Other students will read, allowing playwrights the opportunity to concentrate on learning the craft of writing and the craft of working with actors. In addition, outside reading of plays, in class writing assignments, lectures on dramatic action, and weekly conferences with the instructor and fellow playwriting students will be a part of the course. This course studies the art of play direction for proscenium and central stages. Basic fundamentals such as interpretation, composition, picturization, movement, and rhythm are considered. Production procedures related to auditions, casting, and rehearsals are examined.
Special emphasis is placed on studying techniques and methods of working with the actor.
Each student is provided the opportunity to direct a one-act play during the semester. Evaluation is based on the student's directoral work, examinations, and other assignments. This course provides extensive training in critical thinking, listening, reading, practical reasoning and advocacy. Participants prepare arguments on contemporary issues for critical, well-informed audiences. Emphasis is placed on the ability to anticipate and address the wide variety of alternative perspectives represented by such audiences.