Director interview of the American Theatre

Flashcards covering the lecture discussion on directing, collaboration, and theater production hosted by Andrew Lindsey.

Who is Andrew Lindsey, and what organization does he represent?

Artistic Director of Primary Stages for American Theatre Wing.

For which show was Sheryl Kaller nominated for a Tony Award?

next fall

Which Off Broadway show did Sheryl Kaller direct for Primary Stages?

Adrift in Macau

How is Pam McKinnon introduced in Chapter 1, and what Broadway show was she currently working on?

An OBE winning director currently working on Broadway's Clyburn Park.

Which Edward Albee play directed by Pam McKinnon took her back to Steppenwolf?

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf

What Horton Foote project was Pam McKinnon set to direct for Primary Stages?

Harrison, Texas, which consists of a series of three short plays.

Name the opera companies where Steven Wadsworth has directed operas.

La Scala, Vienna State Opera, Covent Garden, Seattle Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera.

What was Steven Wadsworth's most recent stage work running in London at the time of the discussion?

Master Class

What roles does Steven Wadsworth hold at Juilliard and the Metropolitan Opera?

James S. Marcus faculty fellow at the Juilliard School (where he leads the advanced training program for singers) and head of dramatic studies at the Metropolitan Opera.

Why is directing described as inherently a verbal art form?

Because it is about communicating with a wide array of people, including producers, actors, and visual artists.

According to the transcript, what attitude should a director have towards ideas brought by collaborators?

A director must be committed to the best idea, not necessarily their own idea.

According to the transcript, how does a director's collaborative role vary between commercial and non-profit productions?

A director must ride their skill sets like a mixing board depending on whether they are working on a commercial production, a workshop at New York Stage and Film, or a full production at Primary Stages.

What must a director never compromise, regardless of the choices made during production?

The work and being true to the written word on the page.

According to the discussion, what is described as "another word for communication"?

Powers of persuasion

How is "learning how to play the game" described for a director in Chapter 4?

Bringing your weaknesses up to your strengths over time and through experience in various situations.

What simple sentence can a director use to display authority when something does not work?

No. That doesn't work. (or simply saying no)

What combination of ego states is required to corral various production elements into something coherent?

A funny combination of egolessness and ego fullness.