Artist as Creator: The Role of Director

Photo by: electrichouse

Bryan James is both a playwright and a director , and he says this, "Could be a hindrance or a blessing." If you happen to be involved in a piece that you have written and are directing it could get a little hectic. James goes on to say that, "The two are really different."

Writing and Reading

As the director of any production you have to know what you want. This might seem obvious, but if the person directing the show doesn't know what they want, it doesn't work very well for the show or the other people working on the production.The process begins with knowing your material .

As James puts it, "read the script! reread, rethink, reread, research. What is it that you like about it? What is this thing about? Get reams of paper, start to write it out, disposable ideas. Sooner or later, and it better be sooner than later, we make choices, strong choices."

Breathing life into a script is an ongoing process with many creative people involved from pre to post production (strike set). James also says, "Be ready for change! things will and the more you try to hold on too tight."

This is where the team working on the project is important to be on the same page so to speak. James says," A great stage manager will make life sweet."

Ultimately, it is the director's vision that ties all elements into a finished piece. A director must be organized and be able to draw out the actor's potential. Paying attention to the many details is also a must for a director's success.