Tips: Ideas for Directors

The cast of any theatrical production establishes a unique culture, the tone of which is set by the director. That tone can be miserable; the director either lacks control, or he/she creates a fearful environment, in which actors expend all their energies in dodging sarcastic and belittling bullets. "Tips" is a refreshing and positive outline of how to create a creative productive culture in which everyone is free to exercise individual artistry guided by the director. As an actor, I've worked with directors I'd swear hated actors, and as a director, I've worked with (and am working with) actors who don't want to be directed. Mr. Jory provides clear and specific techniques on how not to be the first and how to deal with the second. I'm so grateful for this book, which goes far beyond the obvious to be helpful. Wise, wry and witty, this little collection should be required reading for all directors in the theater. How to deal with specific varieties of difficult actors, how to conduct auditions and rehearsals, and when the director should keep quiet are just a few of the practical tips this book offers. Mr. Jory drew from his considerable experience in writing this book. His underlying fairness and courtesy is impressive and he even addresses how to cope when good manners are not reciprocated. This book is a lifesaver for avoiding some of the human bombs that mine a director's path and I wish I'd had it years ago!

Fabulous gem of a book - all the things you thought you knew/learned/mastered.... Pithy, humorous, witty AND to the point, these tips are organized in a great form that's suitable for flipping through for ideas to set that next rehearsal on fire, hold more useful auditions, give clearer notes, or get through opening night.... Jory covers all the bases in this worthy companion to Tips for Actors, which every actor(and director!) should own.