How To Direct a Play | Intro to Directing // How to Put on a Play // Theatre Advice

Even with NO EXPERIENCE, these are 4 tips to get you into the mind of a great director, things to think about and consider as you dive into this new field.
[0:35] Your Actors Cannot be Your Friends
*You can use your friends as actors, but during rehearsals, you need to be clear about your position as the director, and their position as the director
*Be clear about your expectations
[2:16] Preparation
*Read through your script repeatedly
*Visualize blocking possibilities
*First Read Through: when the entire cast (and possibly company) meet for the first time, to read through the entire script together
*Insist your actors read through the script repeatedly
[4:38] Establish Boundaries
*Actors shouldn't direct each other, that's the director's job
*Each department should feel secure in their role
*The SM or Director should act as a buffer when company members offer ideas
[8:26] Happy Actors Are Good Actors
*Be kind & positive when giving your notes
*Be sensitive to an actor's response to notes
*Give actors adequate breaks
*Take a break when tired or stressed
Comment below what you'd like to see in the next video!
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CONTACT ME TO HELP WITH YOUR STAGE PLAY or PRODUCTION:
www.fiverr.com/juelbrown?up_r...
EXAMPLE CUE SHEETS:
linktr.ee/juelbrown
Juel has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and a 4-year conservatory acting diploma from Sheridan College. Since graduating in 2010, Juel has been writing, producing, acting in, stage managing, directing, and coaching in her hometown of Toronto and Los Angeles. Juel has worked with such names as Trey & Darren Anthony, Rachael-Lea Rickards, and Marion J. Caffey. She's currently working freelance with several theatre companies, directors, and playwrights.
Juel Brown has been helping new (and experienced) directors for over 10 years, from choosing their script to polishing their blocking.
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Juel is also the author of the New Adult Contemporary Fiction novel THE REFINING. www.amazon.com/dp/177733070X
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Thanks so much for watching, liking, sharing, subscribing, and for your support!

[@melinastafford7601]

As an 8th grader directing a school play, this was super helpful.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

I'm so glad to hear that Melina! Please, let me know if you have any other questions that I can answer!

[@444Hz]

I have a whole play that I'm putting together for my core audience on a budget of $150,000, and I'm turning every stone and doing every single bit of research in order to make sure that I'm a well prepared director; and that I also compensate the entire crew & cast generously. I'm very excited & determined. Thank you for reassuring my ideas of what a good director looks like, with the information you've provided here. I want to be taken serious as a director, but I also want to be extremely empathetic and patient all at once.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Congratulations on this new venture and a great working budget. Based on what you've said, it sounds like you're on a great path to becoming the kind of director that people will want to work with over and over. Being 'serious' yet 'empathetic' is a delicate balance, but the most successful directors can walk that balance. Good luck and I wish you all the best!

[@sownpeace]

Yeah, this is super helpful for anyone working on a production to understand the Director's role... breaks - I second this. The pace of rehearsals is also something that is vital - some are direct on the fly rather than preparing every minute of rehearsal; both can feel ineffective - one is waste of people's time and the other allows no opportunity to rehearse or block with input from the the actors.

[@ricardosamuel3645]

I am from Trinidad. I am a Playwright and Producer. I think your info is very valid. I thank you. I would say, though, it's all about communication, which you convey throughout. You were great thanks. More people need to hear this.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello @ricardosamuel3645 and thanks for watching and commenting! And greeting from Canada all the way to you in Trinidad! Thanks for your encouraging words, It's great to hear that other producers agree with my suggestions. All the best and thanks again!

[@potatocutie1111]

This isn’t my first time directing a play but I’m not like my bossy younger self anymore and I want to do this correctly where everyone is happy and/or satisfied So thank you so much for this ❤️❤️❤️

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

I can really identify with that @potatobabyp7817! My younger self was much more bossy than I am now. It took one of my actors very early in my directing career to tell me "No one will want to work with you when you act like that" to make em take a good hard look at my directing style. So glad this was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@user-tw5pr4qj7m]

Thank you so much! This helps me so much as i am a highschool student writing and directing my first musical.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Congrats on writing and directing your first musical - that's a huge accomplishment! I hope it's going really really well! So glad my videos have been helpful!

