PD Course
Director's Toolbox 2: Teaching Students to Direct
Created by James Van Leishout
Director’s Toolbox 2: Teaching Students to Direct, explores the tools of the actor, rehearsal, space, and design.
The tool of the actor will focus on creating a safe place to play, auditions, and how to communicate with actors.
Rehearsals will look at the whole process from the first meeting to opening night.
The tool of space will explore how to direct in different spaces and how to create focus through stage composition.
Discover how an understanding of the elements of design help student-directors communicate with designers. The final step is a return to self and the mastery of self evaluation.
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1Lesson 1Introduction4:29 FREE PREVIEWLesson 1 lays out the course path and introduces the tools that will be covered in this course.
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2Lesson 2The Actor20:25 FREE PREVIEWThis lesson explores the tool of the actor by defining acting and the actor's purpose, creating a positive work and rehearsal environment, and explore 'positation'.
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3Lesson 3The Audition Process17:58This lesson looks at the audition process including cold readings versus prepared auditions, callbacks and casting.
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4Lesson 4Communicating with the Actor27:19This lesson looks at the best way to communicate with actors, and the synergistic relationship between actor and director.
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5Lesson 5The Rehearsal Process19:50This lesson explores the rehearsal process, stage manager role, and the steps of rehearsal scheduling, table reads, blocking, run-throughs, and tech week.
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6Lesson 6Composition26:32This lesson explores the specific directorial approaches to each of the five basic spaces, and how staging creates focus through the use of compositional elements. The lesson also reviews how levels and planes can be used to create focus, and explores dialogue, lights, and movement as a hierarchy of focus.
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7Lesson 7Tool of Design26:49This lesson explores the elements and principles of design and art, and period in style, as well as the design process. The lesson will cover sets, lights, costumes, props, sound, and multimedia.
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8Lesson 8Self-Evaluation23:48This lesson covers self-evaluation, the final step in the directing process, and discusses four approaches to evaluation as the student-director learns to become their own best critic.
Standards Addressed
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Accomplished
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Acc.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Sixth Grade
- DT.6.1.1.a Students Can: Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.1.1.b Students Can: Identify possible solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.1.1.c Students Can: Explore a scripted or improvised character by imagining the given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.1.3.b Students Can: Investigate the time period and place of a drama/theatre work to better understand performance and design choices.
- DT.6.2.1.a Students Can: Identify the essential events in a story or script that make up the dramatic structure in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.6.2.2.a Students Can: Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
- DT.6.2.2.b Students Can: Articulate how technical elements are integrated into a drama/theatre work.
Seventh Grade
- DT.7.1.1.a Students Can: Integrate multiple perspectives and solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theater work.
- DT.7.1.1.b Students Can: Explain and present possible solutions to design challenges in a drama/theater work.
- DT.7.2.1.a Students Can: Experiment various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.1.b Students Can: Apply various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.2.a Students Can: Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
- DT.7.2.2.b Students Can: Choose a variety of technical elements that can be applied to a design in a drama/theatre work.
Eighth Grade
- DT.8.1.1.a Students Can: Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.1.1.b Students Can: Imagine and explore possible solutions to design challenges of a performance space in a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.1.2.a Students Can: Articulate and apply background knowledge, research, historical, and cultural context to the development of original ideas for a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.1.3.b Students Can: Identify and use research and design choices in a drama/theatre work to enhance the work.
High School - Fundamental Pathway
- DT.H1.1.1.a Students Can: Apply basic research to construct ideas about the visual composition of a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H1.1.4.c Students Can: Refine technical design choices to support the story and emotional impact of a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
- DT.H1.2.2.b Students Can: Use research and script analysis to discover the impact design has for a drama/theatre production.
High School - Advanced Pathway
High School - Professional Pathway
- DT.H3.1.1.a Students Can: Synthesize knowledge from a variety of dramatic forms, theatrical conventions and technologies to create the visual composition of a drama/theatre work.
- DT.H3.1.1.b Students Can: Create a complete design for a drama/theatre work that incorporates all elements of technology.
Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Language
Reading: Literature
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.912.C.1.4 Research and define the physical/visual elements necessary to create theatrical reality for a specific historical and/or geographical play.
- TH.912.C.2.6 Assess a peer's artistic choices in a production as a foundation for one's own artistic growth.
- TH.912.C.2.7 Accept feedback from others, analyze it for validity, and apply suggestions appropriately to future performances or designs.
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
- TH.68.O.1.1 Compare different processes an actor uses to prepare for a performance.
