Meet Céline Rosenthal

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Céline Rosenthal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Céline, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My generosity comes from the people who believed in me early on—mentors, artists, and teachers who took the time to nurture my talent when they didn’t have to. Their support gave me the confidence to grow and the permission to take risks. I also think about my parents, who always encouraged my creativity and made space for my curiosity, even when they didn’t fully understand where it was heading.

Over the years, my collaborators have taught me just as much. The spirit of generosity in a creative process—sharing ideas, listening deeply, lifting each other up—has shown me how essential that energy is to making meaningful work.

So when I offer my time or support to others, it’s not just about giving back—it’s about honoring the many people who poured into me. I carry their example forward, and I try to keep that cycle going.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a director and creative collaborator working primarily in theater and multidisciplinary performance. My work lives at the intersection of storytelling and transformation—I’m especially drawn to musicals, adaptations, and new plays that challenge form and open hearts. I’m passionate about lifting up femme-centered stories, LGBTQ+ voices, and creating spaces where neurodivergent artists and audiences feel safe, seen, and empowered.

Before I entered the arts professionally, I worked as a paramedic. That experience shaped me profoundly—it taught me urgency, empathy, and resilience, and made me deeply grateful for the privilege of making art. I don’t take this path for granted. Creating space for reflection, connection, and joy feels even more vital when you’ve seen how fragile life can be.

Right now, I’m developing new pieces that blend theater with music and immersive design, and collaborating with artists to reimagine classic works through inclusive, contemporary lenses. At the heart of everything I do is collaboration—I believe the best work comes from dialogue, mutual trust, and a commitment to equity in the process.

Ultimately, I hope my work creates space for possibility—for new ways of thinking, feeling, and building a more expansive, compassionate future.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, deep listening, and collaborative instinct.

Adaptability came early—starting my professional life as a paramedic taught me how to stay present and responsive in high-pressure situations. That skill carried over into my creative work, where flexibility and problem-solving are just as essential. Deep listening has been just as vital. Whether I’m in a rehearsal room or developing a new piece, the ability to truly hear what’s being said (and what isn’t) allows for more honest, layered storytelling. And finally, collaboration is the heart of everything I do. Knowing how to build trust, navigate creative tension, and uplift others’ voices has been key to making meaningful work.

For those just starting out: nurture your curiosity, especially in unfamiliar environments. Say yes to learning opportunities that scare you a little. Practice listening—not just to words, but to energy, intention, and context. Be generous—with your ideas, your time, and your support of others. This field thrives on relationships, and the way you show up for people will shape your path just as much as your talent. And above all; Be kind, be prepared, and be on time.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m always excited to connect with new collaborators—especially writers, composers, designers, and producers who are passionate about femme-centered stories, LGBTQ+ voices, and inclusive, innovative storytelling. I’m particularly drawn to projects that blend music, movement, and text in fresh ways, and I love working with artists who value process as much as product. If you’re someone who believes in curiosity, collaboration, and kindness, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me through my website or social media—I’m always open to a conversation and seeing where creative sparks might lead. Let’s make something meaningful together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

https://www.celinerosenthal.nyc/drowning-in-cairo
https://www.celinerosenthal.nyc/copy-of-dial-m-for-murder
https://www.celinerosenthal.nyc/copy-of-the-lifespan-of-a-fact
https://www.celinerosenthal.nyc/little-man
https://www.celinerosenthal.nyc/the-tempest

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