Fall 2011
The Director's Process
Listed in: Theater and Dance, as THDA-240
Formerly listed as: THDA-45
Faculty
Ron Bashford (Section 01)
Description
This course explores the process of directing plays for the stage. Studio exercises develop skills in key areas: interpretation of form and artistic intent, perception and sensibility in rehearsal, effective communication with actors, and balancing the interplay between action and text. Students stage scenes from distinct categories: plays in verse, realistic plays, and non-realistic or less literal modern and contemporary plays. Emphasis is placed on the role of dramaturgical understanding in the creation of meaningful stage action. Text is chosen from a wide repertoire, including Euripides, Shakespeare, Molière, Chekov, Williams, Shepherd, Kushner, Kane and McDonagh. The course culminates in a group directed ensemble piece. Throughout, students engage in reflective writing and practical research assignments, and manage class work with peers to achieve mutual rehearsal goals. Class meetings include discussion of theoretical readings and play texts. Two meetings per week. Students should expect to schedule significant outside rehearsal time.
Requisites: Two of the following--THDA 111, 112 or 113. Fall semester. Professor Bashford.
Course times and locations
THDA 240 - L/D
Section 01
M 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM WEBS 19
W 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM WEBS 19
Textbooks
This is preliminary information about books for this course. Please contact your instructor or the Academic Coordinator for the department, before attempting to purchase these books.
| ISBN |
Title |
Publisher |
Author(s) |
Comment |
Book Store |
Price |
|
The Empty Space |
Touchstone |
Peter Brook |
|
Amherst Books |
TBD |
|
The Actor and the Target |
TCG |
Declan Donnellan |
|
Amherst Books |
TBD |
|
A Midsummer Night's Dream |
Pelican |
William Shakespeare |
|
Amherst Books |
TBD |
|
Macbeth |
Pelican |
William Shakespeare |
|
Amherst Books |
TBD |
These books are available locally at Amherst Books.
Offerings
Other years: Offered in
Spring 2008,
Fall 2008,
Fall 2009,
Fall 2010,
Fall 2011,
Fall 2013,
Fall 2024
One or more of the requisites may be taken concurrently with this course and count as requisites. Exceptions to the requisites may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Five College students and Amherst students who lack the specific requisites but would like to explore their readiness for this course (particularly intended Theater and Dance majors) should write to the instructor prior to the first day of class regarding exceptions.