Running the Room: Conversations with Women Theatre Directors

by Rosemary Waugh

Our most brilliant, fearless and creative women directors open the door on their craft, discussing their work in the theatre in intimate and illuminating detail.
Through a series of fascinating conversations with many of the leading talents working on British stages, Running the Room explores what it takes to succeed in the field, and how each director approaches the work in their own way.
Each interview focuses on a particular facet of the director's practice, examining not just the 'how' – how to talk to actors, how to create the right rehearsal environment, how to handle cuts and previews, how to work with a living playwright – but also the 'why': why certain approaches work better than others, why there's no 'right' way to direct a play, and why work in theatre anyway?
As this passionate, inspiring book shows, there are myriad ways to be a theatre director. For aspiring or current directors, it will give you the confidence to be uniquely yourself, develop your own approach, and create the work you want to make. For creatives in other disciplines, it will provide insight into directors' processes, along with examples of successful collaboration. And for anyone who loves theatre, this is an unparalleled first-hand account of how brilliant theatre is made – direct from those making it.
With contributions
Natalie Abrahami • Annabel Arden • Milli Bhatia • Carrie Cracknell • Tinuke Craig • Marianne Elliott • Nadia Fall • Yaël Farber • Vicky Featherstone • Jamie Fletcher • Sarah Frankcom • Emma Frankland • Rebecca Frecknall • Debbie Hannan • Tamara Harvey • Natalie Ibu • Ola Ince • Lynette Linton • Nancy Medina • Katie Mitchell • Rachel O'Riordan • Emma Rice • Indhu Rubasingham • Jenny Sealey

Genres: Theatre

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2023

Reviews

[Tilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished! This book is one of my prized possessions I adore it so much

[MattThatReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into some of the best directors working at the forefront of the industry. If you want to know how to better and progress your knowledge and understanding on the developing world of UK theatre, this is the book for you.

At times, I found discussion on advice and technique more useful than I did the more anecdotal moments, but over all, a lot of brilliant content covering a vast amount of perspectives and ideas.

Great to dip in and out of as well, each chapter touches a different angle!

[K.O · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish this book were more inspiring. It's impressive to read about these women, but it lacks spark. It doesn't make you say, 'Wow, I'm going to write my own play now.' I think that should be the purpose of publishing a book like this.

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and insightful.

[Imogen Dowding · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this book.

[liza mayley]

Putting my money where my mouth is this year and stopping the star ratings
(besides 5 wouldn't be enough because the insight and inspiration this provided for me is unquantifiable)

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good one to have on hand when i'm starting to feel like i have no clue where this career is going to take me. clearly no one does and as long as you have some faith, put on your big girl pants, and never assume you know everything there is to know...you might be on the right track