Directing New Plays: Tools for Art and Collaboration

Directing New Plays: Tools for Art and Collaboration

Evan Cabnet

Every theater director will oversee a new play process in their here is what to expect and how to prepare.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience as a freelance director, and as the Artistic Director of LCT3 at Lincoln Center Theater, Evan Cabnet combines the creative with the pragmatic to provide an honest, useful, and entertaining look at the art of directing a new play.

Integrating practical advice with personal experience, Directing New Plays demystifies the process of directing a new work. From developing a creative vision to navigating the challenges of collaborative art-making, this book offers a comprehensive look at the director's role in the process and the tools they use at every step,

including development (readings and workshops), pre-production (casting and design), rehearsal (staging, working with actors, rewrites, and run-throughs), tech, previews, and opening a world premiere production. Incisive, supportive, and clear, this book is an indispensable resource for theater directors looking to begin- or to sustain- a career in new play development.

Publisher

Methuen Drama

Publication Date

10/3/2024

ISBN

9781350179288

Pages

269

Categories

Literature

Questions & Answers

The Paradox of Directing refers to the challenge of a director's work being invisible yet essential to a successful production. This paradox arises because a director's influence is often unseen, yet their vision and leadership are crucial to the cohesive and harmonious final product. In new play development, this paradox shapes the director's role in several ways:

  1. Translator: The director translates the playwright's text into a tangible production, bridging the gap between the written word and the live performance. They interpret the play's essence and communicate it to the creative team, ensuring the playwright's vision is realized.

  2. Facilitator: The director facilitates collaboration among diverse artists, fostering trust and communication. They guide the process, ensuring that each team member's contributions align with the overall vision without imposing their own style too heavily.

  3. Visionary and Leader: The director must maintain a clear vision for the production while being flexible to adapt as the play evolves. They lead the creative team, making decisions that shape the play's direction and ensuring the production's integrity.

  4. Observer and Analyst: The director acts as an audience surrogate, observing and analyzing the play's effectiveness. They identify areas for improvement, such as character development, plot, and pacing, and work with the playwright and team to refine the script.

In essence, the paradox of directing requires directors to be both invisible and indispensable, balancing their creative vision with the collaborative nature of theater to bring new plays to life.

Directors navigate the unique challenges of working with a living playwright and an unproduced script by fostering a collaborative environment that balances artistic vision with flexibility. They must establish clear communication and trust, as the script may evolve significantly throughout the process. Directors use their awareness, taste, vision, curiosity, and communication to guide the process, ensuring that the playwright's voice is honored while allowing for creative exploration. They facilitate workshops and readings to test ideas and hypotheses, and they remain open to rewrites and changes, understanding that the script's evolution is integral to the development of the production. By maintaining a democratic rehearsal room and encouraging a spirit of trial and error, directors can harness the collective creativity of the cast and crew, ultimately creating a cohesive and impactful production.

Directors employ key tools and techniques to foster collaboration and communication in the rehearsal process. They utilize:

  1. Awareness: Observing and being present to understand the emotions, reactions, and perspectives of cast and crew.
  2. Taste: Making informed creative decisions based on personal and collective taste, articulating preferences clearly.
  3. Vision: Articulating a clear, inspiring vision for the production, guiding the team towards a common goal.
  4. Curiosity: Asking questions to deepen understanding and expand the creative possibilities.
  5. Communication: Articulating thoughts and feelings effectively, ensuring clarity and inspiration among collaborators.

Additionally, directors practice:

  • Tablework: Discussing the play in depth to clarify understanding and generate worklists.
  • Democratic Rehearsal Rooms: Encouraging open dialogue and respecting diverse viewpoints.
  • Empathy: Understanding and respecting the individual processes and needs of cast and crew.
  • Flexibility: Adapting to changes and embracing the evolving nature of the production.
  • Empathy and Support: Providing emotional and creative support to cast and crew, fostering a positive atmosphere.

A director balances artistic vision with practical considerations by maintaining a clear vision while being adaptable and collaborative. They start by defining their vision through thorough preparation, including reading the script multiple times and consulting with the writer. This process helps them articulate their vision clearly, ensuring it aligns with the play's essence.

To manage practical constraints like budget and scheduling, directors engage in thorough planning and communication. They create detailed documents outlining the play's elements, technical needs, and priorities. This helps them make informed decisions about casting, design, and production, ensuring they stay within budget and timeline.

Throughout the process, directors must be flexible and open to feedback. They collaborate with designers, technicians, and other team members to find creative solutions that meet both artistic and practical needs. By prioritizing essential elements and making strategic compromises, directors can create a cohesive production that respects their artistic vision while addressing practical constraints.

The director plays a crucial role in maintaining the artistic integrity of a production from pre-production to post-production. During pre-production, they translate their vision into clear plans and communicate effectively with the creative team. They assemble a collaborative team, casting actors who align with their vision and hiring designers who understand the play's essence. The director ensures the design process aligns with the play's vision, making necessary compromises within budget constraints.

In the rehearsal process, the director fosters a supportive environment where actors feel safe to explore and trust their instincts. They guide the actors in understanding the play's themes and characters, ensuring the production remains true to the playwright's intentions. During technical rehearsals, the director ensures the production's technical aspects complement the artistic vision.

Post-production, the director monitors the production's integrity during performances, making adjustments as needed. They also facilitate communication between the production team and the audience, ensuring the audience experiences the play as intended. The director's consistent vision and leadership throughout the process are essential for preserving the production's artistic integrity.

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