The Director and the Producer Intro to Theatre: The Director and the Producer

The Director and the Producer Works closely with Actors Coordinates with Designers May work with playwright Translates the playwright’s point of view into terms relevant to the production, making it clear to the performers, designers and other artists and technicians involved. May begin as actors or study to become a director.

The Director and the Producer Choosing a script Director may choose the script or can be chosen for him. New play director will work with the playwright to make changes Analyzes the script What is the spine? The action that motivates the play Spine is subjective What is the style of the play? Realism vs. non-realism or naturalism Naturalism – exact copy of life or slice-of-life Selective realism – characters and activities resemble life but elements maybe non-realistic

The Director and the Producer Realism – middle ground between Naturalism and Selective realism Non realism- Fantasy, poetic drama, musical theatre, absurdist theatre, and symbolism Allegory - symbolic characters, actions, or other production elements that represent an abstract theme Expressionism – Gives outward expression to inner feelings.

The Director and the Producer When a Director arrives at a style for a production, two things are essential: The style should be appropriate for the play It should be consistent throughout every aspect of the production Directorial Concept Period – Time period the production takes place. Should be consistent with all elements. Central Image – could be a metaphor or symbol Purpose – Help tell the story of the play

The Director and the Producer The Director and the Dramaturg Supports the director through research Suggesting new works May work with playwright Research on productions Help with style and period detail

The Director and the Producer The Director and the Production Physical Production Director meets with Designers to carryout concept for the production. Production Meetings Casting Fitting performers into roles – “casting a mold’ Typecasting- a performer closely resembles a real life character. Casting against type – men play women, sinister- looking person to play angelic part, can be comic or satirical

The Director and the Producer Rehearsals Blocking – Movement onstage Director may give blocking or may allow actors to make own choices. Table work – Sit down and analyze script with cast “On its feet” – begin working out movement Off book – memorized part Help actors understand intention of playwright Help actors develop relationships between characters Help actors in personal obstacles

The Director and the Producer The Director as the Audience’s Eye Like the reviewer after the event. Director does his work during the rehearsal process Can see from the perspective that the actors cannot. Creates visual composition or stage pictures Spatial arrangement and give focus where it is needed. Movement, Pace, Rhythm Not move to quickly – can’t understand the words Move to slowly – loose attention

The Director and the Producer Technical Rehearsal Run-through – the show from beginning to end with all the elements there. Dress Rehearsal Full-scale run through – may have invited audience Previews Tryouts – what works and what doesn’t Once a play ‘opens’ – the Stage manager is in charge

The Director and the Producer Director’s Power and Responsibility Everyone reports to Director Responsibility – good or bad is on their shoulders

The Director and the Producer The Producer or Manager Behind the scenes counter part to the Director The Commercial Producer Raise money /finance production Secure rights to the script Deal with the agents for the playwright, director and performers Hire director, performers, designers, and stage crews Deal with unions Rent theatre space Supervise the work of theatre; box office, auditorium, and business office Advertise Oversee the budget

The Director and the Producer Non-profit Theatre Same responsibilities as Commercial Producer Executive Director or Managing Director Administration Have a board of directors – Raise money and decide long term goals Artistic Director – Selects plays and hires personnel and may direct a show Managing Director – Budgets for shows and salaries and oversees the facility, publicity, Front of house

The Director and the Producer Summary Director is the Audience eye Director is the vision Coordinates all aspects of the production. Auteur Director changes everything including the script for a production Producer coordinates the financial aspects of the production