What tools do I need to implement when directing a high school play?

Question:This is my second play and I feel much more prepared than with the first. I still have some concerns--mostly how to organize props, scenary, and blocking between scenes. I have heard of making a director's notebook but all I could find online was software. Anyone have any ideas on how to make the notebook from scratch and what I should include?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: This is my second play and I feel much more prepared than with the first. I still have some concerns--mostly how to organize props, scenary, and blocking between scenes. I have heard of making a director's notebook but all I could find online was software. Anyone have any ideas on how to make the notebook from scratch and what I should include?

You need a stage manager to write down all the blocking for you during rehearsals.

The stage manager should also be in charge of checking props. You could also enlist another student to be the props master. Set up tables and wrap them with freezer paper. Have the stage manager place each prop on the table and trace around them...label each one so that each time the prop is placed back into the same spot.

First and foremost your directors notebook needs a copy of the script...copy the blocking from the stage managers notebook. Have a props list. Have a scenic requirements list. Have a costume requirements list. If you really want to go far you can even sketch out the stage, rough form of course, and create a sort of diagram as to what goes where or the characters blocking. Almost like doing a football play with the x's and o's. That is going to extremes but if it helps you it doesn't really matter.

As far as staging the scenery. Use different colors of tape if you have things coming in and out inbetween scenes. Designate a color for a specific scene or act. They make colored stage tape just for this purpose. Use the tape to make spike marks on the stage. Put small pieces in an L shape at the corners of furniture once it is in place and where you want it. The stage crew needs to be familiar with set changes so make sure everyone is there for the Dry-Tech rehearsals and run throughs before the show opens.

There is a really great book out, but it is more for stage managers than directors. It has tons of information and work sheets that help everyone stay organized.

http://www.amazon.com/Stage-Management-H...

I have no formal training but i spent a few years in drama and tech theater. I always thought it was helpful to draw out the sets for each scene (if they change) including the size of everything so that way you know it fits. But other than that i dont know about a notebook. I would think keep a binder with the sketches of the stage and scenes. have a script that has lots of room for you to write where you would like inflection or them to move upstage and whatnot. Keep a list of who is in charge of what (house manager, lighting, prop mistress ect) so you know who to go to (and if you need help someone can just look at that list and know)
thats all can think of

Props:
Lay them out on a table and make tape outlines around each one. Label it. Then when you look at the table, you'll know immediately if something is missing. Make lists of props and put them away carefully each night. Try to eliminate as many as you can; normally people over-prop their shows.

Scenery:
Simple is best. Do as much as you can with curtains and light. Google "set design" and you will find lots of cool sets to use as inspiration.

Scene changes, or blocking between scenes:
Eliminate scene changes. Make your scene changes as fast as possible. Incorporate them into the action. Start the next scene immediately, have dialogue running right through, boom boom boom, one scene after another, just like in a movie. Rehearse those scene changes from the beginning, block it just like you block the rest of the show.