Notes on Directing: 130 Lessons in Leadership from the Director's Chair (Performance Books)

This is a real pleasure to read (and easily reread). While his focus is on theater, I find many of the lessons to be applicable to screenwriting and directing cast and crew for film. It's a very short book (102 pages before you get to the appendix) so obviously can't go super in depth but it doesn't pretend to (and, quite frankly, most books use filler to reach the page quotas expected in their genre.)

5 stars = I Love It, which is how I feel about this book. It is NOT a "how to" guide to directing. Instead, it's a reflection on issues and tasks that arise while directing. These are "notes" on directing, not lessons. Hauser reminds you of things you should know (how to treat actors with respect) and how get the best work out of yourself and your cast. Reading this book is like sitting down with your favorite directing teacher or having a drink with colleagues. Read it straight through the first time -- the book progresses naturally from reading the script through casting and rehearsals, to specialty sections on Talking to Actors and Getting a Laugh. After that, you may choose to dip in out, for ideas and inspiration. I return to this book every time I'm starting a new project. It makes me smile and prepares me for the work ahead.

I found this to be just what I needed in my search for a book on directing, in my case directing theatre and despite the many other larger or more well-known books on the subject out there, Notes on Directing was all I needed to get me going.I felt like I spent a day with an expert giving me all his advice as we walked through the deserted rooms, halls and stage of an old theatre in London.It also reminded me of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style book for writing, in that it contains clear, direct notes for doing things right. Of course in this case the rules can and probably should be broken to be made your own, but the advice is still much appreciated, helpful and invaluable.This is a small read that I happened to enjoy immensely.

This is a must-have for anyone who directs, manages, or wrangles people in any way. Written for theater but appropriate for many other venues, it is insightful, profound, and detailed but easy to read and understand. Whether one is in an old fashioned, hands on type business or ensconced in technology, this book is timeless and truthful. A+

As an indie filmmaker, I am always looking for tips and thoughts on those who have served hard time in the trenches of directing actors in film and theater. I already have several other great directing books on hand and thought this version, based on the description, would provide further insight on how to deal with actors' fears/needs and what to take from the story to help the actors build their characters. While this book as some interesting points, it reads like a Directing 101 book with big print and lots of white space on the page ie, very little detailed info on how to really get the best performance out of your actors. This reads more like a checklist of things to consider but not enough whys or hows regarding the role of the director and interpreting the script or even how you should work with actors in different story settings.If you are just starting off as a director and don't want to be overwhelmed with a bunch of information, you could skim through this book in about half and hour and get a beginning idea of what you need to do, otherwise, you can pass on this one.

A book full of good advice for the novice and experienced director alike. It's in what has become a very popular format- Quick little notes that are easy to absorb and review. The entire book can be read in an hour or two. I have been on a hiatus from directing for a few years, and in preparation for a new directing role, I found this the perfect book to bring me up to speed again. I plan on reading it every six months or so- there are many excellent tips to remind a director of the ways to handle leadership and the crucial interactions between actors, director, and crew. Highly recommended.

As a director of amateur theatre, I am finding this book very easy to relate to, and its advice easy to absorb. It makes me rethink some of my approaches to directing, especially the practical advice on how to deal with the "human" side of things. Managing difficult actors and learning how to defuse situations are probably the biggest factors I wanted out of this book. It delivers in these areas, as well as in all other areas I would expect from a book on directing for the stage. A real little gem.

I have over 30 years in the acting business and can attest to the great advice in this book. I also teach and have done some minor directing gigs -- I used this for a directing workshop recently and found it to be of great value. It boils down what many directing books talk about (all good books too)

Being a writer of plays, never having directed but having always been interested in the process of direction, I purchased this on the strength of reading recommendations on Amazon.I found it interesting and easily accessible with small pearls of wisdom that resonated in practice as well as theory. I have used some of the suggestions realtive to a play a school is working on that I have written, and found the students engaged with the process in an encouraging way and also found new confidence within myself as a director.The text is focused and to the point. There are a lot of ideas gleaned from experience on how a director should consider dealing with actors and also what engages an audience within the craft of theatre which I've found most helpful.However, for me, the one area that wasn't addressed too much is that of the geographical positioning of actors on stage, the problems resulting from visual blocking of actors from the audience point of view and ideas for what actors, who are on stage, might be preoccupied with doing when they are not speaking their lines.All in all, for me, a grand introduction into stepping into the world of direction.

As a director this was an interesting read.Don't expect to agree with it all, I certainly didn't, but it certainly offers insight into the rehearsal room, how to deal with issues etc.It was nice that I didn't agree in places. good to assess why I didn't agree, or what I do differently and why.Nicely bound, and good light read. nothing too heavy

A must for all. I was asked to direct some friends of mine in an amateur production. I was apprehensive at first, but after reading this, it was a doddle (not really, hard work) as I had this information under my belt. It helped me develop characters as well as give a fuller understanding of the play. A must thank you.

This is probably the MOST amazing book on directing - at least that I have found.The knowledge and advice is bitesize, and offers sparring and solid foundation to base your decision on.It's a little like having a dramaturg on paper.I recommend it to any director, experienced or not, it will offer you knowledge you haven't got.

Keep in mind it is for STAGE directing not the small or big screen