Director
DESCRIPTION: The Stage Director plays a vital role in unifying the actions of a production, both prior to and during the rehearsal and up until opening night. It is the director’s creative facilitation and approach to a production that the team will be guided by.
REPORTS TO: Production Producer
Guiding principles:
Create and communicate ideas respectfully and collaboratively for a healthy work environment.
Foster trust amongst the cast and lead rehearsals that offer a brave space for curiosity, risk-taking, introspection, and learning.
Provide mentorship and supportive practical experiences to help all students understand their individual role in the process as well as how to communicate and collaborate effectively as a team member.
Maintain effective communication with Designers, Shops, and Props Personnel during the production/rehearsal time frame.
EXPECTATIONS:
The expectations and responsibilities of a director at the University of Portland are listed below and are meant to inform directors of key departmental procedures that will be useful when collaborating within the department.
Before Rehearsals Begin
Complete a thorough script analysis and conduct appropriate research in order to identify the central ideas of a piece and to develop a cohesive approach to the work.
Prepare to discuss your intentions for the audience, thematic point of view, and stylistic approach at your first meeting with your creative team.
Meet with the entire production team and maintain communication with designers and team members to discuss possibilities and prepare for rehearsals.
Before Casting
Provide audition information to the Production Producer to share with students. This information includes:
A brief description of the play
A pdf of the play (if possible)
Character descriptions (pronouns, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, etc.)
Physical skills needed
A brief description of your audition and production process
Any content or intimacy disclosures (general and specific to each character)
Any audition materials you intend to use
An overview of rehearsal dates/times, tech dates/times, and performance dates/times.
Auditions and Casting
Provide audition materials
Attend the casting call, call backs, and casting meetings. Usually, multiple shows are cast at once, so be prepared to communicate and compromise with other directors regarding casting decisions.
Rehearsals
Maintain communication and attend all production meetings with Designers and the Production Team.
Contribute to the daily Rehearsal Report.
Uphold and abide the University of Portland’s Rehearsal Guidelines. All exceptions must be approved in advance by the Production Producer.
Theater Rehearsal Schedule
The directors, in consultation with their production staff, are responsible for planning the rehearsal schedule. Directors should make every attempt to call performing artists only when they are needed. Directors should attempt to ensure students have a 45-minute dinner break prior to their specific rehearsal call.
Students are required to attend all of their classes during the rehearsal period up through tech week.
Refer to the University of Portland’s Rehearsal Guidelines (In Appendicies) for specifics when creating a rehearsal schedule.