Cory Boyas

About

"Theatre is the last refuge of our childhood — a timeless place which exists solely for people to willingly and cooperatively play make believe together."

Cory Boyas is an award-winning stage director and choreographer whose work spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, and international stages. He has choreographed the Off-Broadway cult hit Rock-A-My-Soul and taught at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.

As dance captain, Cory has worked on the Broadway productions of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, STOMP, Crazy For You, and the pre-Broadway production of Fosse — later recreating Bob Fosse's original choreography for the National Tour of Sweet Charity.

Cory served as the Artistic Director for the prestigious Balletschülle Theatergassen in Bamberg, Germany, and has directed and choreographed dozens of acclaimed regional productions from Sarasota to Los Angeles.

Critics' Awards

50+

Productions Directed

Continents

Featured Productions

Selected work, onstage.

01 / 08

The Production

Hairspray

Director · Choreographer

The Players Centre · Sarasota, FL

A joyful, sky-high reimagining of the 1960s Baltimore favorite — staged with Fosse-trained precision and a top-notch ensemble. Critics Choice award winner, Sarasota Observer.

"The new production features a top-notch cast under the skilled direction and choreography of Cory Boyas." T. Michele Walker · Sarasota Herald-Tribune

01 / 08

The Process

Four phases, one story.

— Phase I

Mastering Foundations

"As a former dancer, I'm accustomed to telling stories without words. I approach each production questioning what can be added through sound, movement and gesture to support or enhance the storytelling."

— Phase II

Establishing Frameworks

"The three greatest gifts a director can give their cast during the rehearsal process are time, repetition, and the freedom to fail. The rehearsal space is a sacred and safe environment, and should always be treated as such."

— Phase III

Explore, Adapt & Refine

"I can always tell when a production is ready for prime time when I catch myself not observing scenes as a technician — I'm genuinely being entertained. That's where the magic lies for me."

— Phase IV

Edit, Pace, Polish & Tighten

"Finalize pacing and continuity. Continue to offer support, give feedback, and zhoush. A minimum of 3–5 full run-throughs before tech week to cement the cast's individual tracks."

In The Press

What the critics say.

"Director Cory Boyas has assembled a wonderful cast that is full of talent and immense energy. The numbers are engaging and he has molded his characters to tell a story with a message that is clearly delivered."

Jacob Ruscoe · Broadway World

"This production, directed and choreographed by Cory Boyas, seems to be about as perfect a realization as could be desired."

William S. Oser · Broadway World

"The new production features a top-notch cast under the skilled direction and choreography of Cory Boyas."

T. Michele Walker · Sarasota Herald-Tribune

"Director Cory Boyas has ties to Gwen Verdon and the Fosse style via work on the musical Fosse that celebrated his career oeuvre. Boyas uses that experience to replicate much of Fosse's choreography."

William S. Oser · Talkin' Broadway

"Cory Boyas has done a fearless job of holding this musical together... with many memorable moments."

William S. Oser · Talkin' Broadway

"Director/Choreographer Cory Boyas allowed his cast to show off some breadth and depth of their characters. He kept the show running at a good clip and used the pivoting center stage to perfection."

Carolan Trbovich · Broadway World