In Pasadena, 2 directors sharing 1 job

Michael Michetti and Jessica Kubzansky, two respected L.A. stage directors, will become the joint artistic directors of the new Boston Court Theatre, a $3.8-million structure with a 99-seat theater and a 60-seat recital hall that has been built in Pasadena.

The two have never worked together, which isn’t surprising, considering that directors seldom work in tandem. Eileen T’Kaye, the project manager for the new theater, says having two part-time artistic directors will enable each of them to continue outside directing projects while still allowing the theater to have an artistic director on duty at all times.

“Directing is essentially a lonely occupation,” Kubzansky added. “This is more thrilling than if it was just me.”

What if they disagree? “Disagreement is valuable as long as it’s done in a collaborative spirit,” Kubzansky said.

“I always want to work with artists who will challenge me,” Michetti said. “We both work in a very collaborative way. So far our collaboration has been a lot of agreement and stimulating discussions that will lead to agreements.”

The two have not yet picked specific shows. The 11,500-square-foot facility, owned and built by investor Z. Clark Branson, is expected to open with concerts and family programming over the summer, an initial theatrical production in the fall, and a theater season in 2004. The theater is at the corner of Boston Court and Mentor Avenue.