Full Description
Directing Plays explores both the theory and practice of directing plays, with particular emphasis on textual interpretation. Don Taylor guides the student through the complex process of choosing a play, the working partnership of director, playwright and designer, the delicate matter of casting a play, the rehearsal process and everything which needs to happen before the production is up and running.
Contents
1. What is a Director?: Directing without directors; Players and masquers; Sir William Davenant; Sheridan and Piner; Modernism, and the birth of the director; Directors today; Texts; Transformations; Plays without playwrights: auteur directors 2. Selecting Your Play: Concepts; Living playwrights 3. Preparation: Casting; Producers 4. Design and Designers: Theatre space; The design; Lighting and costume designers; Sound and music; Crossing imaginary bridges 5. The Rehearsal Process: Blocking; Break down and synthesis; Confidence; Run-throughs; Being difficult; Non-textual techniques; Rehearsing Shakespeare 6. Fit-Up to Opening: The fit-up The technical; The dress rehearsal; The opening 7. Conclusions.
