Directing Program
Directors are storytellers. As students of directing begin their journey toward a career in theatre, the coursework at Webster’s Sargent Conservatory vigorously stresses the craft of directing, while providing opportunities for each student to discover the stories they want to tell. Our directing program is highly specialized, combining elements of directing, acting, design and stage management. Practical experience supplements classroom work, and Conservatory directors assist on professional productions such as those at Repertory Theatre St. Louis, a nationally recognized LORT (League of Resident Theatre) organization. Combined with a senior semester studying abroad, the directing program provides a rich environment of learning for the student director. The program culminates with a capstone directing project in the final semester.
theatre classes alongside design and technical theatre majors. Learning the basics of visual storytelling and of communicating with a design team are critical for a director. Key classes will include:
• Directing 1 and 2 • Visual History • Fundamentals of Design
• Prop Design • Shakespeare
YEAR 3: EXPLORATION The third year challenges directing majors to bring stories to full theatrical life. Students will also serve as assistant directors for professional productions. Classes entail a combination of performance and design classes:
• Directing 3 and 4 • Improv • Stage Management • Lighting Design
A typical directing major can expect the following:
YEAR 1: PERFORMANCE TRAINING Directing majors will spend the bulk of their first year training alongside the performance majors. Learning how to perform and how to communicate with performers is integral to the craft of directing. Key classes will include:
YEAR 4: APPLICATION The fourth year is designed around two major experiences. In fall, directing majors will study abroad. In spring, directing majors will lead a capstone directing project, putting to use all the skills learned up to now.
• Acting • Voice & Speech • Movement • Text Analysis • Makeup • History of Theatre
YEAR 2: DESIGN TRAINING In their second year, directing majors will begin the directing sequence and serve as assistant directors for Conservatory productions. Students will take several of their
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Webster University
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