MCCCD Program Description

Directing Techniques

Course: THP214

First Term: 2014 Fall

Lec + Lab 3.0 Credit(s) 4.0 Period(s) 3.7 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Contemporary theory and practice in directing, the evolution of present-day directing procedures, and a sampling of scripts for directing practice. Principles of script analysis, blocking, casting, rehearsing, and performing.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Compose written analyses of two scripts, including a description of the dramatic action, characters, and dialogue as well as a listing of given circumstances within a script and a description of the historical background of the script. (I) 2. Produce a ground plan for a selected script. (II) 3. Create and demonstrate a composition and blocking of a selected scene. (II) 4. Compose a written description of the staging, set dressing, scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, and sound effects for a selected script. (III) 5. Compose written descriptions of characters from a selected play and plans for auditioning actors for a selected script. (IV) 6. Produce a rehearsal schedule for a scene from a selected script. (IV) 7. Compile all of the written descriptions, plans, and schedules above into a director`s workbook. (I, II, III, IV) 8. Demonstrate a variety of rehearsal techniques. (IV) 9. Direct and present a scene demonstrating application of directing techniques. (I, II, III, IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Analysis of the Script A. Dramatic action, characters, and dialogue B. Given circumstances in the script C. Historical background D. Contemporary directing practices II. Director-Actor Relationship A. Communication patterns B. Ground plan C. Composition and blocking D. Actors 1. Gestures 2. Improvisation with properties 3. Picturization E. Stage movement F. Vocalization G. Contemporary directing practices III. Director-Designer Relationships A. Symbolization and synthesis B. Director`s options 1. Choice of stage 2. Scenery 3. Set dressing 4. Properties 5. Lighting 6. Costumes 7. Makeup 8. Sound effects C. Contemporary directing practices IV. Director-Rehearsal of Production Techniques A. Casting and auditions B. Progressing through rehearsals C. Production D. Analysis of feedback from audience

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: March 25, 2014

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.