1. The Director and the Producer
Intro to Theatre:
The Director and the Producer

2. The Director and the Producer
Works closely with Actors
Coordinates with Designers
May work with playwright
Translates the playwright’s point of view into terms relevant to the production, making it clear to the performers, designers and other artists and technicians involved.
May begin as actors or study to become a director.

3. The Director and the Producer
Choosing a script
Director may choose the script or can be chosen for him.
New play director will work with the playwright to make changes
Analyzes the script
What is the spine? The action that motivates the play
Spine is subjective
What is the style of the play?
Realism vs. non-realism or naturalism
Naturalism – exact copy of life or slice-of-life
Selective realism – characters and activities resemble life but elements maybe non-realistic

4. The Director and the Producer
Realism – middle ground between Naturalism and Selective realism
Non realism-
Fantasy, poetic drama, musical theatre, absurdist theatre, and symbolism
Allegory - symbolic characters, actions, or other production elements that represent an abstract theme
Expressionism – Gives outward expression to inner feelings.

5. The Director and the Producer
When a Director arrives at a style for a production, two things are essential:
The style should be appropriate for the play
It should be consistent throughout every aspect of the production
Directorial Concept
Period – Time period the production takes place.
Should be consistent with all elements.
Central Image – could be a metaphor or symbol
Purpose – Help tell the story of the play

6. The Director and the Producer
The Director and the Dramaturg
Supports the director through research
Suggesting new works
May work with playwright
Research on productions
Help with style and period detail

7. The Director and the Producer
The Director and the Production
Physical Production
Director meets with Designers to carryout concept for the production.
Production Meetings
Casting
Fitting performers into roles – “casting a mold’
Typecasting- a performer closely resembles a real life character.
Casting against type – men play women, sinister- looking person to play angelic part, can be comic or satirical

8. The Director and the Producer
Rehearsals
Blocking – Movement onstage
Director may give blocking or may allow actors to make own choices.
Table work – Sit down and analyze script with cast
“On its feet” – begin working out movement
Off book – memorized part
Help actors understand intention of playwright
Help actors develop relationships between characters
Help actors in personal obstacles

9. The Director and the Producer
The Director as the Audience’s Eye
Like the reviewer after the event.
Director does his work during the rehearsal process
Can see from the perspective that the actors cannot.
Creates visual composition or stage pictures
Spatial arrangement and give focus where it is needed.
Movement, Pace, Rhythm
Not move to quickly – can’t understand the words
Move to slowly – loose attention

10. The Director and the Producer
Technical Rehearsal
Run-through – the show from beginning to end with all the elements there.
Dress Rehearsal
Full-scale run through – may have invited audience
Previews
Tryouts – what works and what doesn’t
Once a play ‘opens’ – the Stage manager is in charge

11. The Director and the Producer
Director’s Power and Responsibility
Everyone reports to Director
Responsibility – good or bad is on their shoulders

12. The Director and the Producer
The Producer or Manager
Behind the scenes counter part to the Director
The Commercial Producer
Raise money /finance production
Secure rights to the script
Deal with the agents for the playwright, director and performers
Hire director, performers, designers, and stage crews
Deal with unions
Rent theatre space
Supervise the work of theatre; box office, auditorium, and business office
Advertise
Oversee the budget

13. The Director and the Producer
Non-profit Theatre
Same responsibilities as Commercial Producer
Executive Director or Managing Director
Administration
Have a board of directors – Raise money and decide long term goals
Artistic Director – Selects plays and hires personnel and may direct a show
Managing Director – Budgets for shows and salaries and oversees the facility, publicity, Front of house

14. The Director and the Producer
Summary
Director is the Audience eye
Director is the vision
Coordinates all aspects of the production.
Auteur Director changes everything including the script for a production
Producer coordinates the financial aspects of the production