What are current texts used in the study of directing, theatre+film?

Question:

What are current texts used in the study of directing, theatre+film?

the texts would be different since film and theatre directing require different skill sets- though there is some overlap...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hello. Los Angeles Community College uses the following two textbooks in two classes in their film program:

CINEMA 10- MOTION PICTURE DIRECTING -3 UNITS (4 HOURS PER WEEK)

Students will be required to direct a scene with actors. Each week a new scene will be presented which the class and the instructor will evaluate. Textbook: Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics by Rabiger.

CINEMA I - INTRODUCTION TO MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION -3 UNITS (4 HOURS PER WEEK)

You will learn about motion picture production techniques through lectures, films, and videotapes. There will be several tests throughout the semester including a midterm and final. Text: Guide To Filmmaking by Edward Pincus.

For Theater Direction: Yale University class on Theater Direction uses :Sense of Direction: Some Observations on the Art of Directing (Paperback)
by William Ball

Here is what Amazon.com's review by the critic, John Remington, says : Reviewer: J. Remington "John Remington" (Adams, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews

Mr. William Ball, the former artistic director and founder of The American Conservatory Theatre in San Fransisco, boils down almost forty years of teaching, acting and directing experience into possibly the most effective,educational and practical document about directing. I shudder to use the word text book as that term implies dry academia- an approach which leads to the the death of the theatre- but really this book is indespensable to any theatre director. Ball lays out in a logical, simple and jargon free manner the nuts and bolts of building a balanced right and left brained community which has complete and utter access to the creative impulse. Everything in Ball's book is transferable, practical (sorry about using that term again but it is true)and impeccably rendered. For any theatre director, I strongly suggest purchasing this book as the foundation of any library. Five out of five stars.

Incidentally, John Remington has a good book himself, entitled "
The Beginning Director's simple bookshelf: A list by J. Remington "John Remington" .It lists a very useful bibliography on the best texts on the subject of direction for theater.

Other books mentioned on that website: Thinking Like a Director: A Practical Handbook by Michael Bloom

Notes on Directing by Frank Hauser

On Directing by Harold Clurman

A Director Prepares by Anne Bogart

Good luck.

John B.