Description
Book SynopsisThis practical handbook takes us on a step-by-step journey from pre-production through the rehearsal process, followed by focused advice on each genre from comedy to tragedy, Shakespeare to new plays and musicals. Special chapters offer strategies for dealing with difficult actors, working with producers and taking on the job of an Artistic Director. An indispensable guide to a director’s craft, packed full of advice and peppered with priceless anecdotes about the highs and the lows of a lifetime’s work in the theatre.
Trade ReviewThere’s a great deal of useful, down-to-earth advice in this book
some of Murray’s anecdotes are highly entertaining.” The Stage An easy and entertaining read that gives an overview of the job of director from the point of view of someone who has been directing for nearly half a century and points out quite a number of traps and pitfalls for an inexperienced director to avoid. As such, it is a useful introduction to the profession.” British Theatre Guide Easy to read, frank and brutally honest
Filled with brilliant advice
this book is invaluable to anyone currently training to be a director, or ones who are looking at new approaches to their craft
fresh and stands out, an easy to digest book filled with bite- size golden nuggets of information that anyone with an interest in theatre would find invaluable.” The Public Reviews "A fascinating read [that] has much to offer anyone involved in the exciting task of puttong on a play... Murray's easy style made this a fascinating book." - Word Matters
“There’s a great deal of useful, down-to-earth advice in this book… some of Murray’s anecdotes are highly entertaining.” – The Stage “An easy and entertaining read that gives an overview of the job of director from the point of view of someone who has been directing for nearly half a century and points out quite a number of traps and pitfalls for an inexperienced director to avoid. As such, it is a useful introduction to the profession.” – British Theatre Guide “Easy to read, frank and brutally honest… Filled with brilliant advice… this book is invaluable to anyone currently training to be a director, or ones who are looking at new approaches to their craft… fresh and stands out, an easy to digest book filled with bite- size golden nuggets of information that anyone with an interest in theatre would find invaluable.” – The Public Reviews "A fascinating read [that] has much to offer anyone involved in the exciting task of puttong on a play... Murray's easy style made this a fascinating book." - Word Matters
Table of Contents"WARNING 7 MOST OF THEM GET IN YOUR WAY 9 WHY DO YOU DO IT? 13 PRE-REHEARSAL 17 THE REHEARSAL PERIOD 49 MUSICALS 69 OPERA 75 NEW PLAY S 81 FARCE 85 COMEDY 89 SHAKESPEARE 97 GREEK TRAGEDY 115 HOW TO HANDLE DIFFICULT ACTORS 119 WORKING WITH PRODUCERS 125 ARTISTIC DIRECTION 129 GOOD LUCK, 134"
