Am All New
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Directing
Forum Discription: For questions about handling shows, actors, crew, board members, children ...or do we repeat ourselves?
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3246
Printed Date: 5/04/24 at 3:46pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Am All New
Posted By: Ice Picker
Subject: Am All New
Date Posted: 6/21/08 at 6:47pm
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Hey guys
I have written a script and will direct it. I have a 9 years experience as an assistant director and it was kinda surprise when I announced that I intend to handle a play that I've written.
I feel frustrated because I don't have the experience to handle a play from A-Z...kinda worried...On the other hand, I feel I got what it takes but I will have to go through the entire experience to know that for sure, u know? I also feel down cuz I'm sure some of the people I used to work with before might put me down.
I'm frustrated but I'm determined to grab the chance and press on with the matter...
I need your ideas for a good preparation..
love love
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Replies:
Posted By: jayzehr
Date Posted: 6/22/08 at 1:40pm
| What language is your play written in? |
Posted By: Ice Picker
Date Posted: 6/25/08 at 6:12am
It's in Arabic...but the location of the play is Scotland, 1940, during WWII. The characters are Scots. But why does it matter? 
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Posted By: jayzehr
Date Posted: 6/25/08 at 7:36am
| It doesn't matter. I was just interested after seeing that you were from Egypt. I've directed a number of plays I've written, it's a very rewarding experience. Go ahead and go for it and don't worry what other people say or think. |
Posted By: Ice Picker
Date Posted: 6/25/08 at 10:19am
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Hey Jay...thanks for the encouragement...much appreciated :) I just wanted to ask if there are any special arrangements for first-timers. You know, shortcuts, tips, things I need to avoid by being proactive in certain areas, etc. Also, the thing that annoys me the most is forming the blockings. I don't know how to do it. Thanks again, man :) |
Posted By: chel
Date Posted: 7/07/08 at 10:53pm
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Have I missed your show? How is it coming along?
I'm sure as you wrote it you had a vision in your head of where things would be and where actors would move.
I go through the script slowly and jot down notes, when an actor moves, how far SR or SL, etc. When do they pick up the prop, when they do does a spot light need to hit them? etc. Don't overtax yourself (or your actors) by blocking every line. But give them some pacing. You visualized someone moving DS, when do they do that and why?
Also, have a good, experienced stage manager your first time out. They will help tremendously keeping track of blocking, any changes, etc etc. And there are a lot of "etcetras". ------------- chel www.windhamtheaterguild.org |
Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 7/08/08 at 10:45pm
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This may help with your Blocking in defining the stage area.
http://www.blue-room.org.uk/wiki/Defining_the_Stage - http://www.blue-room.org.uk/wiki/Defining_the_Stage
Also with the general different types of stages in use. http://www.blue-room.org.uk/wiki/Stage_Types - http://www.blue-room.org.uk/wiki/Stage_Types
Diye ken "It's a brea bricht moonlicht nicht t' nicht, Missus Richt!"
One wonders what that would sound like in Arabic?
 CHOOKAS Angie in your endeavours {["Nil Carborundum illegitimous"!]
[Don't let the Turkeys wear you done]}
 ------------- [western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |
Posted By: Ice Picker
Date Posted: 7/14/08 at 7:27pm
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Thanks guys, that was cool!
I have a war scene in the play that i wanna make extremly live...people flying, blood, heads off, etc. i intend to use the entire theatre: all stage and audience area. I wanna make them feel they are in a real war...
i'm coming short of special effects to help boost this scene, however...
any techniques to suggest?
thanks again
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Posted By: mary051756
Date Posted: 7/16/08 at 8:14am
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I have to say, Ice, the war scene sounds extremely challenging for a new director! As far as the general blocking goes, I agree with chel - just provide general movement during the initial stages, and then once you see the actors off book, you can tweak where needed. I always give my actors leeway unless there is a specific mark they have to hit for a specific scene. As for the war scene, if you are going to have actors and things flying thorugh the audience, you might want to consider bringing in a specialist to work through the technical portion. ------------- “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” EMERSON |