THEATRE 359 Directing I
Instructor: Peter James Cirino
Fall 2013
Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 to 1:45
Office Hours –Tues/Thurs 2 to 3 or Wed by appointment
Email- pcirino@mail.sdsu.edu phone 619-729-5549
Course Objectives
Introduction of the basic fundamentals of directing for the stage and screen.
Define and explore the audition process.
Create a interview system.
Examine play structure and analysis.
Building communication with the actors and designers
Develop a rehearsal process.
Define an aesthetic for performances.
Explore the art of storytelling.
Presentation of scenes.
To examine and practice the director’s job(s).
To build a vocabulary for analysis, collaboration and staging.
Define an aesthetic for performances. d build skills that develop the craft of
directing along with finding the aesthetic of each script.
Help the director develop the inquisitive process needed to direct.
Exploring the method of collaboration that are essential to directing.
Build the managerial skills that develop multi-tasking, deal with schedules,
organize designers and manage timelines.
This class will require time outside of class and your grade will be
calculated on your participation.
This class will require time outside of class.
Assignments:
I. You must purchase the Fall season
theatre and film pass, plus one outside
production and write a brief critique on
the directing. 15%
1. Fool for Love/Action
SDSU Experimental Theatre
(due Sept. 30 by 10 pm)
2. A My Name is Alice
3.Little by Little.
SDSU ExperimentalTheatre
SDSU Experimental Theatre
(due Oct 28 by 10 pm)
(due Nov 14 by 10 pm)
4. Laramie Project
SDSU Don Powell Theatre
(due Nov 25 by 10 pm )
5. Film Festival
6. Ching Chong Chinaman
SDSU Don Powell Theatre
Asian American Rep. Theatre
(due Dec15 by 10 pm)
(due Dec 2 by 10 pm)
II. You will direct a 5 minute play/film
20% and a 15 minute one act play/film
40%.
Selecting Your Play to Direct:
You will be expected to direct two plays/films this semester, a 5 minute
play/film as your mid-term and a one act play or short film or cutting of a
longer script (no longer than 15 minutes) for the final. Guidelines for play
selection are:
1. Any work from the recommended list of writers is acceptable.
2. You may not direct a musical, although you may use music in your play.
3. Avoid plays with massive amounts of props or that rely on a specific
costume or prop gimmick for the plot of the show.
4. Limit your cast to no more than 6.
5. Select a play that you are able to cast from among the general student
body.
6. You must use rehearsal furniture as provided or that you rent from the
properties department and only if you make an official request and rental
agreement.
7.You must return all furniture etc. to storage after every rehearsal
8. Do not let the technical aspects of productions,lights, costumes, props,
set, etc. take over your production.
9. You may not borrow items from the costume shop.
10. Keep your Lighting needs to the basics. No special lighting for any
individual show.
11. You may use music, effects or/and projections but you must have
someone other than yourself run it for you.
12. Projectors will be provided for films, you must bring a way to play the
film.
13. As a director, it is your responsibility to be sure that your actors are
prepared and available for the due date of a performance project.
14.
Crew for one other class production other than your own.
Basic Guidelines for production of your plays/films
Cast and direct a 5 minute play/film. Due October 15th &17th
20%
Journal (items below are included in this portion of your grade)
10%
Production Script, the complete script in a digital format. Due on date of
performance.
You will be responsible to find and read the entire play/screenplay.
Analysis of the scene.
A complete analysis of the play.
Research.
You will also establish a rehearsal schedule and the goals for each
rehearsal.
Ground plan a 1/4 " scale ground plan showing all furniture, windows,
doors, etc.
Blocking notes with business and character notes.
Maintain a rehearsal log so that you can see your success and the areas
that need improvement.
Cast and direct a 15 minute Play/film. Due Dec. 5th & 10th
Journal (items below are included in this portion of your grade)
40%
10%
Production Script, the complete script in a digital format. Due on date of
performance.
You will be responsible to find and read the entire play/screenplay.
Analysis of the scene.
A complete analysis of the play.
Research.
You will also establish a rehearsal schedule and the goals for each
rehearsal.
Ground plan a 1/4 " scale ground plan showing all furniture, windows,
doors, etc.
Blocking notes with business and character notes.
Maintain a rehearsal log so that you can see your success and the areas
that need improvement.
Elements Performance
Given circumstances
Used floor plan to its full potential
Blocking was effective to the demands of the plays and versatile.
Composition is defined.
Has a clear focus.
The meaning is germane and cogent.
The pace is compliant to the action and the arc of the play.
Tempo must be efficient and Fluid.
Characterization must have clarity.
Action must be multi-layered.
Idea clearly conveyed
III. Participation 5%
Attend class regularly and punctually!
Complete assignments on time.
Participate in discussions.
Class Schedule
August 27 Tuesday- intro to class
August 29 Thursday- no class attend General Auditions in the Don Powell.
Enter quietly and sign in, watch auditions at the end of class leave quietly
between those auditioning.
September 3 and 5
Assign first directing project. Go through production book. Concepts of
directing and begin process of analysis of script.
Read or Listen http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01bwbkm
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umfiwI-7I0M
September 10 and 12
Continue work on analyzing script. Develop an audition process and an
interview system. We will address specific questions you may have
regarding rehearsals. We will consider specific rehearsal techniques.
