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Five Fundamentals for the Beginning Stage Director

W. Somerset Maugham

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Published in Staging Story: Five Fundamentals For The Beginning Stage Director

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Directing a play can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you're new to stage directing, there are a few fundamentals that you'll need to master in order to get started.

Staging Story: Five Fundamentals for the Beginning Stage Director

by Stewart F. Lane

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

1. Understand the Play

The first step to directing a play is to understand the play itself. This means reading the play carefully, identifying the main themes and characters, and understanding the playwright's intentions. You should also research the time period and setting of the play, so that you can create a production that is authentic and believable.

2. Develop a Vision

Once you understand the play, you need to develop a vision for your production. This means deciding how you want to interpret the play, and what kind of experience you want to create for your audience. Your vision will guide all of your decisions about the production, from the casting to the set design.

3. Communicate Your Vision

Once you have a vision for your production, you need to communicate it to your cast and crew. This means being clear about your expectations for the actors, and providing them with the tools and support they need to bring your vision to life. You should also be open to feedback from your cast and crew, and be willing to make changes to your vision as needed.

4. Rehearse Effectively

Rehearsals are essential for preparing your production for performance. During rehearsals, you will work with your cast to develop the characters, block the action, and create a cohesive production. Rehearsals should be productive and efficient, but they should also be enjoyable for everyone involved.

5. Put on a Great Show

The culmination of all your hard work will be the performance itself. On the day of the show, you need to make sure that everything runs smoothly and that your audience has a great experience. This means being prepared for anything that could go wrong, and being able to make quick decisions if necessary. But most importantly, it means having fun and enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Directing a play can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these five fundamentals, you can set yourself up for success as a beginning stage director.