Sander A. Nagar, M.A.

Sandy Nagar has been a Theatre educator, artist, and administrator for over 30 years. Having received his B.A. in Theatre-Acting/Directing from SUNY New Paltz, and his M.A. in Directing and Theatre History from the University at Albany, he is a Theatre “jack-of-all-trades,” so to speak. He brings a wealth of diverse experience to his students, emphasizing the multi-disciplined and collaborative nature of Theatre as an art form. 

In the arena of educational Theatre, Sandy has taught, directed, designed/technical directed, and venue managed at several Rochester, NY area high schools. He has also served as an adjunct lecturer at Genesee Community College (Batavia, NY) and Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts. His approach to actor training comes from his own extensive background and training in the Meisner technique, which emphasizes actors on stage living truthfully under imaginary circumstances as their character.

Favorite directing credits include Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) and Hellcab (Working Class Theatre Company,) A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Webster Shakespeare Festival,) The Other Five Percent (Albany Civic Theatre,) Raised in Captivity (University at Albany,) Devil Tattoo and Nocturnal Queen (New York Theatre Festival,) Peter and the Starcatcher (Rochester Prep HS,) and Chicago (Webster Schroeder HS.)

Additionally, Sandy has worked as an administrator and production manager at several professional regional theatre companies across the country including the Mercury Theater in Chicago, Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, and Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY. He was the founding Producing Artistic Director of both the Webster Shakespeare Festival and Working Class Theatre Company. He is the owner of Sandy Nagar Studio LLC, providing Acting coaching and Theatre Arts College Consulting services for students considering going to college for Theatre. 

When he’s not working, Sandy is an avid film-buff (especially well-versed in all things Star Wars and Marvel,) a lover of jazz, and a one-time marathoner. He lives in Webster, NY with his wife of 28 years, enjoying their empty nest while their daughter and son are both away at college. Especially happy to be getting his undivided attention is their 9-year-old Goldendoodle, Bella.