Read or Listen http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01bwbfp
Watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-4S9IN9QE
September 17 and 19
Choose script read rough draft of scripts. Casting, what is involved and how
to make the best choices. Cast this week.
Read or Listen http://www.directorsnotes.com/category/podcasts/
Watch. http://arts.columbia.edu/mfa-directing-concentration
September 24 and 26
The design process. Costumes,Sets, Locations, Sound , props and all.
Read or Listen http://www.media-courses.com/blog/tag/film-directingarticle/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbdtvYMXsaI
October 1 and 3
Rehearsal and rough runs. Go through concepts and working in a
collaborative. Assign final presentations. You will pitch your Directorial
Vision of the play/screenplay
Read or Listen.
http://therearehymnsweshout.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/directing-and-directingand-being-an-opinionated-obstruction-i-choose-c/
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbdtvYMXsaI
October 8 and 10
Rough runs and notes.
Read or Listen. http://showbusinessweekly.com/article-1506-directingtheater.html
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49oZmT6Pif4
October 15 and 17
Presentation of five minute scenes. Production book due by midnight email
to pcirino@mail.sdsu.edu We will discuss aspects of text analysis and
rehearsal planning as well as overall aesthetic of the 5 minute
presentations.
October 22 and 24
Presentation of five minute scenes. Production book due by midnight email
to pcirino@mail.sdsu.edu Continue to discuss aspects of text analysis and
rehearsal planning as well as overall aesthetic of the 5 minute
presentations.
October 29 and 31
Read through of final presentations and give concept notes.
Continue to discuss aspects of text analysis and rehearsal planning as well
as overall aesthetic of the 5 minute presentations.
Read or Listen.
http://www.danillitphil.com/base.html
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZVfNJ4Ub4U
November 5 and 7
Complete concept notes and assign production groups. We will address
specific questions you may have regarding rehearsals. We will consider
specific rehearsal techniques. You will pitch your Directorial Vision of the
play/screenplay
Read or Listen. http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/23/entertainment/la-cadirectors-roundtable-20110123
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZVfNJ4Ub4U
November 12 and 14
Rehearsal and/or location.
Read or Listen. http://www.ifp.org/resources/directing-actors-without-leavingyour-bed/
Watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbgyU4OYfu0&list=PL2D8EEB3616D493EE
November 19 and 21
Rehearsal and/or location shoot.
Read or Listen. http://www.moviemaker.com/articles-directing/wim-wenders50-golden-rules-of-moviemaking/
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-4S9IN9QE
November 26 rehearsal
Rehearsal and/or location shoot. Rough run optional.
December 3, 5 and 10
Final presentation in class and evenings(If needed) Production book due
by midnight December 10 please email to pcirino@mail.sdsu.edu
Directing Writers
Sam Shepard
Neil Labute
Terence Malick
Hossein Amini
Cody Diablo
Neill Blomkamp
Naomi Iizuka
Chan Wook Park
Harmony Korine
Nicolas winding Refn
Guillermo del Toro
Aaron Sorkin
David Lynch
Sylvain Chomet
andré Ovredal
Robert Kirkland
Vince Gilligan
Erik Ehn
Jason Grote
Caridad Svich
Eveline Diaz Cruz
John Patrick Shanley
Moises Kaufman
David Lindsay-Abaire
Here are a few sources for scripts
Daily Script
Simply Scripts
IMSDB
Why Insanity (Movie monologues)
Actors Pages (Audition sides)
Awesome Film
Script-o-Rama
Screenplays Online
West Wing Transcripts
Suggested Textbooks:
Required: Play Directing: Analysis, Communication and Style. 6th edition
Francis Hodge and Michael McLain. Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0-205-41923-2
Misdirecting the Play. Terry MC Cabe. Ivan R. Dee. Publisher; ISBN:
1- 566-63353-2
A Sense of Direction: Some Observations on the Art of Directing. William
Ball. Drama Book Publishers. ISBN 0-89676-082-0
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is one of The fundamental principles of a university
community. San Diego State University expects the highest standards of academic
honesty from all students. Violations of academic integrity include the following:
(1) unauthorized assistance on an examination, (2) falsification or invention of
data, (3) unauthorized collaboration on an academic exercise, (4) plagiarism, (5)
misappropriation of research materials, (6) unauthorized access of an instructor’s
files or computer account, and (7) any other serious violation of academic integrity
as established by the instructor. If your academic integrity is not maintained on a
test or assignment, you will automatically receive a grade of zero for That test or
assignment and you will be reported to the Dean’s Office, in accordance with
SDSU academic integrity policy. Penalties can be severe. More specific
information is available in The SDSU Bulletin, both in print and on-line.
STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES
Students who need accommodation of Their disabilities should contact me
privately to discuss specific accommodations for which They have received
authorization. If you have a disability, but have not contacted Student Disability
Services at 619 594-6431 (Calpulli Center, Suite 3101), please do so before
making an appointment to see me. The web site for Student Disability Services is:
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/index.html
Use good judgment and appropriate behavior in class in all aspects of the
class
I reserve the right to adjust the schedule and/or syllabus during the
semester.
-If there are concerns about any aspect of the class, please make an
appointment to meet with me to discuss them so they can be addressed.
.