new PLAY development
As a director and producer of new work, my priority is managing an efficient, warm and judgment-free working space for playwright and players. I guide dramaturgical conversations, character work and thematic questions as we all build new work together. For workshops without a reading, I facilitate discussion using the Liz Lerman structure and always ensure all creators are aligned on the context and goals for a new play workshop. For staged readings, I do preparatory staging and blocking work to ensure efficient use of schedule for any amount of allotted workshop time. I believe a reading is a chance to have an open rehearsal where everyone coming to see your work leaves with a desire to see more (read: get you production opportunities!), so I elevate readings with a bit of staging and orchestration, all with the intent of having audience members be able to see what more is possible. Because of this, I specialize in directing plays from first read through all the way to a world premiere, including Route by Alexandra Shields and Pomegranate Season by Victoria Cano. In addition to the highest levels of creativity and preparation, I commit to maintaining an equitable and inclusive space for all artists in the room. I value the progress and creativity that is attained through tough conversations over the experience of my own discomfort. I commit to conversations with the playwright around intentionally diverse casting to best serve and elevate the play.
Select Directing Credits
Saint Joan
by George Bernard Shaw
Produced by Gregory Geffrard
Adaptation and Dramaturgy by Kenya Ann Hall
Scenic by Rachel Rauscher and Laura Thumel
Lighting by Michelle E. Benda
Costumes by Olivia Moeschet
Sound by Karli Blalock
Stage Managed by Zach Barr
“Boasting a fabulous all-female cast...this, rather improbably, I’d say, is Shaw on fleek.”
Pictured (L to R): Tiffany Renee Johnson, Marie Tredway, Kathleen Niemann, Sophie Neff, Grace Schwartzenberger


twentieth century way
by Tom Jacobson
Produced by Jermyn Street Theatre
Scenic by Joyce Rose Anne Robustelli
Lighting by Peter Harrison
Costumes by Joyce Rose Anne Robustelli
Sound by Charles Parry
Stage Managed by Caitlin Hargreaves
“It’s crisply performed and tightly directed by [Mac] Anderson-Cooper, and has an important story to tell.”
Photo by Joyce Rose Anne Robustelli. Pictured (L to R): Fraser Wall, James Warren




Co-created by Jessica Batke, Mukaddas Mijit, John Bair, Nicolas Benacerraf, Marina McClure, Lisa Ross, and Michael Weinberg
Lead Producer: BJ Evans
Director of Performance: Marina McClure
Director of Design: Nic Benacerraf
Director of Operations: Michael Weinberg
Director of Communications: John Bair
Associate Designer: Afsoon Pajoufar
Learn more at https://www.everybodyisgone.org
Everybody Is Gone
“Everybody Is Gone is a large-scale art installation and performance whose process and outcomes are centered around offering reparative spaces to the Uyghur community, an ethnic Muslim minority group that is currently experiencing extreme oppression at the hands of the Chinese government.”
Photo by Michael Weinberg. Pictured (L to R): Kira Nutter, Tom Avery, Ryder McDaniel, Char Jones



Cock Envy
by Henry Bender
Produced by Northwestern University
Scenic by Katie Lupica
Lighting by Seojung Jang
Projections by Michael Frazel
Costumes by Lia Wallfish & Benjamin Kress
Sound by Deon Custard
Fight & Intimacy Design r by Kira Nutter
Stage Managed by Katie Lupica
Photo by Gwyneth Forsythe. Pictured (L to R): Kira Nutter, Tom Avery, Ryder McDaniel, Char Jones




Working with Mac is…
“Working with Mac is an absolute dream. They have the ability to read the energy of a room, always one step ahead of the needs of the room. Their ability to immediately see the entire world of the play is informed by their work as an equally intelligent writer and dramaturg while also having a deep understanding of their role as a director. LONG STORY SHORT Mac is so smart and any new play is very safe in their care.”
“Mac was more than I could possibly have dreamed of as a director. Not only were they an experienced professional who always gave me honesty, they prioritized my artistic goals and boundaries. They are a true partner in the production process, going above and beyond their contracted role.”
“I have collaborated with Mac on script development, staged readings, rehearsals, and cold reads, and in all situations they are a rock solid creative partner. They are equally adept at giving feedback on a script as they are at making actors feel comfortable and supported getting the work up on its feet. They are thoughtful and intentional in all of their practices, particularly when it comes to casting. As an early career playwright, their encouragement and passion for new work has been a guiding force for me in a challenging industry!”
“Mac Anderson-Cooper deserves all the hyperbole. Truly a fearless, compassionate artist who is able to advocate for you as the playwright while encouraging you to make better work. A consummate professional who also is a rad human, they can surgically diagnose what your piece needs, whether that is creating more complex characters, stronger plotting, or a better stage picture. If you are reading this and considering working with Mac, I am supremely jealous of your luck. They say that besides gravity, Isaac Newton was also obsessed with alchemy, and desperately worked to find the philosophers stone that could turn anything into gold; I have found my answer in Mac Anderson-Cooper.”