ABSTRACT
Verbal and written communication, script analysis, visual aesthetics, and some knowledge of how each member of the total ensemble works serve as the foundation for collaboration. The director's leadership in certain areas of the production process helps create the environment for collaboration in other areas. In essence, the director seeks to lead the ensemble through a constructive process toward a product that realizes his or her overall interpretation of the script. To do so, the director tries to create the type of collaboration that works best for each production and ensemble. The director might collaborate with some or all of the ensemble members in defining the core of the production and bringing it to fruition, but ultimately the director makes the final decision as to the overall aim of the production. Setting periodic goals helps ensemble members trust the director's vision; reaching goals gives everyone a feeling of confidence about how the production is progressing.
