The Director as Collaborator

A theater director, writer, and scholar, Robert Knopf is the author of two books, "The Theater and Cinema of Buster Keaton" (Princeton) and "The Director as Collaborator" (Focal Press). For Yale University Press, he edited "Theater and Film" and co-edited two critical anthologies of avant-garde plays and essays. He has directed plays at Circle-in-the-Square Downtown, Cherry Lane Studio, Paradise Factory, Circle Rep Lab, and New York's historic Town Hall, as well as for NPR Playhouse. He teaches acting, directing, and script analysis at University at Buffalo/SUNY, where he is a full professor.

Introduction

What Is Collaboration?

The Core Action

The Responsibilities of Collaboration

Fundamental Techniques

Supplemental Reading

 

1. Collaboration and Leadership



                Balancing Leadership and Collaboration

Supplemental Reading

 

2. Core Action

                Story and Plot

Action Analysis

Supplemental Reading

 

3. Collaboration in Rehearsal

                The First Scene Collaboration

Preparation

Rehearsal Observations

Videotaping Rehearsals

Supplemental Reading

 

4. Directing Elements

                Textual Elements

Visceral Elements

Chapter Summary: Integrating Directing Elements

Dramaturgy Checklist

 

5. Design Collaboration

                Core Action Statements

Design Timetable

Supplemental Reading

 

6. Other Collaborators

                Playwrights

Dramaturgs

Music Directors and Choreographers

 

7. Auditions and Casting

                Casting the One-Act Plays

Audition Goals

Supplemental Reading

 

Appendix A: Forms

                Project Proposal Form

Sample Audition Notice

Audition Form

Sample Callback Form

Sample Cast List

Rehearsal Observation Form

Producing Checklist

Program Information

Poster Information

Course Outline

 

Appendix B: Glossary of Key Terms

 

Appendix C: Bibliography of One-Act Plays

 

Appendix D: Selected Bibliography

                Directing

Acting

Design

Playwrighting

Dramaturgy

Ensembles

Theater History and Theory

Management

Publicity