[@user-tw5pr4qj7m]

@@StoryTellersHandbook the play actually went well, we performed ar school last June. Thank you so much!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

So glad to hear that! Congratulations!!!!

[@katerinapapakonstantinou4231]

Good luck to you, dear friend!!!

[@genuinely.genuine2746]

im here co-directing a play and im held responsible of 3 major scenes in the storyline, never directed nor acted before but ig the director saw the potential in me. learning a lot from you ma'am and i aspire to be like you one day❤️

[@ThomasisaNerd]

Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it! This is my first time directing a play and sometimes it feels like I'm just spinning my wheels trying to get stuff done. This definitely helps me out a lot!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hi ThomasisaNerd! I'm so glad this was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AndYouWillBeWithMe]

this video was so helpful! I'll direct a play in a local amateur company and most of the actors have been personal friends for years, haha! I'll apply your tips and most of my knowledge from being a teacher. Thank you so much for the video!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Thanks for watching and commenting Bobo! It's always fun to work with friends - I'm actually directing a new musical and a few of the cast are friends. All the best with your production!

[@sherrywrightseedsforyou]

Thank you - great information

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Thanks @sherrywrightseedsforyou for watching and commenting. I'm glad you got some good info from it.

[@sistagirllondon]

Good job!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 i would suggest telling folks to get books or a class on blocking. It's still my weak spot and can cause frustration! 🤣🤣

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Absolutely! Blocking is not easy, a class is a great suggestion for directors at all levels! Thanks for commenting!

[@mauriceschwiertz9578]

46 VIEWS??!! You absolutely need to grow! These are great tips; good use of music and great editing. I wish you all the best, and folks: SMASH subscribe

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Thanks so much, Maurice! Really appreciate it!

[@memoria.7]

Thank you!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're very welcome @memoria! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@hattiecolvert679]

thank you so, so much for this! me and my friend are graduating highschool this year and trying to produce a play this summer before college! your channel has been so helpful and i have been taking DETAILED notes so we are as prepared as possible. just wanted you to know that you are helping us out so much.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello @hattiecolvert679, I am so excited for you and your friend! Your summer break is a great time to produce a play! I'm so encouraged that my content has been helpful to you! Wishing you all the best! Thanks for commenting!

[@Fonzipan]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@tinakenny3673]

I was looking for a fresh voice for advice for my student directors. Because of the pandemic, many of them have not gone through the One Acts process before even as actors. This was great! Thanks

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Glad it was helpful for your students!

[@KaraEmilyKrantz]

Wonderful video! I was looking for an intro video for my Directing students, and this is great! I look forward to checking out your other work.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Thank you @KaraEmilyKrantz for sharing my video with your students! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@michaeldean9338]

This was VERY well put together and explained. Lots of great information and insight. Much appreciated. Thank you, ma'am :)

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're very welcome @michaeldean9338! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@michaeldean9338]

@@StoryTellersHandbook Love the series. Will continue to watch. Peace :)

[@wordsleuth9089]

Great tips.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Glad it was helpful, WordSleuth!

[@enicole1203]

Appreciate this! This is the second of your videos I've found. Have been trying to help my mom put on an amazing play that she wrote, and we are so lost right now on the process between script and stage. 😅😅

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Congratulations on putting on a play with your mom. I did that for the first time at the age of 13, and it was a blast! Getting from page to stage can be a bit intimidating, but I hope these videos are helpful. The fact that you are working together as a team (instead of on your own) already provides a lot of support to the process. Good luck and wishing you great success!

[@irelandbrianna1649]

You’re a great communicator. Thank you for sharing!

[@jennaawesomeness172]

Thank you so much for all your help!! I hope you get more views soon ❤️

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello Jenna! I'm so glad it helped! Thank you for commenting!

