Academic Catalogs

THEA G160: Introduction To Stage Direction

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 11/17/2020
Top Code 100700 - Dramatic Arts
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 45; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)
Local General Education (GE)
  • GWC Arts, Lit, Phil, Lang (GC)

Course Description

This course introduces the student to the directing process for the stage. Included are units of study in the use of the stage, play selection and analysis, casting the play, blocking the action, picturization, character development, rhythm, and the organization of the audition and rehearsal process. PREREQUISITE: THEA G106, THEA G107, THEA G206, and THEA G207; or Professional or college / university / conservatory Acting courses 1-4; or Professional experience in stage direction; or instructor permission. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Course Outcomes
  2. Demonstrate the directing process including basic directing skills and artistic, organizational and administrative responsibilities through script selection to final performance.
  3. Evaluate the director's collaborative relationship to fellow theater artists including producer, playwright, actors, designers, and technicians.
  4. Analyze a script for production, including structure, content, genre, and style.
  5. Direct a completed scene, monologue or play for public performance upon course completion at an introductory level.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Explain and demonstrate the work of a director including establishing a point of view, and text analysis including structure, content, genre and style at an introductory level.
  • 2. Use artistic and administrative management techniques to organize all aspects of a direction assignment from script selection to final performance at an introductory level.
  • 3. Develop and explore collaborative relationships with producer, playwright, actors, designers and technicians at an introductory level.
  • 4. Analyze and select a script, cast, direct and present a completed scene, monologue or play upon course completion at an introductory level.

Lecture Content

Choosing the play Casting requirements Technical requirements Budget considerations Adaptability to the available theater and audience considerations Historical and stylistic considerations. Play Analysis and Concept Development Theme and playwrights intent Historical and stylistic options Dramatic structure Character development Casting the play Methods to find the best actors for the play. Different audition techniques Preparing the rehearsal schedule Organization of rehearsal time for cast and crew. Staging approaches, advantages and limitations Proscenium arch stage Thrust stage Arena or theater-in-the-round Created, found and flexible staging options The business of show business

Lab Content

Blocking the play Movement for actors in the play  Defined by the shape of the stage. Defined by stage directions in script Picturization Composition Stage business and gestures Improvisation Rhythm Moving the play in time. Working with actors Terminology Discipline Character development Design and technical approaches to Directing Costume and makeup Scenery Lighting and sound Stage and house management. Directing a scene, monologue or play for public performance.

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Reading Assignments

Textbook Play scripts and librettos Website Reviews

Writing Assignments

Attendance at live theatrical presentations for the purpose of written critical evaluation Develop written production materials including rehearsal schedules, plot breakdowns, character breakdown, and technical requirements for a scene, monologue or play production

Out-of-class Assignments

Attendance at live theatrical presentations for the purpose of critical evaluation Act as assistant director on a theatrical production as required and opportunity available Direct a public performance of a scene, monologue or play

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills will include:1.  Comparing and contrasting scenes for presentation2.  Anticipating and analyzing problems during the rehearsal process and finding acceptable solutions3.  Analyzing the dramatic structure and content of a theatrical selection4.  Explaining, justifying, and implementing  a directorial production concept for production

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Required exercises may include:1.  Writing reviews for live performances2.  Writing synopisis and publicity materials for production3.  Developing production materials including rehearsal schedules, plot breakdowns, and character breakdown, technical requirements for production4. Demonstrating directing skills through public performance of a dramatic selection

Eligible Disciplines

Drama/theater Arts: Masters degree or Master of Fine Arts in drama/theater arts/performance OR bachelors degree or Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama/theater/performance AND masters degree in comparative literature, English, communication studies, speech, literature, or humanities OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Ewert, Kevin. Shakespeare and Directing in Practice, ist ed. Red Glove Press, 2018 2. Required Wainstein, Michael. Stage Directing: A Directors Itinerary, 2nd ed. Focus, 2019