Notes on Directing

Notes on Directing, Frank Hauser and Russell Reich, RCR Creative Press, 2003

This consists of a series of observations and lessons about the art of directing stage productions gained by Hauser over the years, which Reich expanded into book form. Hauser has served as director of the Oxford Playhouse for many years and is a veteran of the London and New York stage.

This book covers the entire directing process, starting from before the first rehearsal and extending to how to deal with critics. Read the play more than once. Understand that plays depict people in extraordinary circumstances. Keep the audience guessing. Rehearsals need discipline. Sincerely praise actors early and often. Listen for actors who drop the ends of lines. Some things are not and should not be repeatable. Don't keep actors hanging about needlessly. Include the crew. Be decisive. An audience's interest in the action is only as high as the actors' interest in it. Lighten up. Don't expect to have all the answers.

This is a very specialized book. For someone with zero experience in the theatre, like yours truly, these observations feel reasonable and logical; practically common sense. It's recommended for those on the outside as it will give a good idea as to what putting on a professional production is all about. For those on the inside, whether actor, director, writer or technical crew, this book is a must. It tells directors what they should know, and what the crew would like them to know.