Directing and Producing

DRAM 4V71
Spring 2011

Thomas Riccio, Professor, Performance Studies

Thomas.riccio.utdallas.edu
www.thomas-riccio.net
Class Time 1:00-2:15 PM Tuesday-Thursdays AH1 1.104
Office # 972.883.2016 (Office/voice)
Office Hours Tu-Th 2:30-3:30 and by appointment
Office: JO 4.126

Course Objectives
The role of stage director is all encompassing: storyteller, interpreter, collaborator, people-
manager, producer, visual artist, counselor, literary consultant and creative artist. Why take on
this role? How do you become a director? Where do you learn your craft and how do you
formulate your directorial style? 
 
 Directing and Producing for the Stage brings together the
diverse processes and methods beginning with script selection, research, and analysis, first
reading, concept and visualization. The rehearsal process and the details of producing the final
production will be emphasized. 
 
 Directing and Producing for the Stage is a practical course
that aims to convey the preparation and experience of stage directing and the theatrical
mindset. The key elements of directing will be identified and will include dramatic interpretation,
working with actors and other theatre professionals, and the integration of elements into a
single, personal method. Production organization and the elements of producing will inform the
course.

Course Requirements
Completion of reading assignments prior to class discussion
Production and Play Analysis assignments
Mid-Term examination of terms and concepts
Required attendance at all UTD fall theatre and dance productions
Final project: one typed with visuals (20-25 page), directorial analysis portfolio.
Final Scene presentation
Class participation & attendance

Required Texts
Thinking Like a Director, by Michael Bloom, Farber and Farber 

The Empty Space: A Book About the Theatre: Deadly, Holy, Rough, Immediate, 
 by
Peter Brook, Touchstone Press
The Theater and Its Double 
 by Antonin Artaud, Grove Press 
 
 

And Then, You Act: Making Art in an Unpredictable World, by Ann Bogart, Routledge

Note: Additional play scripts will be required and will be available via WebCT

Course Policy

Directing & Producing 1 2011

 Late or incomplete work is not accepted
Incompletes Grades will not be given in this class
Plagiarism and cheating is unacceptable
All dates and assignments are subject to change
Assignments will be made with ample time for completion given please be alert to
alterations or corrections in the schedule

Attendance Policy
Two (2) unexcused absences permitted; however each subsequent unexcused absence
will result in the Loss of 5% per absence. Two late arrivals (30 minutes + after the hour
unless lateness is pre-arranged) will count as one absence. Note: No Gum Chewing or
Eating in Class. Soft Drinks, Coffee, and water permitted.

Class Participation & Citizenship

Students are expected to contribute to class discussion and debate, and be open to, and
respectful, of the opinions and perspectives of others. For those choosing not to participate
or participating in the class in a negative way, 5% to 10% will be deducted from their total
grade.

Grading Policy

NO INCOMPLETES WILL BE ISSUED FOR THIS COURSE

Class Participation 10%

Production Review x3 15%
Play Analysis x3 15%
Final Project 25%
Mid-Term 10%
Scene Work 15%
Attendance/Rehearsals 10%
1000 Point scale: 900 + = A 800 + = B 700 + = C 600 + = D 600 and below = F

Assignments & Academic Calendar

Each week will focus on general topics noted below.
The following is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor
Assignments and reading for the following week are found at the right column

Week 1 Introductions/Review of Syllabus & Objectives

Being a director

Week 2 Drama, culture, society and the stage director

Due: Questionnaire Assignment

Read: The Conduct of Life & MUD

Read: Empty Space

Week 3 Reading the play

Directing & Producing 2 2011

 The world of the play; Your world and the play; The Basics:
Structural analysis; Analysis—Dramatic Action, character, theme,
conflict
Due: 1st Play Analysis
Read: Stone, Cold, Dead, Serious
Read: Empty Space

Week 4 Relationships
Character, space, objects, time, architecture and the larger context(s)
Where do you fit in? Preparation: Thinking like an
artist/researching
Due: 1st Production Review
Read: Bloom 1-66

Week 5 The Basics: pre-production and planning the work

Read: Read: Bloom 67-115
Top Dog/Underdog (eLearning)

Week 6 Rehearsal: organization and process

Read: Bloom 116 – 204
Due: 2nd Play Analysis

Week 7 Choosing & living with a play: traps & advantages

Read: & Buried Child

Week 8 Working With The Actor MID-TERM EXAM

Read: Bloom 205- end & Seventy Scene of Halloween

Due: 3rd Play Analysis

Week 9 Beats, objectives, scoring the scene —

Read: The Flu Season

Final Projects Assigned

Week 10 SPRING BREAK March 14-19

Week 11 Concepts, Interpretations, Perspectives

Due 2nd Production Review

Directing & Producing 3 2011

 Read: blahblah

Week 12 Visualizing the play

Due: Preliminary analysis presentation
Read: Bogart

Week 13 Directing the Play

Read: Vomit Talk of Ghosts

Week 14 Style and language

Due: 3rd Production Review
Read: Hamlet Machine

Week 15 The Business Of Directing and Producing

Week 16 Final Project Presentations

Final Projects Due

Week 17 Final Scene Presentation –Spring Arts Festival

Student Conduct & Discipline

http://www.utdallas.edu/dept/graddean/CAT2008/appendices/Appendix1.htm

http://www.utdallas.edu/deanofstudents/conductguidelines.html

Directing & Producing 4 2011