Lydia Milman Schmidt is a London-trained theatre director and teaching artist based in Chicago. Lydia teaches middle school drama at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and directs regularly throughout the Chicago area. Grounded in a strong foundation of ballet and classical music, she brings a unique vision and passion for storytelling to various styles including musical theatre, opera and puppetry, and enjoys working collaboratively with designers, choreographers, musicians and performers. 

​Lydia earned an MFA in directing from East 15 Acting School in London, where she had the great opportunity to study under a wide range of artists. She also attended workshops with Peter Brook at the RSC, Marcello Magni of Complicite, and an inspiring list of directors from throughout the UK. Lydia spent two years as Resident Director at the Rose and Crown, a professional theatre specializing in rare musical revivals on the London Fringe. During her time in London, Lydia worked with actors and artists from all over the world. She explored what it means to be an American director and apply a new global perspective to her work. 

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