Mondays & Wednesdays 10:10-1:10pm
Instructor: Gil McCauley
Office Hours: Mondays 1:30- 4:30pm(or by appointment)
Office: FAC109/Phone: 545-6815/ E-mail: gilmac@theater.umass.eduDIRECTING I is intended to be a practical exploration of the theory and craft of stage direction. Particular focus will be placed on the fundamentals of storytelling, analysis and organization, use of bodies and space and working with actors. In addition participants will be asked to see and respond to as much theater as possible. In the context of discussions, exercises, various scene work and the continual hunt for "moments of insight" participants will develop an understanding of basic directorial responsibilities and techniques necessary for taking a work from the page to the stage.
REQUIREMENTS include participation in discussions, exercises and rehearsals in class. This accounts for 50% of the grade. (Participants are allowed only three absences. After the third absence the participant's grade will be affected. Lateness exceeding 20 minutes is considered an absence.) The other 50% of the grade is comprised of the presentation of two fully realized scenes. The scenes should be no longer than 2 and 5 minutes, respectively. (Details about scene work will be outlined in class based on participant needs and abilities.)
REQUIRED READING should be studied thoroughly.
A Sense of Direction, William BallOPTIONAL READING is just what it sounds like. Feel free to add to this list and share your additions with the class:
The Director's Companion, Mel Shapiro
In Contact With the Gods?, Delagado & Heritage, eds.
THE SCHEDULE of activities for this course will center on preparation for 2 & 5 Minute scenes with particular focus topics being covered simultaneously and accumulatively. This semester's presentation dates are October 27 & 29, December 1, 3 & 8. We will not meet on the following dates: October 13, November 26 & December 10. Our last class meeting will be December 8.
Week 1
Overview of goals, expectations & requirements for the course.Weeks 2 & 3
Work on "Seeing" & "Storytelling" . (Last day to Add/Drop September 16)Weeks 4, 5 & 6
Work on "Analysis" & "Contextualization" w/ study play & 2 Minute Scene choice. (Last day to submit 2 Minute Scene selections September 29)Weeks 7 & 8
Rehearse 2 Minute Scenes and/or study play in class and work on "Bodies & Space".Week 9
Presentation & discussion of 2 Minutes Scenes.Week 10
Work on "Coaching Actors". (Last day to submit 5 Minute Scene selections November 4)Weeks 11, 12 & 13
Rehearse 5 Minute Scenes and/or study play in class and work on "Uncovering, Discovering & Scraping"Weeks 14 & 15
Presentation & discussion of 5 Minutes Scenes.
