Director’s Notes

The Art of Directing:

Style, Staging, and Technique

Directing is an Art Form

Directing Style The Dictator The Negotiator The Creative Artist The Confrontationalist

Director Sally Wright, A Christmas Carol 2007

Considering the Stage

Three basic types of Stages

Stage Arena Thrust Stage Proscenium

Arena

Proscenium

Primary Goal of the Director

Implement a Unified Vision within the finished production

Lead others to its ultimate actualization

To Meet Primary Goals The Director must: decide upon script interpretation to be given the play, work with the playwright (if possible),

designers, and technicians in planning the production,

cast and rehearse the actors, coordinate all elements into the finished

production.

Interpretation

Analyze the script The plays structure and meaning Seeks to know what the play is about envision the play's atmosphere or mood know how to actualize in terms of design and

theatrical space. to see the play in terms of both physical and

verbal action.

Design

Meets with Designers to: Promote vision collaborate and listen to

creative ideas of design artists: decision ultimately made by director

Plan set design Plan lighting

Set-A Christmas Carol 2007

Published in the local newspapers, Kevin Weldon as Cratchet, and Ellis Freedman Scrooge at rehearsal.

Casting – Very Important!!! Physical demands of a character Fitting the character Discern acting potential including:

training and experience physical characteristics and

vocaltechnique, can they sing (if needed)? suitability ability to impersonate a specific character ability to understand the play "direct-ability“ – They should listen to the

director! attitude

A Christmas Carol –Teen Program Hat Trick Theatre -2007

Working with Actors Directing Actors Understand actors movement on

stage-Preplanning actors movements

Be Organized director's medium Space/Time draw out actor’s potential Meet the needs of the actors Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

Director Sally Wright, A Christmas Carol 2007

Directing Rehearsal

Script read through Discussing vision Character motivation Character Interpretation Blocking the Actors Working out Details Props Lines, space, tempo, and beats Make the story come alive, animated Taking Notes

The Finished Production Coming Together

Actors Scenery Lights Props Audio Dress Rehearsal

Directing is tough, you’ll need at least 9 lives!!!

The End

A PowerPoint Presentation

By Marina Pickett