Reviews:
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Testimonials:
Working with Trace is the kind of experience that reminds you why you signed up for theatre in the first place. Trace has this incredible ability to create a room where you feel completely supported, safe but also just the right amount of “uh oh, I need to step it up,” which somehow brings out your best work.
Trace’s vision is always clear, but never rigid. They collaborate in a way that makes every actor feel heard, valued, and like their weird little character choices might actually be genius.
What really stands out to me is how Trace goes beyond the basics. It’s not just about where you stand or how you say a line it’s about finding the truth in every moment.
Trace leads with professionalism, patience, and a genuine love for storytelling, all while keeping the room grounded and, thankfully, laughing. I grew so much working with Trace and would jump at the chance to do it again, no hesitation.
--Roxy Payne (Three Shows with Trace)
As someone who has been acting all over the country for more than four decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with many directors and experiencing a wide range of directing styles. Trace Oakley stands out as one of the very best.
Trace is an exceptionally knowledgeable director who approaches every play with deep understanding and respect for the material. He listens carefully to his cast, valuing ideas and suggestions, and creates an open, collaborative environment in the rehearsal room. His directing style is wonderfully organic—he guides the work with clarity and purpose while allowing the actors’ instincts and creativity to shape the final performance.
Working with Trace is a true pleasure. His professionalism, insight, and collaborative spirit elevate every production he touches. I wholeheartedly recommend him as a director of great skill, integrity, and vision.
-Barb Turino
“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
Let me just say, that I am ‘mature’…and have been a professional actress for lo, these many years, & have had lo, many directors. I feel, I know from whence I speak.
I knew as soon as rehearsals began, that Trace was going to be ‘my kind’ of director. Why? Because he came prepared & knew the material & where he wanted to go with it & how. Those of us lucky enough to have been doing this a long time, if at all observant, just know…& I knew. I would happily recommend him as a director & even more so, as a human being! (Which, may I add) can not be said for ‘some’ that I have worked with.
So…if a recommendation is called for, he has mine. He knows his ‘stuff’, and keeps a ‘happy’ set. No small accomplishment!
–Linda Garay
During the winter and spring of 2024, I had the good fortune to work as an actor in Tennessee Williams' Eccentricities of a Nightingale under the direction of Trace Oakley. His connection with the actors is respectful and unobtrusive: always trusting in the choices made in casting the production. Notably impressive are his suggestions regarding pace and movement, subtly in keeping with the psychological fluctuations of the characters. I’d immensely enjoy working with him again.
--John Ogden
“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, Former 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)
"I've worked with Trace on several plays and he's always a joy to work with. He's professional, kind, talented and always ready to make a funny remark to lighten up the room. He's a great director I hope to work with again in the future."
--Max Downs
“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 15 shows)
Trace’s vision is always clear, but never rigid. They collaborate in a way that makes every actor feel heard, valued, and like their weird little character choices might actually be genius.
What really stands out to me is how Trace goes beyond the basics. It’s not just about where you stand or how you say a line it’s about finding the truth in every moment.
Trace leads with professionalism, patience, and a genuine love for storytelling, all while keeping the room grounded and, thankfully, laughing. I grew so much working with Trace and would jump at the chance to do it again, no hesitation.
--Roxy Payne (Three Shows with Trace)
As someone who has been acting all over the country for more than four decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with many directors and experiencing a wide range of directing styles. Trace Oakley stands out as one of the very best.
Trace is an exceptionally knowledgeable director who approaches every play with deep understanding and respect for the material. He listens carefully to his cast, valuing ideas and suggestions, and creates an open, collaborative environment in the rehearsal room. His directing style is wonderfully organic—he guides the work with clarity and purpose while allowing the actors’ instincts and creativity to shape the final performance.
Working with Trace is a true pleasure. His professionalism, insight, and collaborative spirit elevate every production he touches. I wholeheartedly recommend him as a director of great skill, integrity, and vision.
-Barb Turino
“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
Let me just say, that I am ‘mature’…and have been a professional actress for lo, these many years, & have had lo, many directors. I feel, I know from whence I speak.
I knew as soon as rehearsals began, that Trace was going to be ‘my kind’ of director. Why? Because he came prepared & knew the material & where he wanted to go with it & how. Those of us lucky enough to have been doing this a long time, if at all observant, just know…& I knew. I would happily recommend him as a director & even more so, as a human being! (Which, may I add) can not be said for ‘some’ that I have worked with.
So…if a recommendation is called for, he has mine. He knows his ‘stuff’, and keeps a ‘happy’ set. No small accomplishment!
–Linda Garay
During the winter and spring of 2024, I had the good fortune to work as an actor in Tennessee Williams' Eccentricities of a Nightingale under the direction of Trace Oakley. His connection with the actors is respectful and unobtrusive: always trusting in the choices made in casting the production. Notably impressive are his suggestions regarding pace and movement, subtly in keeping with the psychological fluctuations of the characters. I’d immensely enjoy working with him again.
--John Ogden
“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, Former 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)
"I've worked with Trace on several plays and he's always a joy to work with. He's professional, kind, talented and always ready to make a funny remark to lighten up the room. He's a great director I hope to work with again in the future."
--Max Downs
“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 15 shows)