Spotlight Issue 32 - Directing the High School Play: Part One

by: Lindsay Price on August 9th, 2008 No Replies

The Decision Process
There’s nothing like the moment when a director finds their next project. Or the first project, the one that sings and creates visions and gives you the ability to see the play come to life. The one that makes your brain buzz and you realize, “Hey, I want to direct.” All well and good. But there are more factors than a buzz in the brain when it comes to picking a play for high schools. Read More.

Analyzing The Script
The script is chosen! What next? All forms of play from the breeziest comedy to the absurd modern to the traditional classic benefit from some level of analysis. It can help even if you feel you’re strictly a rehearsal director. Because, in the high school play, the director has to be the ‘one in the know.’ That’s really what I mean by analysis - becoming the one who ‘knows’ the script inside out and backwards. In the professional world there are dramturgs to do research, there are motivated actors who study their characters, there are stage managers to list the props. Read More.

The Vision
Directors need to have a vision for the play. That means ALL directors: professional, community, high school, etc. Why is it important to have a vision? Because then the play has a unifying factor. It gives the play a drive, a look, a tone. Having a vision can bring clarity to a not so clear play. It helps students focus on the bigger picture. It adds to the overall experience. A vision gives a director purpose; it’s the creative element the director brings to the table. And quite frankly, it’s fun. Read More.

Pre-Blocking
When I direct, I always go through each scene to come up with some instinctual blocking. How do I see the play unfolding in my head? It forces me to think out the play, to see if I can solve some issues before rehearsals even start. Read More.

Dealing With Designers
In the professional world, there could be a different person each in charge of lighting, sound, set, and costumes. At the high school level, the only designer in the place will often be you, yourself and let me think… you! This is one place that having a vision is really helpful. It makes design decisions so much easier, especially if you’re the one who has to come up with them. If your vision is defined by the five senses, you have instant lead ins to your set, costume, lights and sound. Read More.

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