This course builds upon the fundamentals of directing with a deeper focus on point of view and shifting audience perspective. Students will learn how to develop, articulate, and realize their point of view through in-depth script analysis, staging techniques, and classroom projects. Students will also develop tools and strategies for understanding one's audience and creating opportunities for conversation and community engagement.

Activities, films, and readings may be added as the course progresses, and will be considered part of the required reading for the course. Please note that elements of the syllabus might alter as the course develops. You will need to acquire the following full texts for this class (we will discuss cost effective strategies for doing so in the first week of class):

• The Director's Craft, A Handbook for the Theatre by Katie Mitchell, 2009
• 30 minute One Act or Scene of your choice

• Learn to analyze a play in preparation for directing.
• Develop writing and speaking skills; by the end of the course, students will confidently articulate a clear point of view about a work of theatre.
• Explore a wide range of techniques directors use as storytellers and collaborators.
• Hone an intersectional understanding of how artists’ sociological, political, and aesthetic perspectives shape their work.
• Experience directing both individually and in small groups.
• Develop a personal point of view as a visionary in the arts.
• Apply rehearsal tools and physical exercises when working with actors. Using Katie Mitchell’s text as a foundation, students will employ improvisation as a primary rehearsal and discovery tool.
• Investigate creative composition in motion, treating theatrical work as a series of physical pictures and embodied storytelling moments.
• Expand imaginative possibilities and deepen a passion for exploring the human condition through performance.
• Culminate the course by directing and presenting a one-act play.

Assessment / Evaluation / Grading

Student achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through written assignments, class projects, presentations, and practical directing work. Grades will be based on the following:

Total Possible Points: 750

Grading Scale:

• A = 94–100%
• A- = 90–93%
• B+ = 87–89%
• B = 84–86%
• B- = 80–83%
• C+ = 77–79%
• C = 74–76%
• C- = 70–73%
• D+ = 67–69%
• D = 64–66%
• D- = 60–63%
• F = 59% and below

Assignment Notes:

All written assignments will be handed in via the online platform. Performance based assignments will happen in class. If you need an extension, you must request this BEFORE the due date. All assignments should be double-spaced and typed, in 12 point Times Roman font with 1” margins unless otherwise specified.

Play Submissions Details (50 points total):

You will submit options for your Ten-Minute Play using the following format:

Your ONE ACT PLAY must be approved by the Instructor. It must be a published play. Your play should have no more than 4 characters. Read at least ten plays before making your choice. You will spend a great deal of time with this text, so make sure you are “fired up” about it.

When submitting your top three play options you must include the following:

• A list of 3 plays in order of preference
• Each full script in pdf format
• A brief, three sentence description of each play
• A list and brief description of the characters
• A list of where each play was procured, including the year each play was published

Theatrical Productions presented within the SUU School of Theatre and Dance:

You are required to attend all mainstage productions and strongly encouraged to attend student productions.

Assignments

Assignment Notes

If you need an extension, you must request this BEFORE the due date.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of AI.

The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
• Fine tuning your research questions;
• Checking grammar and style.

The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Impersonating you in classroom contexts.
• Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
• Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.

You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.

Remember, unacceptable use of AI undermines your own artistic value.

Engaging with Each Other

We must treat every individual with respect. In this class we will be watching each other’s work. Think about the following as you engage with your peers’ work:

• Instead of critiquing each other’s work, we want to approach it with the willingness to help each other develop as directors and learners.
• If you are discussing difficult matters in your piece such as mental health, abuse, or trauma please provide a heads up for others.
• Disagreement is part of learning but we want to approach each other with respect, even when we disagree.
• Please be mindful of the space you occupy in the class: if you tend to speak often consider leaving space for others to speak, if you tend to be silent, you are invited to contribute something to the group in each class.

Cell Phones and Laptop Computers

As a general rule, cell phones are to be turned off and left in your bag during class. Laptop computers may be used during class for course-related work only unless otherwise specified. If you use a laptop please be conscious of how to continue to attend actively and participate in class activities.

Attendance and Participation

The first 30 percent of the grade is composed of attendance, participation in class discussions and writing workshops, genuine engagement with course materials, and respectful interaction with other students. At the start of every class, attendance will be taken. In addition to attending class, students are asked to come prepared with having read the course materials, having questions and critiques in mind, and being ready to speak in class. While students have different approaches to learning, and not everyone likes to be vocal in the space of a classroom, you should be prepared to speak up a minimum of one time during each class in an engaged and respectful way.

Attendance/Class Participation Policy

It is expected that you come to class and that you be on time. You should also be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to work.

You are allowed a total of 3 absences during the semester. Please note: If you are going to miss class, it is expected that you e-mail PRIOR to class to explain your absence. This is true whether it is your first absence or your sixth absence.

Acceptable Excuses to Miss Class:

• Running a fever, contagious or extremely ill.
• If you are ill, you should go to Health Services and be seen by a doctor.
• A note from Health Services will excuse an absence.
• Family emergencies such as death. (Please note that if you lie to your teachers about a family emergency, you are in violation of the University ethics policy and may be suspended.)

I understand that in any given semester you may become ill or have a family emergency. However, after 3 absences your grade will be lowered without exception. We also expect that you make it a top priority to keep yourself healthy through rest, exercise, hydration and healthy eating. Also, understand that if you miss an in-class rehearsal or presentation, your grade will be more severely impacted.

Number of Absences Grade IF doing “A” work:
0-3 = A      4 = B      5 = C      6 = D      7 or more absences = F

2 LATES = 1 Absence      Any LATE of 20 minutes or more counts as a Full Absence

Professional Decorum:

It is your responsibility to come to class and be an active participant. This means:

• Coming to class fully prepared as assigned.
• Showing respect for every member of the group.
• A complete commitment and focus to the work each class period. This means paying attention to everyone’s work and the discussions that transpire. If you happen to fall asleep in class, you will be asked to leave the class for the day and you will be charged with one absence.
• Saying YES to feedback!