Course Description
Fundamental principles of directing for the theatre including adapting literature for performance. Prerequisite: THR 201, junior standing, and Theatre Major; or permission of the instructor.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Analyze dramatic texts from a director's perspective.
- Develop and communicate a clear directorial concept.
- Create professional directing materials, including ground plans, scored scripts, and visual design concepts.
- Apply effective rehearsal techniques and communicate successfully with actors.
- Direct a realistic contemporary scene using thoughtful staging and storytelling.
- Reflect critically on their directing process and evaluate the work of peers.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Ground Plan | 30 points |
| Director's Process Journal | 80 points |
| (Scene 1) Open Scene Direction: Fundamentals | 40 points |
| (Scene 2) Open Scene: Conflict resolution | 40 points |
| (Scene 3) Final Directed Scene: Performance | 150 points |
| Aristotelian Analysis (Scene 3) | 50 points |
| Portrait Gallery & Design Presentation (Scene 3) | 30 points |
| Fully Scored Scene Script (Scene 3) | 50 points |
| Final Scene Peer Review/ Critique (Scene 3) | 30 points |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 465–500 points | A |
| 450–464 points | A- |
| 435–449 points | B+ |
| 415–434 points | B |
| 400–414 points | B- |
| 385–399 points | C+ |
| 365–384 points | C |
| 350–364 points | C- |
| 335–349 points | D+ |
| 315–334 points | D |
| 300–314 points | D- |
| Below 300 points | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Because directing is a collaborative, studio-based course, attendance and participation are essential.
Students are expected to arrive prepared and participate fully in all rehearsals, discussions, and directing exercises.
Three excused absences (including illness) are permitted. Each additional absence will result in a 3-point deduction from the final course grade.
Three tardies equal one absence.
Students arriving more than 10 minutes late will be counted absent.
Notify the instructor in advance whenever possible if you must miss class.
Attendance at all assigned UNCG Theatre productions is required.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
- Bloom, Michael. Thinking Like a Director.
- Play (TBA, something in library)
- Rehearsal journal or notebook.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.