Master play direction with this 10-step guide to directing a play from concept to closing night! Get ready to build a remarkable production with part 1 of this play director's blueprint.
[0:0] Intro
[0:34] Step 1: Choose Your Script & Budgets
*If using a script protected by copyright, give yourself time to apply for the performance rights
*If using an original script (that you don't require copyright permissions for), allow a minimum of 3 months to edit your script before attempting to produce it
*Even a small budget needs to be calculated for things like venue, marketing, cast, crew, props, set, etc.
[2:24] Step 2: Decide Your Venue & Timeline
*When choosing a venue and deciding timeline, consider other events (both theatre and otherwise) that are happening in your areas. These events could affect audience turnout, as well as the availability and cost of local venues
*Consider the weather when choosing your timeline (seasons of extreme snow, rain, wind, etc.)
*Consider theatre off-season as venues may be vacant and willing to negotiate the price with you
*When creating your timeline, work backwards. When you want your performance to be, before that is 1-2 weeks of tech week, before that is 1-2 weeks of run-throughs, before that are rehearsals (to calculate rehearsal time needed: 1 hour per 1 minute of the play, or 2 hours per page of your play), a week before rehearsals is your first read through, 1-2 weeks before the first read you will build your rehearsal schedule, before that you have 2-6 weeks for auditions (multiple rounds if needed and callback if needed), before that is 2-6 weeks of advertising auditions, before that is 3 months of editing your play or applying for performance rights for a published play.
[4:43] Step 3: Hire Assistant Director & Stage Manager
*If you'll be using an Assistant Director, hire them before auditions, so they can help
*At the very least, hire your stage manager before auditions
*If hiring (or recruiting volunteers for) your heads of props, set and costumes, you can start to look for them now to get the creative process flowing
[5:28] Step 4: Cast Your Show
*Check our "How to Hold Auditions" linked below
*You will hold auditions for your play
*It's a good idea to have the skeleton of your rehearsal schedule at the auditions (or in the audition posting) so actors can confirm their availability before you decide to cast them
[6:47] Step 5: Have Your First Read Through
*Decide if you want to give your script ahead of time or at the first read
*If scripts are photocopies, place them in hard shell binders, do not bind them, and don’t charge your cast for their scripts
*If scripts are sent to you by the copyright owner at a cost, you can cover that cost, or pass that cost onto your actors
*Have heads of departments give their creative ideas to the company
*Communicate important costume, prop, set, and technical decisions at the first read so actors can start to prepare themselves and have more productive rehearsals
*Schedule enough time for sharing, ice breakers, Q&A, refreshments, and mingling in addition to the reading of the script
*Have actors look at each other while reading lines, and spectating actors as well as the director watch (not read along in their script)
*SM should be the only person reading their script. They can cue actors if their line comes up
*Set expectations for your company, check out "Intro to Directing" for more elaboration - linked below
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CONTACT ME TO HELP WITH YOUR STAGE PLAY or PRODUCTION:
https://www.fiverr.com/juelbrown?up_rollout=true
10 JOBS TO FILL TO PUT ON A PLAY (Part 1 & 2):
https://youtu.be/2qcjPctldGw
https://youtu.be/iTTeG6BMyDg
INTRO TO DIRECTING:
https://youtu.be/-AGX12Y4FhQ
FREE RESOURCES:
https://linktr.ee/juelbrown
SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.instagram.com/juelbrown1/
Juel has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and a 4-year conservatory acting diploma from Sheridan College. Since graduating in 2010, Juel has been writing, producing, acting in, stage managing, directing, and coaching in her hometown of Toronto and Los Angeles. Juel has worked with such names as Trey & Darren Anthony, Rachael-Lea Rickards, and Marion J. Caffey. She's currently working freelance with several theatre companies, directors, and playwrights.
Juel Brown has been helping new (and experienced) directors for over 10 years, from choosing their script to polishing their blocking.
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Juel is also the author of the New Adult Contemporary Fiction novel THE REFINING. https://www.amazon.com/dp/177733070X
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