THEATRE 359 Directing I
Instructor: Peter James Cirino
Fall 2014
Office Hours –M/W 12:00 to 1:00 or 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 an 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.
Examine and practice the duties of being a director’s.
Build a vocabulary for analysis, collaboration and staging of a film and stage production.
Define an aesthetic for performances. 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 is essential to directing.
Build the managerial skills that develop multi-tasking, deal with schedules, organize designers
and manage timelines.
Assignments:
This class will require time outside of class and your grade will be calculated on your
participation. You will be expected to direct two projects one play and one film this semester.
A one act play(reworked to be filmed) or short film or cutting of a longer script (no longer than
15 minutes) for the final.
I. You must purchase the Fall Season Theatre and Film
pass, plus one outside production and write a brief critique on the directing.
1.Rabbit Hole September 26th – October5th SDSU Experimental Theatre
(due Oct 6 by 10 pm)
2. Water By the Spoonful October 24th November 2nd SDSU Experimental Theatre
(due Nov 3 by 10 pm)
3. Les Misérables — Concert Version Dec 4th – 7th SDSU Don Powell Theatre
(due Dec 8 by 10 pm )
4. Film Festival and Filmmakers’ Showcase Sept 18 and 19 or Dec 15 Don Powell Theatre
(due Dec16 by 10 pm)
II. You will direct a 5 minute scene from a play or a five minute play.
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 upon the request.
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
15. Cast and direct a 5 minute play. Due October 13th &15th
16. Journal (items below are included in the journal.)
Create a Production Script and the complete script in a digital format must be provided. Due on
date of the final performance.
You will be responsible to find and read the entire play/screenplay.
An Analysis of the scene must be provided.
A complete overview an arc of the play must be provided.
All Research must be provided.
You will also establish a rehearsal schedule and the goals for each rehearsal and provide a copy
of each.
Ground plan a 1/4 " scale ground plan showing all furniture, windows, doors, etc.
Blocking notes with actor business and character notes.
Maintain a rehearsal log so that you can see your success and the areas that need improvement
(provide a copy).
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.
Cast and direct a 10 to 15 minute film. Due Dec. 8th &10th
Journal (items below are included in the journal.)
Create a Production Script and the complete script in a digital format must be provided. Due on
day of the final performance.
You will be responsible to find and read the entire play/screenplay.
An Analysis of the scene must be provided.
A complete overview an arc of the play must be provided.
All Research must be provided.
You will also establish a rehearsal schedule and the goals for each rehearsal and provide a copy
of each.
Ground plan a 1/4 " scale ground plan showing all furniture, windows, doors, etc.
Blocking notes with actor business and character notes.
Maintain a rehearsal log so that you can see your success and the areas that need improvement
(provide a copy).
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
IV. Participation
Participate in class discussions (from required readings, viewings and audio on online materials)
and participate in activities in class regularly.
Complete assignments on time.
Attend 90 minutes of rehearsal for Rabbit Hole. From August 25 to September18 rehearsals run
Mon to Thurs from 6pm to 10pm in the Experimental.
Class Schedule
August 25- Intro to class
August 27- September 3
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 8 and10
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 15 and 17
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 22 and 24
The design process. Costumes,Sets, Locations, Sound , props and all.
Read or Listen http://www.media-courses.com/blog/tag/film-directing-article/
Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbdtvYMXsaI
September 29 and October 1
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-anddirecting-and-being-an-opinionated-obstruction-i-choose-c/
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbdtvYMXsaI
October 6 and 8
Rough runs and notes.
Read or Listen. http://showbusinessweekly.com/article-1506-directing-theater.html
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49oZmT6Pif4
October 13 and 15
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 20 and 22
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 27 and 29
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 3 and 5
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-ca-directorsroundtable-20110123
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZVfNJ4Ub4U
November 10 and 12
Rehearsal and/or location.
Read or Listen. http://www.ifp.org/resources/directing-actors-without-leaving-your-bed/
Watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbgyU4OYfu0&list=PL2D8EEB3616D493EE
November 17 and 19
Rehearsal and/or location shoot.
Read or Listen. http://www.moviemaker.com/articles-directing/wim-wenders-50-golden-rulesof-moviemaking/
Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-4S9IN9QE
November 24 rehearsal
Rehearsal and/or location shoot. Rough run optional.
December 1, 3, 8, 10 and 15
Final presentation in class and evenings (If needed) Production book due by midnight December
10 please email to pcirino@mail.sdsu.edu
GRADE SCALE
I.
10%
II.
30%
III.
45%
IV.
15%
Final Monday Dec.15 from 1:00 to 3:00
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
Nicky Silver
August Wilson
David Mamet
Edward Albee
Aurorae Khoo
David Rabe
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:
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.