SLOC GUIDELINES - Updated March, 1998

Director

Reports to:  Producer

The director is in charge of all phases of artistic effort and coordinates the work of the, musical director and the choreographer. Duties include:

1.     You have the responsibility to set the "tone" for the entire production. This includes such things as a prompt start and end to rehearsals, consideration that all involved are volunteers, and maintaining a friendly atmosphere throughout rehearsals and production.

2.      Read and review the show's script several times and prepare yourself to be a good director.

3.      Coordinate the work of the musical director and the choreographer who will work with you.
Respect their expertise and value their constructive input.

4.      Aid the producer in staffing the show

5.       Select an Assistant Director. SLOC needs to keep training individuals for the future.

6.      Write a synopsis of the play and brief character descriptions regarding age, voice range, personality, etc. for the publicity chairperson and for the newsletter editor about 4 weeks prior to auditions.

7.      Select "sets" for tryouts and mark the scripts to be used at auditions. Keep them brief (each set should be no longer than about 2 minutes, and try not to have too many sets, (Le. about 8-1 0). The musical director should limit the singing part of auditions to about 16 measures per individual. Let the choreographer audition the dancers as he/she chooses, allowing for a "break" of about 10 minutes between set readings and singing for those auditioning.

8.      Give input and final approval for casting, design of sets, costumes and lighting.

9.      Set up rehearsal schedule, arrange for its duplication, give a copy to the Vice-President, Company Operations, for the calendar, and advise this VP and the producer of any changes. Make sure your cast and crew receive the schedule; send a copy of it to the President, playbill editor, VP Publicity, T-Shirt and Ticket Chairpersons.

10.   See to the efficient use of rehearsal time by cast and the accompanist. (Consider having a musical rehearsal during the publicity/photo session, to make better use of everyone's time)

11.   Assist the Vice-President, Artistic Operations, with the selection of people to be on the Critique Committee. Your show will be critiqued approximately 14-18 days before opening night.

12.   Assist the producer in maintaining good housekeeping and personal/building security. After the show, see that the building facilities are returned to their proper order ("normal look").

13.   On a bi-weekly basis, review with the producer, the execution of the set (i.e. physically take a look at the set). Keep in contact with the set designer and construction and painting crews. Early on, let your production staff know of the show's requirements, to produce a quality staging and cooperative effort for our audiences to enjoy.