- TH.68.O.2.1 Diagram the major parts of a play and their relationships to each other.
- TH.68.O.2.2 Explain how a performance would change if depicted in a different location, time, or culture.
- TH.912.O.1.1 Research and analyze a dramatic text by breaking it down into its basic, structural elements to support development of a directorial concept, characterization, and design.
- TH.912.O.3.5 Design technical elements to document the progression of a character, plot, or theme.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
- TH.68.S.1.2 Invent a character with distinct behavior(s) based on observations of people in the real world and interact with others in a cast as the invented characters.
- TH.68.S.3.1 Develop characterizations, using basic acting skills, appropriate for selected dramatizations.
- TH.68.S.3.2 Use the elements of dramatic form to stage a play.
- TH.912.S.1.6 Respond appropriately to directorial choices for improvised and scripted scenes.
- TH.912.S.1.7 Interpret dramatic texts, organize and conduct rehearsals, and justify directorial choices for formal and informal productions.
- TH.912.S.1.8 Use research to extract clues in dramatic texts to create performances or technical elements, choosing those that are most interesting and that best convey dramatic intent.
- TH.912.S.2.1 Create one or more technical design documents for a theatrical production.
- TH.912.S.2.3 Demonstrate an understanding of a dramatic work by developing a character analysis for one or more of its major characters and show how the analysis clarifies the character's physical and emotional dimensions.
- TH.912.S.2.9 Research and defend one's own artistic choices as a designer.
- TH.912.S.3.1 Articulate, based on research, the rationale for artistic choices in casting, staging, or technical design for a scene from original or scripted material.
- TH.912.S.3.8 Direct a scene or one-act play.
Grade 6 - Creating
- TA6.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify artistic choices, utilize theatre vocabulary, and demonstrate non-verbal communication skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>b. Interpret a character’s motivation by understanding the relationship between their background and their behavior.<br/>c. Identify the variety of relationships between characters.<br/>d. Identify, define, and classify character traits.<br/>e. Recognize and demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with collaborative performance.<br/>f. Use resources to identify and create technical elements of theatre.
- TA6.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Identify the elements of a story.<br/>b. Identify the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Articulate creative ideas in oral and written forms.<br/>d. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>e. Demonstrate the conventions of dialogue and stage directions.
Grade 6 - Performing
- TA6.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.<br/>a. Demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, physical movement).<br/>b. Execute character creation in a performance.<br/>c. Demonstrate a variety of types of theatre performances.
- TA6.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Incorporate technical elements in performance.
Grade 7 - Performing
- TA7.PR.1 Act by communicating and sustaining roles in formal and informal environments.<br/>a. Execute effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in performance (e.g. rate, pitch, volume, inflection, posture, facial expression, physical movement).<br/>b. Participate in a variety of acting exercises and techniques that can be applied in a rehearsal or theatre performance.<br/>c. Engage in various performance styles.
- TA7.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre.<br/>a. Select a variety of technical elements that can be applied to a theatrical work.<br/>b. Incorporate artistic and technical elements into a theatre performance.
Grade 8 - Creating
- TA8.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Differentiate the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a variety of characters.<br/>b. Compare the relationships and interactions between characters by analyzing character motivation (objectives, obstacles, strategy, action, stakes, outcome).<br/>c. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation.<br/>d. Connect theatre vocabulary to the application of theatre performance.<br/>e. Identify and demonstrate both ensemble and leadership skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>f. Evaluate the effectiveness of artistic and technical elements used in a theatre production.<br/>g. Design and create scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound.<br/>h. Assume different roles and responsibilities in the rehearsal process.
- TA8.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Classify different points of view in a story.<br/>b. Identify, analyze, and articulate the structure of a script.<br/>c. Utilize improvisation techniques to generate script ideas.<br/>d. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Performing
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE MANAGEMENT - Creating
Sixth Grade Create
Seventh Grade Present
Eighth Grade Create
- 8.CR.1.1 Improvise conflict and resolution scenarios for original scripts or devised theatre.
- 8.CR.1.2 Create original characters and situations using background knowledge and research.
- 8.CR.2.1 Adapt historical or current events applying background knowledge and research to develop character and situations for theatre.
Beginning High School Create
- B.CR.1.1 Devise a variety of scenarios and scenes through improvised and scripted activities.
- B.CR.1.2 Create scenarios that communicate character, setting, plot, and conflict.
- B.CR.1.3 Incorporate introductory technical elements using available facilities, technology, and tools to enhance theatrical works.
- B.CR.2.1 Adapt theatrical works using personal experiences through a collaborative process.
