Play Directing: The Basics introduces theatre students to a step-by-step process for directing plays, including advice on devising. This book empowers high school and early college students interested in theatre and directing to find their own voice, develop a practice, and refine their process.
Focusing on the insights of over forty award-winning artists, this guide provides various strategies for directors to navigate the complexities of rehearsing a play, covering every stage from the initial rehearsal to the opening night. The book addresses common challenges and offers practical solutions drawn from the experiences of seasoned professionals in the theater industry.
Analyzing performance texts is essential for directors and dramaturgs, and this book offers a comprehensive guide to various models of text analysis. It begins with a historical overview of play analysis from Aristotle, followed by an examination of contemporary Western theatre practices through research and interviews, categorized by directors' tasks. The final section serves as a workbook, providing exercises that reinforce the insights gained. Readers are encouraged to experiment with these practices to develop their own analytical approach to performance texts.