Stage Directions Guide to Directing »

Stephen Peithman is Editor-in-Chief of Stage Directions magazine, which he cofounded in 1988. Stephen brings to his work decades of journalistic experience and a lifelong love of theatre in all its facets.

Neil Offen served as Editor of Stage Directions magazine for nearly five years, beginning in 1994. Neil brings to his work decades of journalistic experience and a lifelong love of theatre in all its facets.

Every director, from the beginner to the most experienced, will find in this book invaluable information to make their direction more effective. Following a general overview of the director's role, the book focuses on how the director shapes and guides a production - from preproduction meetings to curtain calls. Veteran directors and actors in community, regional, and academic theatre offer their expertise on a range of topics, including:

• selecting the right play
• things to look for in an audition
• criticizing effectively
• basics of directing a musical
• staging a big show with a small cast
• blocking tips
• managing rehearsal and schedules
• and much more.

Directors may be an unseen presence in stage productions, but their influence is everywhere to be seen - and heard. Stage Directions Guide to Directing provides welcome support to directors charged with unlocking the full potential of their productions.

	Foreword
	Introduction	1
1	Ten Steps for Picking the Right Play	6
2	Finding the Right Play for You	8
3	Thirteen Reasons Not to Pick a Show	11
4	Seven Reasons Not to Attempt the Classics	14
5	How to Read a Script	18
6	Is It Legal to Change the Script?	21
7	Photocopying Plays	24
8	Getting It All Together	32
9	Off to a Good Start	35
10	Great Expectations	37
11	Make Time Work for You	40
12	Off Book, On Target	42
13	Using the Framing Device	48
14	The Case for Delayed Blocking	50
15	When to Block out of Sequence	52
16	Ahead of the Crowd	54
17	A Matter of Style	58
18	Play the Intention, Not the Line	62
19	Succeeding with Difficult Actors	66
20	Working with Inexperienced Actors	70
21	The Tortoise and the Hare	74
22	Helping Them Be Heard	77
23	Triumphing over Mumblers	80
24	Past Tense	84
25	Having Words with Your Actors	87
26	Avoiding Personality Conflicts	89
27	A Chemistry Lesson	92
28	Lighten Up	95
29	Onstage and Backstage Behavior	97
30	Dealing with Bad Reviews	103
31	Song and Dance	106
32	Get a Move On	111
33	Step-Kick-Turn	113
34	Big Show, Small Cast	116
35	Staying Focused Under Fire	120
36	You Want to Do a Play About WHAT?	125
37	Hold for Laughter	127
38	Who's in Charge Here?	131
39	When You're Asked to Take Over a Show	136
40	The Student Director	138
41	Putting on the Dog	140
42	Let the Good Crimes Roll	146
43	The Cutting Edge	149
44	The Final Picture	153
45	Did You Know?	158
	Contributors	167