TH3711

The goal of this class is to introduce you to the basic work and process of the stage director. We will emphasize the practical tasks of analysis, casting, rehearsing, and staging. Our stylistic focus will be on contemporary realistic/naturalistic theater (rather than experimental forms or verse plays). The classwork will invite you to explore many aspects of the craft of directing, including the following:

· Defining the role of the director: responsibility and relationships to playwright/actors/audience.
· How to think and conceptualize like a director.
· What is blocking? How does it work? Who creates it? Staging actions and events.
· Understanding the building blocks of life on stage through composition and scene work.
· Analysis of dramatic text from the director’s point of view (and expressing it in writing).
· Preparation in the role of the director – historical/textual/visual research.
· Rehearsing and working with actors - What makes a good rehearsal? What is the relationship between actors and director?

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