[@rebeccakings754]

This is a really great and accurate video! So glad I found this channel (:

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

thanks so much Rebecca! And thanks for watching

[@lsjt8924]

There is such a dirty of information on this and I’m very happy you made these! Thank you!!

[@lsjt8924]

Dirth*

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@DionneLister]

Awesome tips! Thank you so much!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're so welcome, Dionne!

[@iaminvesting9807]

This is so much helpful! Thankyou 🤩

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@aramatkinson]

Very helpful thank you!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're welcome!

[@dveemediahouse]

Your tips were very valuable, thank you beautiful ❤️

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're so welcome! Thanks Dvee!

[@user-nz8ky9im6p]

Hi, love your channel and have a question! I'm supposed to be directing a workshop process for a new play that we then go into rehearsals for the following month. I've been trying to find information online but I can't find a director's guide for how to prep for workshopping or how to lead one? Please help?

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello @user-nz8ky9im6p, thanks for watching and commenting! Congratulations on the new project! I'm afraid my reply might be too late to help, but if not, let me know. I can't think of any resources out there on 'Directing a Workshop' that I can suggest. However, I can certainly help you one on one if you're interested. I've started consulting again on projects, so just let me know. Wishing you all the best!

[@Lairyliam]

Thank you, from a "Green" Director, :)

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're very welcome Liam!

[@user-do2rc6gq8o]

Learnt a lot! Thank you so much!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're very welcome Amy! Thanks for commenting!

[@amazingdealz8416]

Amazing tips, thank you!

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're so welcome!

[@sonias748]

Great video! Thank you so much. I haven’t directed in many years and have recent been hired to direct a children’s play. Very excited to be involved in this space again and keen to brush up on my skills. Do you have any books that you recommend on stage directing?

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello @sonias748 thanks for watching and commenting. Congrats on the directing position! It's always important to brush up on skills. I don't know any books on Directing I can suggest, but I've gotten a lot of suggestions from books on Acting. A big part of directing is understanding different acting techniques you can use and suggest with your actors. One of my favoutites is "Respect for Acting" by Uta Hagen. I hope that helps! Thanks again for watching!

[@chrissystewart6268]

I want to learn & get involved with theatre🎭

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hi Chrissy Stewart! Thanks for watching. If you want to get involved in theatre, I would start in community theatre. Maybe look online for community plays in your area and you can contact them to volunteer to help, and maybe ask to sit in on some rehearsals? That way you can get a behind the scenes look at what it's all about, and maybe get an idea of what area in theatre you'd like to pursue. If you were in the Toronto area I would invite you to work on my current production. :D Best of luck!

[@chrissystewart6268]

@@StoryTellersHandbook Hey Sister 👊🏾 I'm from Baltimore Maryland I really want to get involved w 🎭 I just have a dream I opened up my acting business & having my parades to celebrate dreamers I had a dream I travel the 🌎 meeting people from all over the 🌎 America , Canada🇨🇦, Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe , Latin America & Oceania it was my dream teaching 🎭 to the 🌎. I never audition for actor roles in my life I'd like to experience more

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

@@chrissystewart6268 opening an acting business is a fantastic idea! If you'd like to experience more, I suggest auditioning for some local community plays - it will help get your feet wet and expose you to the process. I hope that help!

[@Christmastimeeee]

I direct a ply every year with my cousins and the parents watch it.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Amazing! The first play I ever directed was with me and my brother for my parents. Family audiences are a great way to build confidence and gain experience!

[@leatricetoland3675]

I just had a person come to me to write and direct the play. I was wondering, how do you charge, what do you pay your help and cast, what is a directors role and how much should they charge, if I'm writing the script for an ideal they brought, what % owners rights do I have?

