How to Direct a Play

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This Zone is dedicated to the topic of theater.  In addition look here for hints and tips for play directors both new to the craft as well as experienced thespians

Take a survey--what kind of play do you prefer to direct?

Would you prefer to direct a comedy, drama or musical?
comedy
drama
musical

Top 5 Things to Know Before Beginning a Play

 

1. Know your audience

2. Know the capabilities of your actors

3. Know your facility

4. Know your technical capabilities

3. Select a play that will suit the actors, facility, technical capabilities, and your audience.

“God comes to us in theater [in] the way we communicate with each other, whether it be a symphony orchestra, or a wonderful ballet, or a beautiful painting, or a play. It's a way of expressing our humanity.” Julie Harris

Things Needed

Patience

Creativity

Endurance

Love

by Paige Pfannenstiel

I wait in line, A long line, And wait for my chance, To be center stage. And in my mind, I wasn't me, For I must travel back, To a different time. And as I inch further, Up the long line,...read more
  Write NowWrite

by Trevor Thomas

Nearly a half century of conditioning left the opening night audience for the new Broadway musical "Oklahoma!" on Wednesday, March 31, 1943 excitedly expecting the curtain to rise on a lavishly costum...read more
8 articles  Write NowWrite

56th Tony Awards: Oklahoma! performance

by Patricia Rockwell

I cannot imagine anything quite so challenging or creative or thoroughly exciting as having the opportunity to direct a musical (well, maybe being President). Assuming you have volunteered or have be...read more
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by Lindsay Price

The high school play can be more than tradition. More than rote. More than something to do. Teenagers can actually learn something, build self-confidence, develop self-expression and communication ski...read more
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How to build a Theater Flat

by Ted Sherman

The quick answer is: take advantage of every opportunity to get multiple experiences in the theater as you can find. I'm sure you've heard the old joke. A tourist in New York City asks a native how to...read more
8 articles  Write NowWrite

by Angela Olver

The hidden energy of the lifeless stage. Imagine a stage set with wondrous things such as furniture, toys, curtains and clothes. Just sitting there all colorful, and clean, some things may be ...read more
  Write NowWrite

by Martin Reftorr

As a master playwright, Shakespeare included many image patterns and correlating themes in his writing of Hamlet, ranging from disease and decay to parallels with the world of theater. The main charac...read more
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by Walter Allen

So you are producing a play or a musical and need costumes. You're interested in renting costumes, but aren't sure where to turn. Here's a few guidelines to get you started and keep you pointed in the...read more
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by Rick Badman

When I was a child I attended concerts when most children wanted to watch TV. Attending concerts and attending the theater are very similar. There are some rules of etiquette that children and the par...read more
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by MJ Suttor

Give a hand out and you will help one person in that moment. Give a hand up and you will have an impact for years to come. Theater in schools is truly a hand up and should be embraced by all levels ...read more
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