Lights Up!
This semester I am taking a directing class where I will learn how to, well, direct! Directing is a passion of mine that I have yet to explore until now. In this class we will start small by working on scenes from the play, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. This classic play has so much to offer a director because of how well-written the characters and the story are. We were each given scenes that are about four pages long and will get to block them however we wish to. This gives me lots of room to play around with and I get to create a story that is mine.
Our main task for this first showing is for us to clearly display the "spine" of our scene, meaning the overall message or meaning of the play. The spine I chose was the characters' want to find peace and freedom within themselves. In the story, each character wants the same thing, peace from the obstacles that weigh them down. Yet they cannot release the burdens they carry to fully commit to obtaining that peace. This is the message I want to convey to my audience.
I am allowed two actors for my scene and I have to act in two others as well, so I get to also be directed and see how other students in my class work. I like this assignment because we get to learn from each other and get a chance to work together in a way we have not yet. I am so inspired by the directional processes my peers all have and what ideas they're choosing to explore, it helps me narrow down exactly what I want my process as a director to look like.
For my first rehearsal with my actors, I had them do a quick read-through of our scene to get a feel of what it sounds like and then together we did a mini scene analysis. Since we didn't have much time together, we weren't able to do much work on it, but I think we have a solid foundation and will be able to present a good scene on Monday!
This is so cool! I didn't even know ONU offered a directing class in the theatre program! I think that it's a great opportunity not only for you to have the chance to direct your peers, but also by being directed by them allows you to be able to see how others approach the same scenario.
ReplyDeleteI've always had so much respect for all of my directors throughout high school because I feel it can be so difficult! Making sure that your characters are in the right places making the right choices so that it fits with the story has been hard even as an actor. I wish you so much luck through this amazing opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such an interesting class! I love how you've chosen such a clear message you want to convey in your scene. Whenever I'm watching a show I love seeing how the director interprets the script. I can't wait to hear how your scenes go!
ReplyDeletePersonally I have never been one to watch musicals until I came to Ohio Northern. With that being said the ones I have seen at my time here have been amazing and just overall great storylines. I can only imagine the roles and and all the dedication and hard work that directors perform to make them happen. From what I know the director truly plays a vital role in making sure everything goes smoothly for performance nights and making sure everything is getting done thats needs to be during rehearsal. Truly inspiring and so much respect for all the hard work they do behind the scenes. I wish you luck.
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