Stage Directing: The First Experiences - Softcover

Patterson, Jim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1577665961 ISBN 13: 9781577665960

Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc, 2008

Synopsis

Flexible and concise, Stage Directing details the six steps that make up the directing process: selecting a work, analyzing and researching the playscript, conceiving the production, casting, rehearsing, and giving and receiving criticism. Each step is highlighted with valuable directing tips, as well as examples from modern and contemporary playscripts and productions. Exercises, goals, and key terms put directing precepts to a practical test, revealing what is significant about each phase of the process. Over seventy charts, graphs, and photographs unite and exemplify the text, along with current and noteworthy Web sites. With a fresh voice and an engaging style of writing, Patterson provides insightful questions, suggestions, and illustrations that define and invoke contemplation about the role of the director. Two original short plays provide the opportunity for hands-on analysis and the application of practical concepts. New to the Waveland reissue, the author highlights the function and growing artistry of the director in the modern and postmodern theatre by examining a short history of this pivotal role.Titles of related interest also available from Waveland Press: Catron, The Director's Vision: Play Direction from Analysis to Production, (ISBN 9781577666769); Catron, The Power of One: The Solo Play for Playwrights, Actors, and Directors (ISBN 9781577666202); and Dean-Carra, Fundamentals of Play Directing, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577666486).

About this title

From the Back Cover

Written for the introductory directing course, Stage Directing is organized around the six basic steps in the process that all successful directors use: selecting the playscript, analyzing and researching the play, conceiving the production, casting, rehearsing, and finally giving and receiving criticism.

One reviewer praised “the natural order of the material, the light and engaging style of the writing, the online reference material, and the generally accepted approach to directing re-examined in a fresh voice.” (Don Sandley, Samford University)

Features:

• Offers practical directing tips in sidebars throughout the text to help the new director understand the nuts and bolts of directing.
• Explains and illustrates actor-audience relationships so students can apply proscenium directing techniques to arena, alley, and thrust stagings.
• Includes two in-book original short plays allowing the instructor and students to apply concepts to an actual short playscript.
• Provides an original dramatic vignette as a short and manageable exercise in breaking down a play into units and beats.
• Features practical directing exercises throughout the text helping students apply theory to practice.

Edition details

• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1577665961
• ISBN 13: 9781577665960
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208