Directing for the Stage

Richard Williams

• Publisher: Crowood
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN: 9781785003790
• eBook ISBN: 9781785003806
• Topic: Media & Performing Arts
• Subtopic: Theatre Direction & Production

What is the role of a Director? Tyrannical dictator or creative persuader? Why does the audience matter when interpreting a play? How do you get the best out of actors and what do they expect from you? Directing for the Stage addresses the key questions surrounding this venerable and yet often invisible craft, offering practical guidance on the crucial moments of creating a stage production, including budgeting, auditions, rehearsals, opening night and beyond. From knotty discussions on Shakespeare, to when to call a coffee break, all aspects of the Director's art are examined, including the history and development of the stage Director; how to commission and original play or obtain rights for an existing work; how to timetable the production process - from concept to last night and an hour-by-hour guide to rehearsals and all major approaches. Fully illustrated with 31 colour and 19 black & white photographs.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Acknowledgements
• Contents
• Introduction
• 1 The History of the Stage Director
• 2 The Role of the Director
• 3 Pre-Production – Selecting the Play
• 4 Pre-Production – Getting Ready
• 5 Working with Actors and the Creative Team
• 6 Rehearsals – Getting Started
• 7 Later Rehearsals
• 8 Final Rehearsals and Opening Night
• 9 Directing Other Types of Production
• 10 Touring, Revivals and Replacement Rehearsals
• 11 Training to Become a Director
• Appendix: Twenty Things for a Director to do
• Glossary
• Recommended Reading
• Index