Director's Workshop 1: Understanding the Stage

Welcome to a unique learning opportunity at the Majestic Theatre, a vibrant part of the Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department, bustling with community volunteers eager to engage in creative endeavors. Our theatre is excited to offer a three-session workshop designed to introduce new and interested individuals to a theatre director's complex and rewarding responsibilities.

Each session, lasting 3 hours, is crafted to guide you through the multifaceted roles of a theatre director, from understanding the intricacies of the proscenium stage to managing a cast and coordinating with design teams. Whether you are a seasoned theatre enthusiast or new to the world of directing, these workshops provide valuable insights and practical skills:

Session 1: Understanding the Stage - Delve into the history and modern use of the proscenium stage, learn essential theatre jargon, and get hands-on with blocking basics and Reader's Theatre principles. (That's this workshop!)

Session 2: Directing Actors - Develop your communication and coaching skills to effectively lead and nurture a troupe of actors, enhancing individual and group performances. (Register here.)

Session 3: The Majestic Way - Design and Responsibilities - Master the art of collaborating with design teams and managing the theatre space while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all involved in your productions. (Register here.)

These workshops are designed to be standalone. You can join us for any session that fits your schedule and interests. We will offer them on a rotating schedule. Upon completing all three, participants will receive a certificate of completion, marking their readiness to take the next step toward directing at the Majestic Theatre.

Classroom Experience: Expect a dynamic classroom environment with information, discussions, and activities. Come ready to write, talk, and move! Please wear comfortable clothing, bring water, don’t forget a pencil and a good eraser.

Join us to harness your creativity, learn from experienced professionals, and take your first steps in directing within our supportive community theatre. We can't wait to see the magic you'll bring to the Majestic!

History of the Proscenium Stage: Explain the origins of this classical stage design and its implications for presentational theatre. Discuss why the space was historically used in this way and how that influences productions today.

Modernizing the Stage: Techniques for updating a proscenium stage to engage contemporary audiences. Include staging, set design strategies, and effectively breaking the fourth wall.

Reader’s Theatre space at the Majestic. Principals of the immersive theatre experiences and Blocking in thrust spaces.

Reader's Theatre Introduction: Dive into Reader’s Theatre’s (RT) principles, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the format’s integrity without escalating into a full production. Discuss using minimal props, costumes, and movements to enhance storytelling while staying true to the RT format.

Blocking Basics: This class teaches the fundamentals of blocking, including how to read stage directions and effectively place actors on stage.

Theatre Jargon: Define standard theatre terms that directors need to know to communicate effectively with cast and crew.