ABSTRACT

The formation and communication of vision is one of the primary responsibilities of a director, before ever getting to the nuts and bolts of the process. The Art and Practice of Directing for Theatre helps the young director learn how to discover, harness, and meld the two. Providing both a practical and theoretical foundation for directors, this book explores how to craft an artistic vision for a production, and sparks inspiration in directors to put their learning into practice.

This book includes:

  • Guidance through day-to-day aspects of directing, including a director’s skillset and tools, script analysis, and rehearsal structure.
  • Advice on collaborating with production teams and actors, building communication skills and tools, and integrating digital media into these practices.
  • Discussion questions and practical worksheets covering script analysis, blocking, and planning rehearsals, with downloadable versions on a companion website.

part I|34 pages

What is a Director?

chapter Chapter 1|9 pages

Purpose of a Director

chapter Chapter 2|10 pages

Skills Directors Need

chapter Chapter 3|13 pages

The Director’s “Rules”

part II|61 pages

Preparation

chapter Chapter 4|27 pages

Approaching a Script

chapter Chapter 5|18 pages

Auditions and Casting

chapter Chapter 6|14 pages

Technology and Social Media

part III|25 pages

Planning and Organization

chapter Chapter 7|12 pages

The Rehearsal Calendar

chapter Chapter 8|12 pages

Scheduling Rehearsals

part IV|48 pages

The Director in Rehearsal

chapter Chapter 9|20 pages

Table Work and Blocking

chapter Chapter 10|12 pages

Working and Running

chapter Chapter 11|14 pages

Techs and Dresses

part V|31 pages

Opening Night and Beyond

chapter Chapter 12|15 pages

It’s Open … Now What?

chapter Chapter 13|14 pages

The Director’s Portfolio