Tucker Tab DeGregory

“Tucker has an innate ability to understand actors and dancers in a way that makes them feel automatically more comfortable trying new things and trusting his vision. He accepts physical limitations and abilities and explores different avenues of teaching and dance styles in order to display performers’ strengths and create a product the entire team is proud of. I have never been in a room or rehearsal process with Tucker that isn’t safe, collaborative, creatively challenging and invigorating.”

“Tucker DeGregory is the most collaborative and inclusive director I’ve ever worked with. His duel-citizenry as a director/choreographer gives him unique insight into how to seamlessly blend intimate, specific character work with large-scale ensemble numbers. Tucker values everyone’s perspective while always holding true to his artistic vision, one that is beautifully articulated through both words and movement.”

“I am deeply inspired by the way Tucker runs a rehearsal room and dedicates himself to a project. Since being a dancer in JONI: BUSY BEING FREE and getting to work with him and learn from him, I find myself trying to attempt to have even half of the openness, enthusiasm, and dedication that Tucker has in the rehearsal room. We began every number by talking about the context of the song and the feelings and meaning behind it, Tucker leading these conversations and immediately placing us into the exact place we needed to be in order to find the meaning of the music in our own bodies. He allowed us to improv to every piece of music and, often times, would take pieces of what we thought of in this time and put it in the final product of the number. I’ve never worked with someone who was as open to having their mind changed or as open to allowing the voices of cast members have such a huge part of their decisions. It was a joy to walk into Tucker’s rehearsal room every day.”

“Tucker is a natural leader and storyteller with an instinct for diligent research - and it reveals itself in every piece he choreographs. He communicates his ideas to dancers, actors, and movers with an ease and patience that I have yet to encounter elsewhere.”

“Tucker is truly one of the most incredible artists and humans I’ve ever met. I have had the pleasure of being his friend as well as working with him on multiple processes. No one is more committed, down to earth, brilliant, compassionate, and fun! His direction is astounding and so wildly smart, as is his choreography. He is a natural leader and knows how to make everyone feel appreciated, valued, and safe. I am truly his biggest fan!”

“I loved working with Tucker for the passion, expertise, and energy he brought to the rehearsal room. Despite having a time crunch and having to work under pressure, his choreography was ingenious and perfectly tailored to my skills as a dancer. It was an absolute pleasure to work with such a talented person.”

“There’s a reason why the most common phrase heard in his rehearsal room is ‘Anything for you, Tucker!’ He has so much respect for both the people and the material he works with and creates a space where everyone feels safe and inspired. His creativity and attention to detail show in the beautiful and innovative choreography he creates, and it is a pleasure to benefit from his brilliant mind whether he is directing, choreographing, or both. Tucker is 100% going to the one to watch in this business.”

“Not only is Tucker the most talented young choreographer I’ve had the chance to work with, but he is also one of the warmest, kindest collaborators I know. He puts such passion, care, and research into everything he does, and his versatility is incredible—as a dancer, I’ve worked with him in styles from Fosse to tap, and he is masterful in each one. Above all, Tucker’s commitment to storytelling makes him an incredible artist to work with, and I hope for many more chances to collaborate with him.”

“Tucker is an absolute joy to have in a rehearsal room. His talent and professionalism far exceeds his years. I have come across few directors or choreographers who manage to express such strong artistic point of view while maintaining a work environment that is as warm as it is collaborative. Everything about his process invites others in. I have worked with Tucker as his production manager and stage manager, and in both capacities I was grateful for his clear communication, precise work ethic, and generosity of talent and time. He is a collaborator anyone on your team can trust and rely on.”

“Great directors and choreographers (and Tucker is both) come around with some consistency. What sets Tucker apart is his collaborative spirit: his willingness to get in room despite not knowing all the answers, his openness to feedback and revision, and the remarkable passion with which he pursues the very best idea without any ego. In that way, he is an example to aspire to for all creative collaborators.”

