Directing for Theatre with Dean Bryant & Sarah Goodes

Summary

The director's role in theater encompasses selecting plays, casting actors, and shaping the overall production to resonate with contemporary audiences. Through an intuitive audition process, directors assess not only an actor's skills but also their chemistry with other cast members, fostering a supportive and trusting rehearsal environment. They balance honoring the playwright's intentions with engaging audiences effectively, especially when navigating the differences between classic and new works. The ultimate goal is to create a cohesive experience that surprises and delights the audience while telling a truthful story on stage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The director's role starts with selecting plays that resonate with contemporary themes and the audience's interests.
• 🎭 Collaboration with the artistic director is crucial in determining which plays to produce for the upcoming season.
• 🤔 Directors must ask themselves why a particular play is relevant at the present moment.
• 🔍 Auditioning actors is a key responsibility, allowing directors to gauge their fit for specific roles and the overall production.
• ✨ The audition process serves as an opportunity for both the director and the actor to discover the character's essence and dynamics.
• 🏗️ Directing a new play involves more collaboration with writers to refine the script and explore its thematic depths.
• 💬 Establishing trust in the rehearsal room is essential for fostering creativity and collaboration among the cast and crew.
• 🎤 Directors must balance the writer's intentions with the actors' interpretations to deliver a cohesive performance.
• 📊 Audience feedback during previews is vital for making adjustments to the production to enhance clarity and engagement.
• 🎉 Ultimately, the director's goal is to create a truthful and compelling storytelling experience that resonates with the audience.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a theater director in the production process?

The primary role of a theater director involves selecting plays in consultation with the artistic director, casting actors, and guiding the production to ensure the story is effectively communicated to the audience.

How does a director decide which plays to produce?

A director considers the relevance of the play to contemporary themes and societal issues, asking themselves why the play is significant in the current context.

What are some key elements a director looks for during auditions?

During auditions, a director looks for the actor's energy, purpose, ability to connect with other actors, and how their interpretation aligns with the character's essence.

What is the importance of chemistry between actors in the audition process?

Chemistry between actors is crucial as it affects the authenticity of their performance together, which the director evaluates during auditions by pairing actors to see how they interact.

How does a director approach classic versus new works?

When approaching classic works, a director focuses on understanding the historical context and essence of the script, while with new works, they often collaborate closely with the playwright to shape the material.

What role does trust play in a rehearsal environment?

Trust is vital in a rehearsal environment as it allows actors and the creative team to share ideas openly, experiment, and provide feedback in a safe space, ultimately enhancing collaboration.

How does a director ensure audience engagement during performances?

A director ensures audience engagement by maintaining clarity in storytelling, guiding the actors' focus, and ensuring that the production's pacing and energy resonate with the audience.

What adjustments might a director make during previews?

During previews, a director may adjust the pacing, timing of jokes, and visibility of actors to respond to audience reactions and improve the overall effectiveness of the performance.

Why is it important for a director to have a clear understanding of the playwright's intentions?

Understanding the playwright's intentions is important for a director to honor the original vision of the work, ensuring that the production effectively communicates the intended message to the audience.

What does the director mean by the phrase 'directing is like moving into an existing house'?

This phrase suggests that directing a classic work involves interpreting and arranging established elements (like unpacking boxes) to create a cohesive production, while new works require building something entirely new from the ground up.