Deconstructing Directing

Tackle the five "riddles" of the Upstream: lateness, shifting schedules, devices, memorization, and side conversations. This scene replaces top-down rules with collaborative Rules of Engagement, teaching you how to co-create a "container" for the work. Learn how specificity creates clarity and how a lack of shame, especially during memorization, maximizes the vulnerability necessary for great acting.To access all of the resources discussed in this video for free, visit www.deconstructingdirecting.com

Shift your perspective from the Medical Model of disability ("fixing" the person) to the Social Model ("fixing" the environment). This scene introduces the habit of Access Needs, providing language to ensure every artist—neurodivergent, disabled, or otherwise—has the "ramps" they need to participate fully. Discover how representation on stage can move from "cripface" to authentic, brave belonging.To access all of the resources discussed in this video for free, visit www.deconstructingdirecting.com

Examine the subjective myth of the "best actor" and reimagine casting as a complex, ethical puzzle. This scene provides a framework for "drawing the line" regarding representation and marginalized identities, moving past survivorship bias into a practice of Reckless Transparency. Learn to create audition notices that signal your values and build an ensemble based on a shared artistic vision.To access all of the resources discussed in this video for free, visit www.deconstructingdirecting.com

Collaboration isn’t the absence of conflict; it’s how you handle the "pinch points" when they arise. This scene helps you distinguish between Communication Failures (which require repair) and Power Struggles (which require boundaries). Learn to invite curiosity into your dialogue, helping you loosen your grip on control while ensuring every member of the team feels heard and aligned.To access all of the resources discussed in this video for free, visit www.deconstructingdirecting.com

When conflict or friction pulls at your rehearsal, how do you keep the process moving? This scene examines the physiological reality of being "triggered" as a director and offers the DESC scripting framework to address behavior without sacrificing kindness. Move beyond the fear-based ultimatum and learn to set structural boundaries that protect both the art and the artist.To access all of the resources discussed in this video for free, visit www.deconstructingdirecting.com

Explore a foundational principle of the Deconstructing Directing: Reckless Kindness. This scene breaks down the difference between "niceness" (which avoids conflict) and "kindness" (which uses radical specificity to build trust). Learn to balance a high regard for your collaborators with the necessary risks of leadership, transforming kindness from a soft sentiment into a strategic, operational tool.To access all of the resources discussed in this video for free, visit www.deconstructingdirecting.com

In this final episode of Deconstructing Directing Act 2, we turn the focus inward again to explore how directors can care for themselves amidst the pressures of leadership. Learn practical tools for understanding your nervous system, activating your parasympathetic response, and effectively asking for support. Through stories and insights, this scene emphasizes that taking care of yourself is essential—not just for your well-being, but for fostering a healthier, more collaborative creative environment. Start building habits that minimize harm, nurture your creativity, and lead to stronger, more fulfilling productions.

This scene unpacks the complex dynamics of power in the directing process. From understanding the six bases of social power to addressing the fear of coercion, this scene explores how directors can minimize negative impacts while leveraging power for the collective good. Learn actionable strategies to acknowledge power dynamics, set safeguards, and foster a collaborative environment that empowers every team member. This is an essential conversation for directors seeking to lead with intentionality, responsibility, and kindness.

In this we explore the rarely discussed yet essential aspects of a director's identity: artistic taste and perspective. Drawing parallels between culinary and theatrical "flavors," this scene examines how to define, communicate, and develop your unique artistic preferences. Learn practical techniques to expand your taste, embrace diverse perspectives, and refine your aesthetic compass as a director. Whether you're seasoned or just starting out, this episode offers tools to deepen your creative insight and enhance your collaborative storytelling.

In this scene we explore the profound influence of lived experiences and identity on a director's artistry. Learn how understanding your personal and social identities can strengthen your perspective and shape your approach to storytelling. Drawing parallels between theatre and everyday life, this episode encourages directors to embrace their unique experiences, defy societal norms, and bring authenticity to their work. Join us for a reflective journey into how who you are impacts how you lead and create.