The Art of Directing 2023 will occur over 3 Terms – Winter, Spring & Fall:
- The Art of Directing – Part I: Essential Tools for the Director – Winter 2023
- The Art of Directing – Part II: Practical Application – Spring 2023
- The Art of Directing – Part III: OnStage Application – Productions – Fall 2023
All Terms taught by industry professional Pat Golden –
The Art of Directing – Part I: Essential Tools for the Director – Winter 2023 – In Person – Starts January 9 (Register now!)
The Director holds a privileged position in theatre, film and television. Understand the role of the Director. Find your artistic voice. Develop tools to communicate it. Turn your vision into reality. Understand dramaturgy, as it informs and drives each element of your piece. Draw on your own personal experience and insights to shape your Storytelling. Think Independently. Articulate an active Point-of-View. Develop your Vocabulary to communicate successfully with actors. Create Functional Ground Plans. Where is the focus? Discover Artful Composition and the Art in Blocking. Creative development empowers the Director to establish a strong foundation.
What you learn in Part I will ready your work for PRACTICAL APPLICATION in Classes II & III.
Part I will focus on Essential Elements for Directors:
- Connect with the Text
- Understand Dramaturgy, as it informs and drives each element of the piece
- Draw on your own Personal Experience & Insights to creatively shape Storytelling
- Independent Thinking
- Build a Strong Foundation
Practical Application:
- Script Analysis
- Script Breakdowns
- Articulate an active Point-of-View
- Vocabulary – How to Talk with Actors
- Create Functional Ground Plans
- Discover the Art in Blocking – Where is the Focus?
- Discover the Art in Composition
- Prep Rehearsal Plans
PREREQUISITE for PART I: Open to all
To Do Before First Class: Choose 3 known, published plays that appeal to you.
Required Reading: A Challenge for the Actor, by Uta Hagen
The Art of Directing: Part II – Practical Application – Spring 2023 – In Person (Registration opens February 5)
Implement all of the Tools that you’ve gained – script analysis, composition, blocking, focus, communicating with Actors, rehearsal plans – in AoD Part I to tell stories with clarity and impact.
In Part II learn to:
- Practically Apply Skills Required to Direct Actors
- Cast Actors – It’s the Director’s #1 Job
- Communicate Effectively with Actors
- Understand the Actor’s Work – What is Important to the Actor?
- Create Successful Director-Actor Relationships
- Work with the Actor on Character Development – Backstory, Motivation, Subtext
- Create Your Directorial Vision – Interpretation of the Material
- Sharpen Your Storytelling Skills
- Recognize Points-of-Contact
- Set the Tone
- Engage Your Audience
- Create Rehearsal Plans and Schedules
- Work with Actors in Outside Rehearsals to Present Scenes in Class
PREREQUISITE for PART II: Prior enrollment in Art of Directing OR prior directing experience on your resume.
To Do Before First Class: Choose 3 Two-Character Scenes from known, published works to submit.
The Art of Directing – Part III: OnStage Application – Productions – Fall 2023 (Registration opens August 1)
Turn your Vision into Reality on Stage at HB Studio’s Playwright Theatre. Implement all that you have learned in AoD I & II to Create Your Directorial Vision.
In Part III learn to:
- Develop Advanced Skills Required to Direct Actors
- Explore Creative Staging – Advanced Blocking
- Understand the Importance of Collaboration
- Find Your Artistic Voice to communicate in Rehearsals
- Implement Insights Practically and Creatively
- Use the Tools gained in AoD I & II to Emotionally Affect Your Audience
- Use Maximum Emotional and Visceral Power
- Gain Clear Understanding of the Working Processes
Collaborate:
- Collaboration with the Playwright – What’s Important to the Writer?
- What is Important to the Actor?
- How to Work with the PSM and SM
- How to Collaborate with the Producer – Who’s in Charge?
PREREQUISITE for PART III:Prior enrollment in Art of Directing OR prior directing experience on your resume.