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello Leatrice! Thanks for watching and commenting. Congratulations! That's great news. Your director's fee can be negotiated with the producer of the production (whoever came to you to direct, the person who wants to put this play on.) Depending on their production budget, they can pay you a flat fee for the entire process, or an hourly rate for rehearsal time. Or, if it's a charity organization, you can donate your time. Any fee can depend on how complex and long the production is. (In the past, I've been paid $700 for the entire process, or $25/hour for rehearsal time (both for 90-minute plays) - just to give you an idea.) Paying cast and crew would also have to be determined by the production budget. The cast can be paid by the hour, by flat fee per rehearsal, by flat fee per performance, or by flat fee per entire production. Writing a script based on someone else's idea can be tough when it comes to copyright. I suggest agreeing on to whom the ownership will fall before you start writing the script. Formulate a contract (even a simple one) and have all parties date and sign it. Usually, I will say in a script "Concept by ______, Written by ______" to differentiate who created the idea, and who wrote the script. However, if you're being paid to write the script, then the copyright will belong to whoever paid you for that service. If you write the script in a volunteer capacity, you can negotiate to own the rights to the script, and give the producer permission to use it in their performance. Hope that helps! And best of luck!

[@leatricetoland3675]

thank you so much@@StoryTellersHandbook The idea came from what she saw. But I gave her a few concepts. But it looks like she wants me to market or promote it, sale tickets, set up things Everbrite. it looks like she is trying to put it all in my hands. should I write out what that will look like to her so she can see that she is asking me to do more than just direct?

[@leatricetoland3675]

@@StoryTellersHandbook thank you so much

[@lxvelyhallucination]

my senior year project is going to be to put on a production of carrie the musical. thank you!

[@everettclark6632]

thanks this, it help me to understand a director job

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're so very welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Murraz43]

Thank you really helped❤❤❤

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Thanks, Murraz, for watching and commenting! Look out for more videos on "How to Direct a Play" coming in a few weeks. Glad this is helpful!

[@shimaparsa524]

Very good points indeed

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@RBTABDBehaviors]

Thank you for this😊

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're welcome 😊thanks for watching and commenting 🎉

[@davidadebayo5725]

Very helpful..

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@leyahpatel9421]

Thank you so much

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@somestew6356]

thank you, this will help with my school project lol

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello and thanks for watching! So happy this content is helpful! All the best with your school project!

[@Sofiatheworm1132]

Hello thank you. I’m going to be a director for a film and I’m in 6th grade. I wrote the script. Do you have any tips.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Congrats on directing a film! That's exciting. Film is such a different medium than theatre and I have to admit, film is not my area of expertise. :( However, having acted in a number of films, I can give you what I know from the actor's perspective - you will be a more successful film director if you; 1) have a clear idea of what you want each of the shots in the film to look like, 2) be willing to compromise if things change on the day of filming and think on your feet quickly for plan B, 3) know the characters well, as the actors will collaborate with you when developing their voices, 4) Always keep in mind the main story / theme you're trying to tell and strive for that in every scene. I hope this was helpful! Please feel free to contact me at [e-mail] if you need more help. Best of luck!

[@Sofiatheworm1132]

Thanks for the tips

[@cshrayproductions4837]

I’m a junior and I’m applying to be a director for my school’s “student directed” play. Any tips? I would love to do this so much

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello CShray Productions! Thanks for watching and commenting. Exciting news! The best advise I can give without knowing the interview process is to speak to your directing style - and how you'll support actors in a variety of ways to reach their full potential on stage. As well as your vision for the production as a whole, including your interpretation of the themes and messages of the play, your ideas for set, costumes and props, etc. The more thought you can show you've put into the directing process, the better prepared you'll look to accomplice the role. Good luck!

[@cshrayproductions4837]

@@StoryTellersHandbook Thank you so much!! I will definitely let you know how it goes!! 😁😁😁

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Yes, please do! Rooting for you!!

[@cominatchawiththeyeet9398]

This helps a lot as I'm struggling with my directing class rn. Do you have any tips on what kind of language to use? I have done more acting then directing so I can see what I want in my head, but it is hard to describe to or guide my actors to. Any tips on this?

