Directing Annie The Musical. Why Not?

This article gives you 9 steps easy to follow instructions on how to direct a play. So, directing Annie The Musical. Why not?

The Team

When you start the process of creating a production it is important to first assemble a team. This team is what is also called the core team, which should include a director, producer, costume designer, set designer, musical director or choreographer if necessary and your head of crew. It is possible to produce the play alone and create a man show, but it is safe and more effective if the work was split to several people because it can also be time efficient. This ill also help decrease the amount of stress and challenges for you to face alone and gives a wider creative impact to the play with the ideas of many intertwined to one beautiful ensemble. 

The Plan

When you have a team, plan out you production. Although some might choose to ignore and skip the planning process, this often becomes te biggest cause of problems. It is very essential to create a plan and see just exactly how much time you have and how much time is available to you. From this information, you can then determine the importance of tasks being done on time and which tasks need to be sped up in order to fit the deadline.

The Play

When you are given the opportunity to choose the play, seize it. this gives you as a director, a better position and connection to the story. This can also set the path for wider exploration of the story. choosing your own play means the freedom to choose anything you feel comfortable wih or being able to choose a play that has its own personal value and impact. When the chosen play retain a higher personal value it usually helps the director to insert a more unique and individual variation to the adaptaion which has astronger impact to the audience identity and recognize the directors' individuality and the impact of the director towards the play or the story itself. This could be important to those who wishes to establish their own name and their own style. 

The Script

If there are no assigned script writers or editors, after chosing the play it will be time to edit or write your own script. This takes the most time if you are writing, therefore it is best to first familiarize yourself with the story. If the story is one of your own, plan out the series of conflicts and the plot. It's important to keep in mind these aspects before you begin writing or editing, this way if they are scenes that will be cut int the future or added, it will be easier for you to know best where to edit.

The Stage and Technicals

Once the script is done you can now begin to consult with your stage, costumes and make-up designer and also the stage manager regarding what you envision the stage to be like. This is one of the biggest aspects of the visualization of the play, excluding the acting.

The Auditions

If the audtions are required, it is possible to start directly after the script is done and it is also best to do so. Set a date for your audition in advance that should go under the plan, together with your choreographer, vocal instuctions aother judging panel members if needeed. Once everyting is set, evaluate which roles should be open for audition and set the required skills for each character.

The Rehearsal

By now, you should be ready wih your cast and crew and have a general idea regarding the stage; this is really the time when you can start your rehearsals. Before you start, you should already have your blocking sketches in story board form. Coordinate with your new cast what days are best for all of them to attend.

The Performance

Show day will always be the most stressful and at the same time relieving day of all. The pressure is at the peack, when you are in charge of everything down from the schedules for the day to the end of curtain call. It is important to start the day calm and cool.

The Reflection

The end of the performance does not mark the end of this journey; the most important part in any learning process is your reflection. It is that most people would prefer to neglect this process but trully they are the ones who will never grow and will never learn. the whole purpose of taking a reflection is to improve your self for the future, for your future.



This article is the summary version of "How To Direct A Production" written by my students, Farah Labita. For more photos, sample files, designs and videos, please visit director-inthemaking.tumblr.com