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Directing- Option Two

Welcome to Directors Option Two.  This course is designed for directing students who would like to delve further in the art of producing and directing a production.  In this course of study,  you will read about the step by step process of mounting a show. That process ranges from picking the play or musical to auditions, the design process, and marketing to the strike. 

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Each Topic is structured to take a week.  During the week, students will be assigned readings and then will write an in-depth response to the prompts.  At the end of each week, students will present a short oral report to the class about what they have learned.  Student directors will then apply what they learn during their interaction with their acting peers.

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Please download Book 1 and 2  and look below for the topics, prompts and the assignments.

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Topic One - pg. 3-45

 

Answer the following prompts:

  • What are the three qualities the writer identifies as qualities of successful directors?

    • Please explain what these qualities mean to you.

 

  • How do directors use the Five W’s to help them in their initial steps of discovering their limitations?

 

  • Please identify the three Teds and their importance to the production team.

 

  • How do most organizations handle the inability to hire all the specialists need for a production?

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  • Please identify the crews needed for the success of your production?

 

  • Why is where the production is to be presented important when picking a piece to direct.

 

  • Please list the areas where your budget will be used for your production.

 

  • Give a quick synopsis of the following:

    • Contest Play

    • Coffee House Theater

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Where can one find plays to produce?

 

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Topic Two - Act Two pg. 45-71

 

Answer the following prompts:

 

  • Directors need to analyze the plays they will work on explain the importance of the following:

    • Using the Title

    • The Copyright Date

    • The Names of the Characters

    • The Functions of the Characters

    • Speeches

    • Playwrights Intent

 

  • Explain what a French Scene is and how to apply it when identifying the units of a play.

 

  • What are the three key elements that the director needs to identify?

 

  • Explain the importance of understanding:

    • Exposition

    • Resolution

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  • What are the five important pieces of information a rehearsal schedule needs?

 

  • What is the minimum rehearsal time suggested for:

    • A Full Length Production

    • One Act Play 

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  • Explain the Nine Phases of the Rehearsal Process in one sentence.

 

  • Explain the following in once sentence:

    • Dry Tech

    • Wet Tech

    • Dress Rehearsals

    • Preview Performance

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Topic Three  - Act Two pg. 71-100

 

  • What info should you be able to share with a set designer during your first meeting regarding flats, platforms, performance spaces etc?

 

  • Why is it important to share images, thoughts, words and other examples for the discuss your ideas about the play?

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  • What are practical needs for a set?

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  • Please explain in a sentence or two  the following terms:

    • Realism

    • Selective Realism

    • Stylization

    • Symbolism

    • Formalism

 

  • What do the following terms mean:

    • Balance

    • Architectural Logic

    • Entrances

    • Sight Lines

    • Broken Line

    • Variety

    • Placement

    • Focus

    • Movement Patterns

    • Door Units

    • Renderings

    • Scale Models

 

  • Please identify:

    • Set Props

    • Hand Props

    • Personal props

    • Decor or Filler Props

 

  • Please identify the four specific ways that lighting can enhance a production.

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  • What are the 5 objectives of Costume Design and why are they important?

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  • Why is being specific with character needs important for a Costume Designer to know?

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Topic Four - pg. 100-137

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  • Share the Stage Managers responsibilities during rehearsals?

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  • What are the Stage Managers responsibilities during the dress rehearsals and performances?

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  • Why is the most important part of the any production the casting process?

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  • How does a director create a Character Description?

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  • What are sides or a cutting for an audition?

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  • What is the difference between an Open Audition and a Closed Audition?

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  • What are the six pieces of criteria the can help you cast your show?

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  • What some concerns that a director needs to be aware of when casting?

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Topic Five - pg. 143-205

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  • What are guidelines for effective leadership?

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  • What is the difference between Stage Movement and Stage Business?

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  • Please explain the three phases of blocking?

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  • What body positions and compositions are interesting for an audience?

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  • Which type of turn and crosses should be used?

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  • What is countering?

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  • What are some techniques that help an actor create a character?

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  • Please Identify 6 ways to offer direction?

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  • What is the least effective way to give critique?

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  • What are some special considerations for producing a Period Piece?

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  • What are some special considerations for producing a Musical?

 

 

Topic Six - pg. 205-245

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  • What is the best way to figure out the pricing of tickets?

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  • What are some specific ways to promote your production?

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  • What are some ways you can be featured in the Press?

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