“Tucker DeGregory is the most diligent, inclusive, and positive collaborator I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He is eager to get involved with any project or artist that moves him because he is interested in contributing his expertise to the process as well as learning from his peers and mentors. The way he communicates with actors is invigorating, simple, and moving. His efforts always lead to groundbreaking discoveries for the whole creative team. Above all, Tucker loves what he does, and that joy pervades every single process that he takes on.”

“Tucker is one of the most memorable teammates and collaborators I have ever worked with, simply because he just makes you feel good being in the room and part of the project. He makes every single person feel valued, no matter what their title/role is, and is such a wonderful, considerate, caring, and real human being both in and out of the room. Tucker has an incredible imagination and vision, phenomenal energy, and allows for an enjoyable and professional work environment and absolutely stellar product. I hope my future includes many opportunities to work with him more.”

“I recently worked as the hair and makeup designer for Tucker’s production of BRIGHT STAR. Tucker was quick to welcome me to the tram and personally sat down with both me and the costume designer at the top of the process to make sure that the two of us connected early on. Tucker provides designers a lot of freedom yet has a clear, cohesive vision that unites the team. He has high and loving expectations for himself as his team, and he is an empathetic and patient leader. I would recommend working with Tucker to anyone. He is an innovative and persistent artist, and he will make you feel heard and included as a designer.”

“In working as a collaborator with Tucker on both JASPER IN DEADLAND and RAGTIME, I was consistently impressed with his ability to keep a level head and diffuse any issues during a process. His experience far exceeds his age and shines in every respectful interaction he has as an artist.”

“I worked in a collaborative group with Tucker at the Dance Lab New York Young Choreographers Intensive. As a choreographer, I was consistently in awe of the deep and intelligent thought that went into each moment in the dance. He was accommodating to his dancers while being focused on the big picture. As a dancer, he was delightfully expressive and diligent. I would work with Tucker again in a heartbeat!”

“Tucker is such an incredible mentor. Having been lucky enough to work with him on several different high school productions and events he has shown me what it means to be a performer. He really cares to know you not only as a performer but also a person. He is incredibly talented in what he does but also is an incredibly kind person. He really takes time to work with you and gives honest feedback and recommendations. He is always pushing his students to be the best version they can be when stepping into a performing role. He really knows how to appropriately communicate and work with his peers in a kind and respectful manner, yet making sure they grow as a performer.”

“As my private tap teacher, Tucker has truly taken my dance skills to the next level. He is a teaching guru. He can watch you do any step and know exactly what you need to do to make it work — “lean to your right,” “think up,” etc — and suddenly POOF! you can do what you didn’t think you could. Not to mention he has such a vast knowledge of so many different styles of dance. One of my favorite things about learning with Tucker is that he is like a musical theatre encyclopedia and technician all in one. In between technique and combos, he sprinkles in fascinating knowledge about all things music theatre choreography. And in the midst of it all, he has the creative spirit of a true artist. I feel inspired every week with Tucker, and I would recommend everyone take lessons with him.”

“I would have never found joy and passion in Musical Theatre if I had never had the proper guidance from Tucker. He’s helped me find my true voice. When I first started, I could barely dance but Tucker never gave up on me and knew where I could practice and grow. He found things to make my choreography tighter and clearly gave direction. I highly recommend working with Tucker.”

“To say that Tucker is just a leader is a gross understatement. He displays a wealth of industry knowledge and offers creative and innovative ideas that would help any theater student succeed. One of my biggest challenges with musical theater was exuding confidence on stage. Tucker’s dedication, encouragement and challenging lessons helped me find my confidence to play bold characters such as Matron “Mama” Morton and Dolly Levi. If you have the opportunity to work with Tucker do not delay for a second! I’m a better actor because of my time working with Tucker and words can not describe the admiration and respect I have for him not only as a teacher and mentor but also as a friend. I can only hope to work with him again in the future!”