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This module will introduce you to the fundamental skills of directing. Looking at all aspects of directing from stage composition to text interpretation and communicating complex ideas to actors, the aim of this module is to give you confidence in articulating your particular vision of a few chosen exercises.
Beginning with very simple staging challenges, such as to create the atmosphere for the opening of a play or to create short directorial exercises, you will examine all aspects of the challenges presented by directing. Exploring skills in stage composition, textual interpretation, finding creative solutions to performance problems and leading with confidence and clarity will form a major part of the exercises. You will be learning the fundamentals of stage management, stage lighting and design. Working with peers, you will gradually increase complexity and challenge in terms of set exercises and you will choose a final 2 minute project to direct for assessment. You will be reading about and considering the evolution of the role of the theatre director, from Saxe-Meinengen to the present day, and compiling a brief on 5 chosen directors. To accompany your final scene you’ll be developing a director’s notebook complete with production design elements.

LO1. Direct simple projects with confidence and clarity, creating a positive working environment in the rehearsal room.
LO2. Exercise autonomy and initiative as a director, demonstrating analytical skills to explore and express action and psychological choices.
LO3. Work with fellow students and on your own to understand, develop and respond to the complexities of a theatrical project.
LO4. Understand the specific demands of the role of the director and have a historical knowledge of how that role has evolved
LO5. Demonstrate an understanding of the interplay of all the elements of theatricality (visual, aural, psychophysical action) in the work of a director and the ability to approach your work with relevant research and creative solutions.