut of a new show a success!”
-- Sherrie Scott, Writer/Composer/Performer, THE ACCIDENTAL CLUB
“Working with Trace was such a pleasure on both occasions. He is a very kind-natured and patient director, with such focus and creative genius that makes each cast member trust his decisions implicitly and want to work with him over and over. He has so far directed two wonderful shows for my theatre company and I hope to be able to work with him again.”
--Nic Henry, President, Culver City Public Theatre
“I was very lucky to be directed by Trace in the play 'The POW and the Girl' which took place at The Sherry Theater in NoHo. From the very first rehearsal Trace made me feel comfortable and free to immerse myself in the character I was playing, he created a relaxed, collaborative, open and passionate environment that helped me dive right into the character and the story. I love his human and caring approach to directing actors, he had a very constructive way of giving directions so that instead of making me doubt myself, he'd instill confidence in me to try something new. He was always very energetic and focused throughout every single rehearsal and would even stay longer to comment on certain ideas or doubts I might have had. I would absolutely love to work with Trace again, he creates a safe and creatively free working environment for actors and has a contagious commitment and passion for his craft.”
-- Natalia Biboa, Alice in THE P.O.W. AND THE GIRL (Sherry Theater, North Hollywood)
“RuddiGORE was one of the best shows ever presented at studio/stage”
-- Bill Sterritt, Owner/Producer, studio/stage Los Angeles
“Trace is a wonderful director who provides the most relaxed, creative atmosphere in which to work. Working with him is such a refreshing, collaborative experience, and truly, a pleasure.”
Andrea Stradling, Lady Catherine in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Culver City Public Theatre)
“You are gifted in bringing a script to life. With your direction a throw away line becomes one of the funniest parts of a play. I appreciate you being open to our ideas. You are very creative and I am thankful you cast me. The ensemble cast worked beautifully together- you know what you are doing :).”
-- Margot Leonard Vigar, Holly in KKIS RADIO MENDOCINO (Camino Real Playhouse)
“Trace was my very first director for my very first role and was a pleasure to work with. He was open to ideas and suggestions while still having a vision of what he would like produced on stage and communicated clearly what he had in mind. I would love to work with him again, any time!”
-- Lindsay Waller, The Swamp Creature in KKIS RADIO MENDOCINO (Camino Real Playhouse)
"As an actor, working with Trace is always a lot of fun. He is quirky and creative and finds the most interesting ways to make any story come to life. From musicals, to ghost stories, to classics he always puts magic and somehow flashlights on the stage. As a choreographer, I love working with Trace. He really encourages creativity and embraces big crazy ideas. I always look forward to the next show."
-- Averi Quinn Yorek, Choreographer/Actress/Singer/Dancer
(has worked with Trace on nine shows)