This thesis is an artist's statement that is a cumulative reflection on the process of staging and directing William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. This show was produced by the University of Calgary’s School of Creative and Performing Arts and was supervised by Professor Christine Brubaker. The first chapter introduces the play and explores the question “Why Shakespeare, Why Now?”. The second chapter explores preparation, artistic research and analysis. The third chapter reflects on collaboration and creativity, with a focus on design and the rehearsal process. The fourth chapter outlines a research study I enfolded into the rehearsal process which investigates consent-based rehearsal processes in university theatre training. The fifth chapter examines my experience of artistic leadership as a woman and outlines my values. The sixth chapter concludes by documenting a synthesis of my learnings and final reflections.