Directing Workshop

Sharpen your skills! Learn new techniques!

Whether you are brand new to directing, or simply looking to expand your skills, this workshop is a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. In a supportive environment, we will examine pre-production planning, communication with actors, collaboration with a production team, blocking, strategies for rehearsal and time management, and navigating the tech week process. Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on directing experience throughout the workshop.

Taught by Laurie Riffe, DreamWrights Director of Artistic Programming
For ages 18 and up

This directing workshop is for anyone who is interested in learning about the craft of directing. You do not need to have directed a production in order to enroll in the workshop, and you will benefit greatly from this workshop even if you have directed many productions! The only requirements are a commitment to the process and a strong curiosity and desire to collaborate with others. Because each session will build on the previous session, weekly attendance is mandatory.

Specific Areas of Study:

~Participants will learn how to create a director’s vision for a production, how to communicate clearly and effectively with the production team and designers throughout the process, how to navigate production challenges gracefully, and how to prioritize the needs for each production.

~Participants will learn how to establish clear expectations for a company and create an atmosphere of respect that encourages creativity and room for risk.

~Participants will examine the different phases of each rehearsal process and learn how to design and create a rehearsal schedule that will maximize each person’s time and empower the company of actors. This will include ensemble-building in early rehearsals, blocking rehearsals, off book rehearsals, refining scene work, and technical and dress rehearsals. We will also examine the differences in creating a musical schedule versus a schedule for a play.

~Participants will explore and practice effective methods for communicating with actors, including directing by asking questions, character histories, first person address, and multiple exercises to strengthen actor physical and vocal choices.

~Participants will learn physical and vocal warmups for use in rehearsal and performance.

~Participants will have the opportunity to direct (and be directed by) their fellow participants. Prior performance experience is not required. Through these directing exercises, we will look at techniques such as clarifying the moment before, playing strong actions, clarity of thought, beat shifts, breath and vocal clarity, physical life, raising the stakes, personal connection, pace and flow. Participants will have the opportunity to observe others and to provide feedback to each other.

This workshop is set in a non-competitive, welcoming atmosphere. We will delve deeply into directing, and have a great deal of FUN along the way! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the workshop before enrolling, please feel free to contact Laurie Riffe, Director of Artistic Programming, at laurie@dreamwrights.org, or 717. 848. 8623, extension 226. Enrollment deadline is Dec. 15, 2017.