Start At The Very Beginning

Rodgers and Hammerstein had it right – the best place to start is the beginning. What is the beginning when directing a play? The best place to start preparing for a play is with the script, which you'll want to read several times as you plan your production.

Grab your script and get rid of all distractions and interruptions before you tackle your first reading of the script. Then just relax and read the script with an open mind. Keep some paper handy to jot down images and feelings that arise. You'll never experience these first impressions in the same way again, and you don't want to forget them as you become far more familiar with the script than your audiences will be.

During this first reading don't worry about "How am I going to do that?" or "Who's going to play that part?" There will be plenty of time to answer those questions soon enough. Remember to read all stage directions for key information, including essential action not included in the dialogue.

Let a day or two pass and read the script again. In this reading you should concentrate on making broad decisions that will guide your production, like the overall look of the set, costumes and props. For example, do you see the costumes contemporary or from a certain time period? Are they realistic, exaggerated or cartoon-like? Ask yourself these same questions about the sets and props. You'll eventually share these answers with your creative team. During this second reading you should start thinking about how to tackle any specific production challenges, like flying a carpet or any stage magic.