Directing for the Stage

by Richard Williams

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785003806
Publisher:	Crowood Press, The
Publication date:	02/18/2018
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	894,172
File size:	9 MB

About the Author

Richard Williams is an award-winning theatre and opera Director. He has directed plays worldwide in London's West end, New York, Canada and Japan, and held the role of Artistic Director in four major theatre companies across the UK. He now teaches at Drama Centre London where he lectures on theatre practice and history.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

1 The History of the Stage Director 13

2 The Role of the Director 29

3 Pre-Production - Selecting the Play 39

4 Pre-Production - Getting Ready 51

5 Working with Actors and the Creative Team 71

6 Rehearsals - Getting Started 85

7 Later Rehearsals 97

8 Final Rehearsals and Opening Night 107

9 Directing Other Types of Production 123

10 Touring, Revivals and Replacement Rehearsals 139

11 Training to Become a Director 145

Appendix: Twenty Things for a Director to do 153

Glossary 154

Recommended Reading 157

Index 158