Directing Theatre

Video Transcript

"Hi, this is Laura Turner. And today we're going to talk to you about some basic tips for directing in the theater. First of all, you want to create a workable space for your play to occur in. And then of course, you want to know exactly what kind of space you're in. Are you in a large space, a small space. What are the requirements there. But when you're creating your set, make sure that you have more than one place for your actors to go. So for example, if I have a bench which is up stage. And back here, I have a tree, right with a little garden underneath it. I want to have more than one place for my actors to go. So that I don't just end up having a bench on stage. And then having all the action take place around that bench. So create many playing spaces in your set. Next, have a plan when you first meet with your actors. So you've got your idea by your set. You've got your idea by what you want to do with the play. Make sure you really know what you want to do. By the time you finally meet with your actors. On the first day or through the first week, you're going to want to actually read through the script with your actors. And work out any problems the actors might have with the script. Before you get a little more deep into it. Next, you're going to want to do the blocking. Blocking is where the actors go and why. You're going to want to actually do this with them and nail it down. And have your stage manger, if you have one, write it down. So that you can move on to other things. So that they know, what they're doing and when they do it. Next, you're going to want to think about practical things like your costumes, your budget. You might want to change these as you go along, through the play process. You know, what do you really need. How much money do you really need to do this. And then finally be prepared to get rid of any uncommitted people in your production. Be prepared to be that person who takes over the production. And who really sort of, sticks it to the people. Who are working on it. Because in order for a production to succeed. Everyone has to be on board and committed. And as a director you are pretty much the head of that whole operation. So take those tips and good luck directing your play."