TH340 DIRECTING I Course Syllabus - Bryan Wallingford

Course Assessments: TOTAL: 500 points possible

Class Activities & Exercises (75 points total): Throughout the semester, students will engage in discussing and experimenting with directing techniques and theories. This can include, but is not limited to, homework, scene work, group work, discussions, and reading/researching. It will also include participation—mainly, contributing as an active and positive member of this classroom community.

Basic Scene Breakdown & Blocking: (25 points): Using what they have learned about blocking and stage pictures/picturization, students will rough block a scene from an established play. Students will present the blocking by working with classmates to go through the blocking after the scene breakdown and blocking has been planned and written.

Audition work with Acting Class: (50 points): Directing students will work with students in the Acting class to run two days of auditions. Although the end result will be the casting of the 10-Minute Plays, these exercises should also help directing students experiment with different styles (cattle call/workshop) and audition activities.

Production Meeting Pitch: (50 points) Students will present ideas about a production they would like to direct. The presentations should focus on the director’s WHY but also the HOW. Presentations could include themes, inspirational items (images, sounds, etc.), metaphors, historical/critical research, or any other information that could be useful in explaining the directorial vision. Visual aides included.

Directorial Concept Proposal: (75 points) Students will submit a proposal for conceptualizing a production of a classical piece of theatre. This proposal should include a brief justification (based on an understanding of the text and initial research) for the conceptual changes. It should also include how the concept touches all aspects of the production, including scenic, costume, lighting, sound, makeup, props, etc. Include inspiration boards and sketches of ideas for support.

Midterm Reflection (25 points): This reflection may take the form of an essay, a video, a presentation, an interview, a survey, a meeting…you decide. The most important thing is to find a way to express how you are feeling in and about the class. This reflection will be shared with Bryan. Be specific…what have you learned? What do you still hope to learn? How could this class be improved in the near and far? What have you enjoyed doing/learning? What assignments would you change? Anything that you want to say about the class and your involvement in it is valued here.

Director’s Notebook (75 points): Students will create a notebook of practical information for a piece of theatre. It will serve as an organized collection of material that would be useful to a director. Students should consider having sections on historical and critical background, sketches/ground plan and blocking, key moments, themes, metaphors, sound, lighting, etc. Shared during the final exam time.

10-Minute Play (50 points): Students will work with Acting students to present their final directing projects during the exam time. Along with the director’s Notebook and Directing Journal, this assessment will look at stage composition, movement, storytelling, and execution of directorial elements.

Directing Journal (25 points): When working with actors in scene work or in longer rehearsals, please complete a journal entry (at least ½ page) to reflect on the rehearsal. This should include your thoughts on your strengths and areas for growth in relation to working with actors, staging, problem solving, and planning.

Attendance (50 points): Attending class is an expectation of the course. This course works best when all members are present and prepared for class. Attendance will be taken each day of class. Absences, tardiness, and leaving early will impact this grade.