I'm a freelance director and writer working in theatre, opera and musical theatre, an Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, long time Principal Guest Director of the Royal Dramatic Theatre, Stockholm (Dramaten) and author of Theatre Craft, a companion for aspiring directors of all ages and stages, published by Faber and Faber.

My most recent productions include a stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away in Tokyo and on tour in the West End at the London Coliseum, Wagner’s Parsifal at Houston Grand Opera, and Monteverdi’s Orfeo at Garsington Opera.

Other recent work has included my new musicals Estella Scrooge in New York, and Knights' Tale in Japan (both with scores by Paul Gordon).

Daddy Long Legs, also with Paul Gordon has been playing in Tokyo with Mone Kamishiraishi and Yoshio Inoue as Jerusha and Jervis.

My production of Tosca has played at LA Opera and Houston Grand Opera with Angel Blue (in LA) and Tamara Wilson (in Houston) singing the title role.

This website contains an archive of many of my past productions with descriptions, photos and links. The site is a work in progress so please forgive omissions and mistakes until I've had a chance to fix everything.

Theatre Craft
A Director's Practical Companion from A to Z

Faber and Faber published my book Theatre Craft on 18th March 2010. It is a comprehensive hand-book for the professional director – or the aspirant amateur.

“This book is written with such humour and common sense that I may have to carry it around with me all the time.”

“John Caird’s book is ample evidence of his skill, sensitivity, and good humour. Every young director should have a copy to hand.”

“John Caird is the most generous of mentors—delightful and delighted by the people around him. A director gifted with musicality, rigour, wit, and good grace.”