Paul Stancato is a storyteller at heart — a director, choreographer, and creative producer who thrives on collaboration, bold ideas, and the thrill of building something from the ground up. Whether he's staging a classic musical, devising an immersive experience, or shaping a new work for the stage, Paul brings a cinematic eye, physical precision, and deep respect for the creative process.

A former dancer and drummer, Paul made his professional debut in Harold Prince’s Candide at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. In New York, he performed as a Blue Man in Blue Man Group and was an original cast member of the Off-Broadway sensation De La Guarda. He began directing with Einstein’s Dreams, earning Best Direction at the NY Fringe Festival.

His directing credits include the National tours of The Wedding Singer (1st National), Jekyll & Hyde and Flashdance. He directed/ choreographed over a dozen world premieres, including Friends! The Musical Parody (Off-Broadway and international) and The Santa Switch (fka-What a Wonderful World). At New York’s John W. Engeman Theater, Paul’s productions of Jersey Boys and Beautiful shattered box office records, while his staging of A Bronx Tale earned praise from Chazz Palminteri himself.

Paul has collaborated with Universal Studios, Cirque du Soleil, Primary Wave Entertainment, Stryker, Santander Bank, and country star, Clay Walker. He served as Resident Director of The Lion King under Julie Taymor. He served on the Board of the Illinois Theatre Association and holds an MFA from the University of Florida.

At the core of Paul’s work is a simple belief: great theatre transforms — it brings people together, sparks emotion, and leaves something lasting behind.