Tips: Ideas for Directors (Art of Theater Series)

As an actor, I have wanted to Direct a show. Now I have been given the opportunity to do so! This book was recommended by a friend of mine who works in the Professional Theatre Community. I took his advice and I ordered a copy of the book. I read the chapter on "Casting a Show" and the things a Director has to look for in auditions and the actors/actresses auditioning for your show. I found that chapter fascinating and informative. Tips abound as well and that chapter will help me as I decide who to cast in my first show as "Director" and the things I need to look for, not only in the script, but my cast as well. I highly recommend the book as a "MUST READ"!

The cast of any theatrical production establishes a unique culture, the tone of which is set by the director. That tone can be miserable; the director either lacks control, or he/she creates a fearful environment, in which actors expend all their energies in dodging sarcastic and belittling bullets."Tips" is a refreshing and positive outline of how to create a creative productive culture in which everyone is free to exercise individual artistry guided by the director.As an actor, I've worked with directors I'd swear hated actors, and as a director, I've worked with (and am working with) actors who don't want to be directed. Mr. Jory provides clear and specific techniques on how not to be the first and how to deal with the second. I'm so grateful for this book, which goes far beyond the obvious to be helpful.Wise, wry and witty, this little collection should be required reading for all directors in the theater. How to deal with specific varieties of difficult actors, how to conduct auditions and rehearsals, and when the director should keep quiet are just a few of the practical tips this book offers.Mr. Jory drew from his considerable experience in writing this book. His underlying fairness and courtesy is impressive and he even addresses how to cope when good manners are not reciprocated. This book is a lifesaver for avoiding some of the human bombs that mine a director's path and I wish I'd had it years ago!

This was exactly what I was looking for. Each tip is about 1-2 pages long and Jon Jory gives real, practical advice for people who direct shows. He lets you know what actors need from you as well as each type of person on the crew. The book goes through scheduling rehearsals, making lines work better, etc... Easy to read and a wonderful resource.

This is a great book for beginning and intermediate directors. Jon gives a clearly outlined itinerary for a director's process to begin her directing experience. I appreciate the outline of tasks to complete as well as the suggestions to help get your actors to expand on their abilities.

Easy to read and absorb. Light on theory, practical applicable immediately useful easy to remember tips!

This is a handy reference to have for any director. Each tip is pure gold and is distilled to its essence, taking no more than 1-3 pages, but covers all areas, from auditions to tech rehearsals.

Jory gave great examples and real world advice. The writing is personable and witty. Several years worth of Graduate Seminar classes have enjoyed this book. If nothing more than a treatise on "food for thought about directing" this is a good book to add to your professional reference library.

Short chapters. Practical information delivered in a no nonsense manner. Not for beginners. Honest cogent thoughts for experienced directors.

even if you've had a good training or have experience - there are 100 tips in this book all of which are very practical and there is something new for everyone. highly recommend it.

I first picked up this book in the public library on recommendation by other directors in our community theatre group as I will be directing my first play in November. The book was so full of great information that I just had to get a copy for myself. I think where this book really excels is in the way it is such an easy read.Unlike other books you do not need to read from cover to cover. Who has time to do that? We have plays to direct.It is written with short bits of information and tips. This makes it easy to find what you want or simply as I have done is keep the book handy and when I have a moment just simply open up to some random page and be treated with some great tidbits of things that make so much sense that it makes one wonder why you would even need a book to tell you that.I highly recommend this book for any aspiring director. Keep it on hand you will pick it up often.If I had to pick one drawback about the book is that it is not available in eBook formats. It would be a great book to always have with me on my iPad that I never go anywhere without.

Well done