Beginning High School Present
Beginning High School Respond
Intermediate High School Create
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Connect
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
Accomplished High School Respond
Advanced High School Create
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
- B.C.1.3 Understand how to read and write scripts that communicate conflict, plot, and character.
- B.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization in a variety of theatre exercises.
- B.C.2.2 Interpret various selections of dramatic literature through formal and informal presentations.
Beginning High School Standards - Analysis
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Aesthetics
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
Proficient High School Standards - Analysis
Proficient High School Standards - Aesthetics
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.212 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
Acting Drama 20
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Lighting
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Makeup
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Properties
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Set
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Sound
Directing - Drama 30
- 1 demonstrate understanding of the function of the director
- 10 apply compositional elements of stability, sequence and balance to reinforce emphasis within exercise.project
- 2 demonstrate understanding of the terms directorial concept and artistic unity
- 3 recognize that a directorial concept should lead to artistic unity
- 4 demonstrate understanding of the relationship between the relevant research of a chosen play and the directorial concept
- 5 demonstrate understanding of the purpose of a director’s book
- 6 demonstrate understanding of the terms composition, picturization and stage movement
- 7 demonstrate understanding of the compositional methods of emphasis: body position, stage area plane, level, contrast, space, repetition
- 8 demonstrate understanding of the necessity for variety to enhance emphasis
- 9 use types of emphasis within an exercise/project: direct, duo, secondary, diversified
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Orientation
- communicate through use of voice and body
- generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
- recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
- recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
- share ideas confidently with others
- show awareness of story sequence
- speak, move, and generate ideas spontaneously
- support positively the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Junior Goal I Objectives
- develop a sense of responsibility and commitment
- develop the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
- develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively in a group process
- develop the ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
- develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
- explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
- extend the ability to explore meaning through abstract concepts
- extend the ability to think imaginatively and creatively
- extend the ability to understand, accept and respect others- their rights, ideas, abilities and differences
Theatre Studies Level 1 - Beginning (performance analysis)
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Readiness
- 10 demonstrate understanding of and use appropriate methods and tools for designing the project; e.g., makeup charts, cue sheets, working drawing
- 11 arrange and sequence time, ideas, information, materials and/or personnel for achievement of the project
- 8 demonstrate understanding of the use of colour, shape and texture to achieve a desired effect
Senior Goal I Objectives
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate effective use and management of time
- demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
- listen to self and others
- make effective decisions or choices
- offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
- positively support the work of others
- share ideas confidently
- solve problems imaginatively and creatively
- work cooperatively and productively
- work with abstract concepts
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
- Create dramatic works both collaboratively and as an individual, using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, and purposeful play
- Select and combine dramatic elements and principles to intentionally create a particular mood, effect, and meaning
- Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
- Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through collaborative and individual presentation or performance
- Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
- Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions
- Improvise and take creative risks using imagination, exploration, and inquiry
- Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
- Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through collaborative and individual presentation or performance
- Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills, vocabulary, and techniques through presentation or performance
- Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
- Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions
- Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Communicate and document
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grade 6 - Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.1 engage actively in drama exploration and role play, with a focus on examining multiple perspectives and possible outcomes related to complex issues, themes, and relationships from a wide variety of sources and diverse communities
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and manipulating multiple elements and conventions to create and enhance a variety of drama works and shared drama experiences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
- C.1.2 demonstrate an understanding of and use correct terminology to refer to the forms, elements, conventions, and techniques of drama, with a focus on ensemble drama works (e.g., chorus, protagonist, ingénue, supporting role, act, scene, climax, resolution, improvisation, mask, freeze-frame image)
- C.1.3 demonstrate an understanding of production roles, practices, and terminology when planning and presenting drama works (e.g., set design, costume design, lighting plot, light cue sheet, sound cue sheet, prompt book, set sketch, set model)
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
- A.3.1 identify and use a variety of techniques to influence the audience in specific ways (e.g., have actors enter the performance space from the audience to increase audience connection to the drama; use blocking to focus audience attention on key characters or relationships between characters)
- A.3.3 use a variety of technological tools (e.g., light, sound, set design, props, models) to enhance the impact of drama works
Grade Six
- 6.13 The student will identify techniques and skills for actor preparation, including memorization and warm ups for performance.
- 6.14 The student will demonstrate theatre as dramatized storytelling by preparing and presenting short scenes that include characters, setting, properties, conflict, and a progressive chain of events.
Grade Seven
Grade Seven
Grade Eight
Theatre Arts IV: Advanced Acting And Directing
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