Directing in Musical Theatre - Softcover

Deer, Joe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415624908 ISBN 13: 9780415624909

Publisher: Routledge, 2013

Synopsis

This comprehensive guide, from the author of Acting in Musical Theatre, will equip aspiring directors with all of the skills that they will need in order to guide a production from beginning to end. From the very first conception and collaborations with crew and cast, through rehearsals and technical production all the way to the final performance, Joe Deer covers the full range.

Deer’s accessible and compellingly practical approach uses proven, repeatable methods for addressing all aspects of a production. The focus at every stage is on working with others, using insights from experienced, successful directors to tackle common problems and devise solutions. Each section uses the same structure, to stimulate creative thinking:

• Timetables: detailed instructions on what to do and when, to provide a flexible organization template
• Prompts and Investigations: addressing conceptual questions about style, characterization and design
• Skills Workshops: Exercises and ‘how-to’ guides to essential skills
• Essential Forms and Formats: Including staging notation, script annotation and rehearsal checklists
• Case Studies: Well-known productions show how to apply each chapter’s ideas

Directing in Musical Theatre not only provides all of the essential skills, but explains when and how to put them to use; how to think like a director.

About this title

About the Author

Joe Deer is Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre and Director of The Musical Theatre Initiative at Wright State University. He has directed off-Broadway, in top regional theatres across the US and at many of the finest educational institutions in the world. His first book, Acting in Musical Theatre: a comprehensive course (co-author, Rocco Dal Vera) is also available from Routledge.

Review

'This will be an essential handbook for anyone faced with the challenge of directing a musical. Deer writes from a wealth of experience in directing, and a thorough knowledge of the musical theatre repertoire.' – Dominic Symonds, University of Portsmouth, UK

'Directing is a somewhat ‘ethereal’ job – those who do not do it have a hard time articulating what it is we exactly do as Directors. I think this book is both practical, but asks the right questions so that directors do not merely ‘replicate’ another show.' – David Gram, Director, Dramaturg, Actor & Teacher, USA

'Finally! A step-by-step handbook on how to direct musicals. Joe Deer’s Directing In Musical Theatre is the perfect book for aspiring and experienced directors alike. The craft of directing can be quite mysterious, but as Joe masterfully tells it, with thoughtful insight, extraordinary detail and great passion, the director’s role becomes vividly clear. This book is sure to become a valuable resource for anyone working in the theatre.' – Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Tony Award Nominated Director & Choreographer, RAGTIME

'A terrific analysis of how to mount a musical. From reading the script, right up to opening night, Joe Deer's insights are practical and inspiring.' – Walter Bobbie, Tony Award winning Director, CHICAGO

'Joe Deer's book is an eloquent and accurate analysis of what a director in the musical theatre actually does. He understands the many components of a musical and how to coordinate and integrate them. I highly recommend it to anyone contemplating directing a musical.' – Jerry Zaks, Tony Award winning Director, GUYS AND DOLLS and SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ

'Directing In Musical Theatre is a splendid text for anyone wishing to explore directing for the musical stage. It deals with every essential aspect of this daunting task, and explains each with singular clarity and intelligence. The work is well organized, thorough, and completely accessible. Finally, here is a book that gets to the heart of this art.' – Gregory Lehane, Professor - Former Head of Directing, Drama and Music, Carnegie Mellon University

'Joe Deer's Directing in the Musical Theatre is a well-informed exploration of the musical theatre directing process that is filled with heart, intellect and spirit. If every director was required to read the chapter on staging alone, we would be blessed with productions more truthful, entertaining, and ultimately satisfying. This book, which equally balances craft with artistry, will be helpful to beginner and seasoned veteran alike.' – Cary Libkin, Professor, Head Of Musical Theatre Degree Programs, Penn State University

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0415624908
• ISBN 13: 9780415624909
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288