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hi there! I'm glad this helps, but I understand your dilemma - transitioning from actor to director is a tricky path. In fact, many actor/directors struggle with this, so I think I'll consider drafting a video on this topic. The key to being a successful director is being able to communicate what you're going for in a variety of ways. The issue is if you - as an actor - have a particular way that works for you in the acting process, if that way doesn't work for your actors, your directing process can get stuck. (I'm not sure if this is your issue, but I know it is for many.) So, one thing I advise is to read/research acting techniques; this can actually help you understand the mind of different type of actors, and the language that could help them - especially if it's different from your own. Another thing I can suggest is to make a habit of asking your actors "is that helpful?" or "does that make sense?" when giving them direction. This opens communication both ways so that even if you're actor isn't grasping what you mean, at least they will feel heard. And remember, its okay to say "let's come back to this" or " I'm not sure, I'm going to think about it and we'll circle back to this." I hope this is helpful! Please feel free to email me at [e-mail] if you need more help!

[@AlexPazderka]

I ❤directing do you have any tips of tech week

[@messymoe2678]

I see plays everyday

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Thanks for commenting! You're loving my dream 😀I wish I was at the theatre more often

[@juliakelly8405]

I have a question. I will be directing a Senior Directed One Act at my High School next year. This means I will be directing kids that have been my friends for the last 2-4 years. I don’t want to seem cold or closed off to them, how do I set the director/actor barrier without being rude, mean, or whiplashy (if you will) in and out of rehearsal?

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hey Julia! Congratulations on being chosen to direct the show next year! My best advice would be to set your expectations at the first rehearsal, and make sure to look everyone in the eye while giving your speech, especially your friends. Don't be afraid to mention that "some of us have been friends for a long time, and I'm very excited for us to work together. However, please remember that when we're here in rehearsal, I will show you respect as actors, and I request the same respect as your director." If this is ever violated, talk to the person on the side and remind them that you "need their help for you to succeed at Directing, and to do that you need them to do their part as an actor". I would only mention this once. If it continues to be a problem, I would tell a staff advisor, and have them be present to witness the shenanigans themselves, so they can address your friend, and you continue with the process. My last piece of advice is don't discuss the show outside of rehearsal - make friend time all about the friendship - don't get sucked into discussing other actors, or anything like that. Either change the subject, excuse yourself, or try "Hey guys, can we talk about something else? I need a mental break from the play." I hope that helps! Thanks for watching and commenting! And congrats again!

[@juliakelly8405]

@@StoryTellersHandbook Got it, thank you so much! I’ve been bingeing your videos to direct this play haha. You’re very helpful! Thanks!

[@siasproductions6818]

This was a horrible tutorial on directing. What about understanding the arch of the story, the objective of the characters, their obstacles, what tactics they would use, rythm charts, colors, tension, music, all of it based on what helps the story, and for most why are you telling this story as a director only after you understand that and after doing that work, then you work with the talent on how to develop better the characters, the departments on how to improve your vision. NOT BY READING THE SCRIPT THREE TIMES.

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Hello @siasproductions6818 and thanks for watching. The strategies you mentioned a vital to the directing process, but as this is an INTRO video, only 15 minutes in length, I was really only scratching the surface. Some of the things you mentioned would have to be videos all on their own. I have many more videos in the works, and will eventually touch on some of the things you mentioned, as well as other aspects of producing a play. My videos are meant for beginners, but from the sounds of it you are well experienced in directing! Wishing you great success with your future productions!

[@fedevto]

Thank you from Argentina!

[@nettiekeller9891]

Thank you for the video! Very helpful, and I love the gentle and comedic way in which you present the information. I would love to see a video on blocking, as you offered at the end of the video. Thanks! @agrassrootshomeschoolplaydirector 😁

[@StoryTellersHandbook]

Glad it was helpful! Blocking is one of my favourite things to do as a director, so I'm very excited to post that video. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@marilyncolon8696]

Thank you!