Ms. Cayton's Class



42100500THE DIRECTOR (and information he/she should know)A BRIEF HISTORY…Throughout history, playwrights and lead actors fulfilled the duties of director.Ancient Greek Theatre the Choregos (head of the chorus) often directed / coordinated song and movementplaywrights probably staged the plays and probably cast themMedieval Theatre the Master of Secrets – a special effects expertthe Keeper of the Register - the "register" was a master copy of the script 1500s-1600s – professional acting companies had Actor/ManagersAll of these positions were more managerial than artistic.Directors didn’t really appear until 1800s.TYPES OF DIRECTORSThe Worshipful Director’s Approach – tries to remain faithful to the original play; views the original play with respect and reverenceThe Heretical Director’s Approach – there is no single interpretation of a play that is correct—depends on performers, conditions, and audience; more experimental The Auteur Director’s Approach – has a very specific style that is evident in all of his/her work, sometimes at the expense of the play (often seen in film)A DIRECTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES (MANAGERIAL AND ARTISTIC)Selecting the playInterpreting the play/analyzing textApproving and coordinating the designs (scenery, costumes, lighting, sound)Casting actorsCoaching actorsStaging the play (blocking, business, setting tempo, etc.)Scheduling and conducting rehearsalsDECISIONS A DIRECTOR MUST MAKEWhat kind of audience do I want to reach? Why? How will I do it?What is the theme or central idea of the play?Where are the major and minor climaxes of the play?What is the overall mood?The characters – their most important traits? their purpose? How do they advance the plot?What is the setting and atmosphere?Blocking possibilities – what kind of stage pictures to create?Important to analyze Aristotle’s 6 elements in the play (see page 6 of packet)THE REHEARSAL PROCESSRead-through/Table work – opportunity to read through script with cast, discuss concepts, etc.; sometimes look at designers’ plansBlocking rehearsals – focus on blocking the play, creating stage pictures, etc.Character rehearsals – now that actors know blocking, focus more on character development and subtler choicesRun-throughs – clean up blocking and character work; focus on timing; actors off-bookTech rehearsals – add technical aspects; clean up timing, levels, transitionsDress rehearsals – final opportunity to make sure all technical aspects work and the show will run smoothly for an audienceSOME TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW…Research these terms and write the definition. If you have a question, let me know.PresentationalRepresentationalPrompt bookFrench scenesArena stageProscenium stageThrust stageLight plotLight gridRiggingFly spaceEllipsoidal light Fresnel lightShutters (for lights)Flood/spotlightsGobo GelCyclorama (cyc)TeasersTormentorsCostume renderingSet propsSet dressingsHand propsFloorplanFlatsBackdropApronTHEATRE PERSONNELMake sure you can define these theatre jobs!!!ProducerDirectorPlaywrightLighting designerCostume designerMakeup designerSet designerSound designerProperty masterTechnical DirectorChoreographerActorBackstage crew/stagehandsMaster CarpenterMaster ElectricianSet, sound, lighting crewsPublicistScenic artistStage ManagerWardrobe supervisorArtistic directorExecutive directorDramaturgHouse managerUsherBox officeLABEL THE STAGE AREAS.AUDIENCECommon Abbreviations Used in Blocking (written in prompt book)Stage Left (SL)2219325444500Upstage (US)Stage Right (SR)Downstage (DS)Center Stage (CS)Downstage Right (DSR or DR)Downstage Left (DSL or DL) Downstage Center (DSC or DC)Upstage Right (USR or UR)Upstage Left (USL or UL)Upstage Center (USC or UC)Right Center (RC)Left Center (LC)Cross (X)Off Stage (OS)left0ARISTOTLE'S BIG SIXAristotle was born in Stagirus, Macedonia, Greece in 384 BC and died 62 years later in 322 BC. He was a student at Plato's Academy and later became one of the greatest philosophers of Ancient Greece. He is said to have been the Tutor of Alexander the Great. In one of his treatises, The Poetics, he outlines the Six Elements Of Drama, based on the Ancient Greek belief that tragedy was the highest form of Drama. This outline has become a guideline for many playwrights throughout history, and is especially emphasized in the works of William Shakespeare.Aristotle's Big Six (Elements of Drama)1. PLOT – what happens in a play; the order of events, the story as opposed to the theme; what happens rather than what it means. 2. CHARACTER – the personality or the part an actor represents in a play; a role played by an actor in a play.3. IDEA – What were they trying to say? Did they say it? Was it worth saying? (similar to theme)4. LANGUAGE – the pronunciation and accentuation, rhythm, and melody of the words. 5. MUSIC – music; sound.6.SPECTACLE – the visual elements of the production of a play; the scenery, costumes, and special effects in a production.5715000457200Some of the names are different, but this will give you the basic idea of theatre personnel organization.00Some of the names are different, but this will give you the basic idea of theatre personnel organization.-831850174561500 ................
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