The Art of a Director

A few thoughts. “I am intrested in thoughts and ideas on the role of the director in amatuer theatre: what do they do (besides the obvious) ?” What is the obvious? Directing the play? I guess that a Director should be involved in every step of the production after all they have the vision and inspiration. This doesn’t mean they should actually do everything themselves e.g Directing the play, designing the set and costumes, designing the publicity, designing the lighting and sound etc etc etc. All of these things should have input from the Director and I guess overall approval but the Director shouldn’t do them themselves. ”how do they bring the play to life (rehearsal techniques, blocking)?” When I direct I tend to let the blocking grow organically from the set design and the natural impulses of the actors. I intervene when I see the possibility of great pictures and to create moments that allow actors to hold and yield focus or to highlight emotional moments. My main focus in rehearsals is to assist the actors to bring out the characters of the roles they are playing and to keep the play moving in the direction I want it to go. I definitely use my actors as part of the process and hopefully the end result is a collaborative one. “what makes a good director ?” Vision, inspiration, dedication to the play and an ability to maintain focus and carry the disparate group of people that is a cast right through to the opening night. A good Director must also be able to be the glue that holds the whole team together. “ what makes a bad director ?” A lack of the above. “ horror stories ?” I was invited to direct for a company who had seen my work directing strong political drama and was led to believe that all I was expected to do was actually direct the play and that the company would provide all the support I needed to get the play on. My trouble began at the auditions when almost no members of the company turned up. I cast the play and began rehearsals as the process continued and I saw no-one from the company I slowly began to realise that nothing was happening, enquiries and appeals for help produced nothing and I ended up designing and printing the posters, designing the set, doing the sound and many other tasks. It became much against my wish a one man band. Someone did finally emerge and help with costumes and they provided me with a props person who couldn’t lift anything but was actually pretty good other wise, but it was an experience I do not wish to repeat. ” do they bridge into production manager roles ?” The definition of a Production manager varies wildly from one to another amateur company and yes I think that occasionally the two roles blur along the edges. “ are they an everyman ?” I have met a number of Directors who know almost nothing outside the artistic side of Directing. I have met a number who can do almost every job involved in the Theatre.. I have met very good Directors who can’t act ad great Actors who can’t direct. So I guess the answer is “Yes and No” “ what is your method of direction ?” I’ve already answered that but will say that any Director must enter a production process with an in depth knowledge of the play and a certain view of where they are going. You must also stay focused on that vision whatever happens, but remember that other members of the team will be able to help you achieve that vision and you must listen to them. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au