Deconstructing Directing: Recent Episodes
Andrew Roblyer (they/he)
Something is broken in the field of Directing. I think we can fix it. A new paradigm manifesto in blog, TikTok, and podcast form.
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Deconstructing Directing! This series is your comprehensive guide to mastering theatre directing, especially tailored for those navigating community and educational theatre spaces. Discover the essence of "upstream" theatre and why it's vital to the entire theatre ecosystem. Learn about the structure of this resource, covering topics from defining your role to developing your directing identity, and much more. Join us in making directing accessible and enriching for everyone. Dive into Act 1 today!
Welcome back to Deconstructing Directing! In this episode, we dive deeper into the FLAME paradigm, focusing on Artistic Insight and Taste. Discover why traditional concepts like "directorial vision" might be limiting and explore how insight and taste can reshape your approach to directing. Learn about the phases of creativity, from investigation to illumination, and how they can lighten the burden on directors. Plus, get a sneak peek into developing your unique artistic taste. Ready to ignite your directing potential? Tune in now!
In today's episode, we're diving into Act 1, Scene 3: Leadership, the next step in our FLAME paradigm series. We'll explore what makes a great leader, examining various definitions and perspectives from renowned CEOs. You'll learn practical strategies to embody leadership qualities such as humility and supportiveness, and discover how to separate leadership from positional power. Additionally, we'll introduce Advocacy-based Leadership, a model emphasizing responsibility over power. Join us as we unpack these concepts with real-world examples and actionable worksheets to enhance your directing journey. Let's keep stoking that FLAME!
As we continue our exploration of the FLAME paradigm in Act 1: Defining Directing, Scene 2 delves into the crucial role of Facilitation/Translation. Join us as we unpack the director's responsibility in making the collaborative process smoother and more efficient. We'll discuss common industry assumptions, define key terms, and explore how directors can use specificity, curiosity, utility, doing vs. talking, and status signals (SCUDS) to enhance their facilitation skills. Whether you're a seasoned director or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools to help you succeed. Dive in and discover how to make your directing process more effective and enjoyable!
"The FLAME Paradigm," kicks off a deep dive into defining the multifaceted role of a director. Andrew introduces the FLAME framework, which stands for Facilitation/Translation, Leadership, Artistic Insight & Taste, Management, and Education/Mentorship. By exploring each component, you'll gain tools to craft your personal definition of directing and identify your strengths and areas for growth. This engaging introduction sets the stage for Scenes 2-6, offering a thoughtful approach to directing in community and educational theatre spaces. Join us in transforming how we understand and practice directing.
Welcome to the grand finale of Act 1: Defining Directing! In this episode we're exploring the vital role of Education and Mentorship in the director's toolkit. Join us as we unravel the distinctions between teaching, mentoring, and supporting team growth, whether you're directing in educational or professional settings. From empowering team members to setting their own learning goals to fostering a culture of mentorship, we're diving deep into strategies for nurturing talent and fostering collaboration. Plus, learn how Adult Learning Theory can guide your approach to education, ensuring your team's success aligns with your project's vision. As we wrap up Act 1, get ready for more insights, discussions, and practical tools in Act 2. And remember, whether you're a seasoned director or just starting out, your journey matters. Join us as we continue to deconstruct directing together!
In this episode, we're delving into Act 1: Defining Directing, focusing on the crucial element of Management. Join us as we explore the dynamic roles of producers, directors, and stage managers in theatre spaces, from educational to professional. Learn how clear communication and role delineation can prevent common production pitfalls. Discover essential managerial tasks spanning pre-production, rehearsals, performances, and post-production, offering valuable insights for both seasoned directors and newcomers alike. Plus, we unpack five management models, from Work Breakdown Structure to PERT, empowering directors with practical tools to streamline their projects. Don't miss this insightful discussion that sheds light on the multifaceted world of directing.
Why should we care about systemic issues in the field of directing? Because what happens in one rehearsal room affects ALL rehearsal rooms.
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Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5025-beauty-flow
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
New York Times Chief Theatre Critic, Jesse Green, just published a potent article entitled "Is It Finally Twilight for the Theater’s Sacred Monsters?" and we need to talk about it.
Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5025-beauty-flow
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
We're going to start our deconstruction journey by examining the implicit assumptions a lot of people seem to have about directing and offer a counter perspective. Most of these will be returned to in full episodes, but my hope is that this is a good snapshot of the issues in the field and the necessity for change.
Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5025-beauty-flow
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Something is broken in the field of directing. A new paradigm manifesto, Deconstructing Directing is a blog, podcast, and TikTok series about the field of directing and how we can fix it. Episode 01: The Why, introduces listeners to creator Andrew Roblyer (they/he) and the impetus behind this series.
Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5025-beauty-flow
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license