Julie Zatko

Julie Zatko is a Northwest Ohio theatre director, educator, and writer whose work spans community theatre, youth theatre, theatre education, and arts journalism. A graduate of The University of Toledo, she has built a career focused on creating meaningful theatrical experiences while helping performers of all ages develop confidence, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.

As a director, Zatko has more than 80 productions to her credit, with experience in university, regional, community, and youth theatre. Her directing approach is collaborative and centered on creating an environment where artists can take creative risks, grow their skills, and connect with the work. Her recent directing credits include Seussical Jr., with Stop Kiss for The Village Players Theatre among her upcoming projects.

Education has always been an important part of Zatko’s theatre career. She spent 17 years as the theatre advisor at Rossford High School, where she produced and directed 38 productions. Three of those productions were selected as full-length features for the Ohio Educational Theatre Conference.

Zatko has also developed and presented theatre education workshops for the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) and throughout the local community. Her workshops have explored directing, acting, movement, script analysis, writing, and improvisation, providing educators, performers, and theatre participants with practical tools and new approaches to theatrical training. She currently serves as the primary teacher for teen classes at Toledo Talent.

In addition to directing and teaching, Zatko is a theatre writer and correspondent for BroadwayWorld, covering theatre and the performing arts throughout the Toledo and Cleveland areas. Through interviews, features, reviews, and arts journalism, she shines a light on both professional productions and the vibrant community theatre scene.

Across her work as a director, educator, workshop facilitator, and writer, Zatko is committed to strengthening the theatre community and creating opportunities for artists to learn, collaborate, grow, and tell meaningful stories.