Stage Directing: The First Experiences

by Jim Patterson

Flexible and concise, Stage Directing details the seven steps that make up the directing selecting a work, analyzing and researching the playscript, conceiving the production, casting, beginning rehearsals, polishing rehearsals, and giving and receiving criticism. Each step is highlighted with valuable directing tips, as well as examples from modern and contemporary playscripts and productions. Exercises, objectives, and key terms put directing precepts to a practical test, revealing what is significant about each phase of the process. Over eighty charts, graphs, and photographs unite to exemplify the text. With a fresh voice and an engaging writing style, Patterson provides insightful questions, suggestions, and illustrations that define and invoke contemplation about the role of the director. Three original short plays provide the opportunity for hands-on analysis and the application of practical concepts. In a final essay, Patterson highlights the function and growing artistry of the director in the modern and postmodern theatre by concisely examining the history of the director. Titles of related interest also from Waveland Catron-Shattuck, The Director's Play Direction from Analysis to Production, Second Edition (ISBN 9781478611257); Catron, The Power of The Solo Play for Playwrights, Actors, and Directors (ISBN 9781577666202); Dean-Carra, Fundamentals of Play Directing, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577666486); and Patterson et al., Theatre in the Secondary School Methods and Strategies for the Beginning Teacher (ISBN 9781478631958).

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2003

Reviews

[Matias]

7/7
This was the textbook that I read for my directing class (Senior year at ALCS) as I directed my own 30-minute production of Everyman. It was super helpful along the journey. It's super clear and concise with lots of great technical and artistic guidance and advice. I now have a solid foundation for what it means to be a good director, and I will definitely keep this book around as a reference tool.

[John Geddie]

I really liked this one. It reads like a 'first director' textbook. And there was a lot I already knew but a lot of things I'd never thought about. There's definitely more to know, but it's a great primer to help newer directors fight their imposter syndrome. It's less 'big concept' and theme evaluating and 'philosophy of theatre' and more a 'here are all the things you need to do and things to consider while you're doing them.'

[jessie]

Wow so much to learn to be a beginning director. I truthfully think being a director can be as wonderful experience as being a playwright. Gonna try it for sure!