Directing for the Theater

Minneapolis director/actor Craig Johnson presents an illustrated talk about his experiences and study of directing in the theater. Lots of pictures, a few stories, and some history. Pro-tip: watch at 1.5 speed -- I sound much smarter and you'll cruise through the material more quickly. You'll find that under settings and playback speed.
For further study, three readable directing books with different, but useful perspectives: Tips: Ideas for Directors (Jon Jory); Notes on Directing (Hauser & Reich); The Director's Craft (Katie Mitchell).

[@markdkberry]

great insights, thankyou. I did wonder if many directors came from stage managing and so that answers that, but today are many directors also playwrights? I am a playwright and find I have to strip a lot of directing stuff out of my plays when finalising the scripts.

[@Craig4604]

Yes, we went from no stage directions in classical theater, to extremely descriptive comments (even outside of GBS), and now we're back closer to minimalism. Me, I wouldn't mind a few more signposts from current playwrights. I can imagine the world a little more vividly. Also: I don't know that we've had much of an uptick in writers who also direct their work--I like multitaskers, so welcome aboard. Thanks for the comment...and for watching!

[@AnnaLouiseFrampton-gy6ir]

Thankyou for sharing this with us all it's a really interesting bit of knoloage

[@Craig4604]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful.

[@ceciliamolina8190]

Thanks so much teacher. You are awesome!

[@Craig4604]

Thanks so much--really appreciate the support!

[@Malade-imaginaire]

Wonderful thank you, I learned a lot! Are there books or any other materials you would recommend to continue learning about these topics?

[@Craig4604]

Thanks for your comment, appreciate the kind words. Three readable directing books with different, but useful perspectives: Tips: Ideas for Directors (Jon Jory); Notes on Directing (Hauser & Reich); The Director's Craft (Katie Mitchell). Enjoy!

[@EdmundAlynJones]

Wonderful video. I love the breadth and depth. You are appreciated.

[@MrHambone43]

That was absolutely great, Craig! Not only did I learn a lot, but I was totally entertained. Side note: I saw several productions directed by William Ball at ACT in San Francisco in 1967. As a Navy enlisted man, I had a military discount. My tickets - and they were excellent seats - were $1.40!

[@Craig4604]

Wow--can't beat those ticket prices! Thanks for watching the video!

[@Peachy1024]

this video was really awesome! i’m a high school student who wants to pursue theatre directing as a career and finding free resources about that has been a MISSION. this was super helpful and i will definitely be rewatching it while assistant directing the outsiders at my old middle school this year! 🫶

[@Craig4604]

Thanks for the comment. Glad it was helpful. The three books I listed in the description have been helpful to me. Best wishes on The Outsiders.