Filmmaking / Directing : Thinking of Directing by Connor Bazil

Recently I have been trying to write screenplays, but I have been unable to fulfill my own ideas. I've been thinking from moving from pursuing screenwriting to directing. I don't know where to start and any graduate schools for this topic require a portfolio of works. I also live in New England which is restricted in a lot of ways as far as finding actors, writers, etc. is concerned. I was hoping I could find out where to start, maybe learn a little more about cinematography and try to do a short for a contest on Stage32? I'm open for any suggestions, especially from those in the New England area who I could work with for the time being. Even have some ideas for shorts and such that I can't properly articulate into words which I could discuss with others. If this is not the right place to post this, please let me know where I should. Seems to fit the guidelines, but this is my first post on this site.