Directing Flashcards
Know the grid of stage directions
USR - USC - USL
SR - C - SL
DSR - DSC - DSL
Draw the body position compass
3/4 R - Full Back (FB)- 3/4 L
Profile (1/2) right — Profile (1/2) left
1/4 R - Full Front (FF) - 1/4 L
How do you notate blocking in your script?
Written in pencil
What four styles of stages may you find yourself directing for?
- Proscenium (one 4th wall)
- Thrust (three 4th walls)
- Arena (four 4th walls)
- Alley (two 4th walls)
Describe the directing process.
- Pick a script vs. work with a playwright
- Analyze the text for the concept
- Work with designers/ communicate the concept
- Create your schedule
- Audition actors
- Cast the show
- Rehearse
- Let the show pass into other hands
What are the steps in the rehearsal process?
- Table work
- Blocking
- Memorize and character development
- Tech/dress rehearsal
- Opening night
Name the 3 presented directing styles.
Observational Director
Director as Contractor
Dictator Director
What do you need in your prompt book?
- Script (with blocking)
- Director’s concept
- Contact sheet
- Rehearsal schedule/call sheet
- Research
Who was in charge of staging a play before the advent of the director?
.
Why did the sub-genre “Realism” take a role in the advent of the director?
Realism is authenticity; needed someone to have an objective eye. The director makes sure that the play is done authentically
Who are Constantin Stanislavski and The Duke of Saxe-Meiningen?
First two directors
Con: Russian actor
Duke: German set designer
What is the importance of Chekhov/Stanislavski relationship?
They did not agree, which brought different views (a play is through the director)
What 12 rules did the Duke of Saxe-Meiningen set for future directors?
- In composition, avoid the middle of the picture, being congruent to the middle of the stage
- Nothing center stage
- Never have two actors stand equidistant from the prompter’s box
- Watch actor’s position in relation to painted decorations
- Scenery o which the actor leans must be strong
- Use tree branches etc. on stage, masking proscenium in exterior setting
- Break the monotomy of the stage floor into levels
- Maintain historical accuracy
- Casting should only consider personality and talents of company players
- Have leading actors play small roles, raising the small role in the estimation of the actor
- Develop the … X
- Observe all movement from both visual and acoustical points of view
What is the presented definition of blocking?
The justified movement given to an actor by the director
What is director’s concept?
The binding artistic foundation
