1st Edition
The Stage Director’s Prompt Book A Guide to Creating and Using the Stage Director’s Most Powerful Rehearsal and Production Tool
The Stage Director’s Prompt Book is a step-by-step, detailed guide on how to create a practical and powerful rehearsal and performance tool—the director’s prompt book.
A prompt book is a coordinating and organizational tool for the stage director. This book systematizes the creative process the director uses to analyze and interpret a play and coordinates all director-related rehearsal and production activities into a single, self-contained interpretive and organizational system. This book guides the director through the necessary steps and stages of creating and using a prompt book—from play analysis and interpretation, through the formation of a dynamic and theatrical director’s vision, to a unique method of physicalizing a play in production. A prompt book of a one-act play is included in the book as a complete example of the system. Such techniques as redlining, color coding and creating a three-column left-hand page are vividly illustrated for readers, allowing them to assemble their own prompt books. In a clear and example-driven format, The Stage Director’s Prompt Book offers a system of directorial interpretation that takes the director through a series of point-by point instructions to construct a strong, effective and creative instrument for success.
For the undergraduate and graduate student of theatre directing, stage management and producing courses, along with aspiring professional directors, this book provides an interactive and intuitive approach to personalize the stage directing experience and assemble a graphically dynamic and creative director’s prompt book.
1. Introduction 2. A Director’s Glossary: In Order of Appearance 3. The Mechanics of it All: Constructing the Prompt Book 4. Redlining the Script: Finding the Important, Distilling the Essence 5. Director’s Units 6. Color Coding 7. The Three Column Left-Hand Page 8. The Right-Hand Page 9. Using the Prompt Book to Schedule and Organize for Artistic Success 10. The Director and the Stage Manager 11. Four One-Hundredths: A Model One Act 12. Final Thoughts Index
Biography
Leslie Ferreira is Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Theater Arts Department and Producing Director of the Theatre Academy at Los Angeles City College. He is one of the most awarded directors in the history of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival with over 20 national production awards, as well as the Faculty Fellowship in Directing for Outstanding Achievement as a Teaching Artist, the Excellence in Theatre Education Award and the prestigious Gold Medallion for his contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre. As a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers, he has worked professionally as a stage director for over 40 years.
"If only this wonderful book were available when I was teaching directing. Great for the beginner, and a perfect refresher course in all the fundamentals for the experienced director. An invaluable guide for the journey from ‘play to stage.’"
Gregory Lehane, Professor Emeritus, and former Head of Directing at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama
"This indispensable guide to building an effective stage director's prompt book enables a director to approach production with a thorough understanding of the structure and detail of the play. It is a powerful template for creativity and collaboration."
Marc Masterson, Former Artistic Director of Actors Theatre of Louisville and South Coast Repertory
"Leslie Ferreira opens up the treasure chest of his knowledge, skill and experience as a stage director by sharing the playbook of his extraordinary craft. The Stage Director’s Prompt Book is a pièce de résistance that brings everything together and takes your directing craft to the next level. Any director who seeks to up-their-game will immediately benefit from Leslie Ferreira’s meticulous and creative approach to directing. This rare insight into directing is a gift of a lifetime that will keep on giving."
Eric Bishop, Chair, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 8
"Leslie Ferreira’s The Stage Director’s Prompt Book is the perfect companion for any director’s journey. It offers encouragement, inspiration, and concrete advice—challenging us along the way to ‘direct better.’"
Tina Kronis, Artistic Director, Theatre Movement Bazaar
"Why hasn’t the The Stage Director's Prompt Book been written years ago? It clearly establishes the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How to effectively direct a play using the road map of a prompt book. Leslie Ferreira demystifies how to approach directing—all through the importance of the Three-Column Left-Hand Page. An excellent guide for anyone brave enough to call themselves, director."
Daniel T. Green, Ph.D., Director: Entertainment Industry Management, Carnegie Mellon University
"A great guide for assembling and organizing all the essential elements for a production, The Stage Director’s Prompt Book is an excellent step-by-step method for investigating a play and developing a sound directorial approach to it."
Tom Bryant, Dramaturg, Professor Emeritus, Crafton Hills College
"A thoroughly entertaining, insightful and straightforward account of the steps needed to bring a play to life on stage. Not only directors but everyone else involved in the creation of theatre will benefit immeasurably from reading this book."
Anthony Maggio, Chair, Theatre Academy, Los Angeles City College
