Waveland Press - Fundamentals of Play Directing, Fifth Edition, by Alexander Dean, Lawrence Carra

This landmark work has influenced generations of stage directors and is considered the most influential treatment of the art of directing. Both theoretical and practical, Fundamentals of Play Directing offers content and information on the major technical and visual issues of stage directing that beginning directors will find invaluable. Following introductory chapters, readers are introduced to the basics—play analysis, basic technique for the actor, and the director’s media. These chapters form an essential preparation for an in-depth examination of the five fundamentals of play directing that make up the core of the text: composition, picturization, movement, rhythm, and pantomimic dramatization.

“This textbook does a great job of covering a wide span of information for both novice directors and those who have some existing experience. If the class knows nothing, you can start from the beginning. If they are a little more advanced, you can start farther along in the text. Whatever your needs, this book will help you to turn your students into effective directors of stage plays.” — Paul Nixon, Oakwood University

“Outstanding. Absolutely essential text for all aspiring directors.” — Rick Barbour, University of Denver

“The new format and lower price make adoption an easy decision.” — David S. Thompson, Agnes Scott College

“I find the approach to directing to be perfectly suited to my philosophy and style with emphasis on composition and picturization.” — Thomas A. Power, University of Southern Maine

“A very detailed and craftsmanlike approach to the physical and spatial aspects of directing.” — Gerry Dzuiblinski, Henry Ford Community College

“The best book on the subject of play directing’s technique. A must for beginning directors. This fifth edition is, by far, the best.” — Dean Zayas, University of Puerto Rico

Part One: INTRODUCTION
1. Drama as Art
2. The Director's Function

Part Two: BASICS
3. The Director and Play Analysis
4. Basic Technique for the Actor
5. The Director's Media

Part Three: THE FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF PLAY DIRECTING
6. Composition
7. Picturization
8. Movement
9. Rhythm
10. Pantomimic Dramatization

Part Four: WORKING WITH THE ACTOR
11. Expression, Body, Voice, and Role
12. Auditions and Casting

Part Five: DIRECTING THE PLAY
13. Preliminaries to Staging the Play
14. Rehearsing and Staging the Play

Part Six: APPLICATION TO OTHER THEATRE SPACES AND FORMS
15. Arena and Thrust Stages
16. Directing Musicals

Appendix A: Design, Production Staff, and Stage Management
Appendix B: Exercises for Body, Voice, and Emotion