Directors Alive! Workshops

Nearly all of our dear Theatrical Theorists are, in fact, dead. But...for a short time only, you will bring them back in DIRECTORS ALIVE! Through careful study/research, you will channel the Director back for a master class with the group.

You will take on the role of the director and give a short lesson on your philosophy and practice of theatre, guiding us through a few exercises and suggestions for how to tackle our scripts using your philosophy. 

You should be in character with some type of costume/prop for a 15-20 minute interactive workshop. Here are the dates for your workshops:

Thursday, May 3Stanislavski - Naturalism/Realism (Grimes)

Monday, May 7

Artaud - Theatre of Cruelty (Jenny)
Mitchell - (Sofia) 

Wednesday, May 9
Brecht - Epic Theatre (Chloe)
Brook - (Maria Eugenia)

For your workshop, please research, organize and plan the following:

1. Director's background and the context in which you worked. Be sure to include your influences, theatrical work and accolades.
2. Your central philosophy/concept/idea regarding directing, acting and/or theatre.
3. 2-3 exercises that you would use with actors that we will try out as a group.
4. Script work -- A little time to work with the script with your director's perspective. Remember that this should elicit the ideas and understanding of your actors. 
5. Final thoughts -- wrap up and ensure that your workshop participants have a strong understanding of your philosophy
6. Bonus -- Include images or videos of your director's style in action

Director's Alive Criteria: 

Overall Presentation: 

  -Creativity - Presents in an an interesting manner that is captivating

  -Clarity of ideas/concepts, as well as vocal choices; Presentation is organized in a coherent manner.

  -Pacing--Well prepared to present, excellent use of time (15-20 minutes) 

  -Acting/Authentic Character - Stays in character throughout the piece, costumes & props add to the character

 -Preparation: Presentation has been  rehearsed; any materials needed are prepped; the space is ready to be used for your activities. 

Content of Presentation: 

  -Information: Correct Concepts and Development of Director's Ideas

   -Activities & Application: Choice of exercise, clarity of instructions & overall leadership throughout. How do you lead us through the practical application of your director's theories in our pieces?  

   -Final Debrief: Work with your peers to discuss how do these activities help us to better understand the director's philosophy?
   -Citations: Are all of your sources correctly cited--including images? Is there a final slide which lists your sources?