Download Directing the Play

Module for S.A.L.T.’S
Over-all Purpose
to provide a unified
artistic approach to
the theatrical
event.
Director as…
•Interpreter
•Chief executive
•Guide
Qualifications:
•Ability to see and think in images
(think conceptually)
•Sensitivity to language
•Ability to empathize
•Sensitivity to theatrical &
dramatic
•Ability to plan and organize
Does not have to have
knowledge of mechanics of
theatre or developed
knowledge of acting or other
crafts, (but it helps to know
at least one).
Did you know?
Director not
separate entity until
about 1850.
Did you know?
Earliest recognized strong
directors:
•Prince George II, Duke of
Saxe-Meiningen
•Richard Wagner
Preparation:
1.Find play in script
2.Find most appropriate
approach
3.Assimilate author,
times, etc.
Hardest work
is most
rewarding
What to look for in a play:
•Say something about
life
•Move emotionally
•Artistic shape
•Essentially theatrical
How sacred is
the
playwright?
•-Reading of the play
initial responses
•-Research and analysis
• Author, period, content
• Rereading for understanding of 6 elements
•-Consultation with other artists in
production
•Series of production meetings, long
conversations, generally with artistic team
•-Fixing of fundamental concept
with other artists on artistic team
•-Auditions and casting
Cold vs prepared, private vs
open
•-Preparation for rehearsal
Organization, development
ideas
•Rehearsal
• Blocking of movement
• Discovery & development of character and
action
• Invention: expansion, interaction
• Polish: rhythms especially
•-Technical rehearsals
•With lights, sound, then costumes and
makeup
•-Final adjustments
• Notes taken and given before next
rehearsals
• Actor coaching
•Opening
Director disappears
•Post mortem
What went wrong, right
Functions of the Director:
• Determines interpretation
• Casts the show
• Plans the production
• Rehearses the event
• Coordinates for public
performance
In professional theatre the
director is through when the
show opens.
In educational theatre,
director must also participate
in selection of the play
.
Selection Consideration
1.Purpose of production:
A.Organizational (money, season, etc.)
B.Artistic (audience experiences)
C.Educational (acting, etc. experience)
D.Experimental (exploration of art form)
1.Resources:
A.money
B.space
C.time
D.personnel
3. Intrinsic merit:
highest artistic merit
appropriate to purpose.
4. Personal preference.
Two directions for director
interpretive
or creative