Scene Command Slides Scene Command
The Art of Stage Direction
Director's Cut
The Visionary
"The director is the bridge between the page and the stage."
1
Interpretation
Deciding what the story *actually* means. What is the subtext?
2
Composition
Arranging the actors to create powerful stage pictures.
3
Collaboration
Guiding actors to find the best performances, not just barking orders.
The "Big Idea"
Before you give a single note, you must answer:
What is the central theme ?
What is the mood (Cold? Hot? Tense?)
What is the inciting incident ?
Concept Statement
"This scene is about the trapped feeling of a small town, visualized through tight blocking and heavy shadows ."
— Example Concept
Stage Blueprint
Creating Focus through Placement
Levels
Using height (standing, sitting, kneeling) to show power dynamics.
Triangles
Arranging three or more actors in a triangle to keep the stage visually balanced.
Focus
Drawing the audience's eye to the most important character in the beat.
Commanding with Respect
DO:
• Ask questions (e.g. "What does your character want here?")
• Give specific, actionable notes.
• Compliment what is working.
DON'T:
• Give "line readings" (saying it for them).
• Be vague (e.g. "Do it better").
• Forget to listen to actor input.
The Feedback Sandwich
The Bread: Positive Reinforcement
"I really liked the intensity you brought to that first line."
The Filling: The Adjustment
"Next time, let's try moving to the chair on your second line to show your character's exhaustion."
The Bread: Encouragement
"The pacing is getting much tighter. Let's run it again!"
Places, Everyone!
1. Analyze your assigned scene.
2. Complete your Vision Board .
3. Map your Blocking Blueprint .
4. Direct your peers for 20 minutes.
Action!
Director Prep Sheet Director Prep Sheet
Project: Scene Command
Director:
Date:
Phase 1: Scene Analysis
Central Theme (The "Why")
Dominant Mood
The Inciting Incident
Key Character Objectives
The Vision Board
Concept Statement
Define your vision in one powerful sentence. "This scene is about..."
Visual Metaphor
If this scene were an object, weather, or animal, what would it be?
Atmosphere Notes
Describe lighting, sound, or the "energy" of the space.
Page 1: Discovery & Creative Vision
Blocking Blueprint
Backstage
Audience
Stage Map (Bird's Eye View)
URUCUL
Upstage Right Upstage Center Upstage Left
Power Dynamics
Who has the power? How will you show it using levels or proximity?
Triangle Sketches
Quick sketches of 2-3 key visual moments.
Director's Notes for Peers
Write down 3 specific "Adjustments" or "Questions" you want to ask your actors during rehearsal.
Reminder
"Direct the performance, don't give the line reading. Help them find the truth."
Directing Facilitation Guide Facilitation Guide
Lesson: Scene Command
High School Drama
Duration
90 Minutes
Learning Goal
Students will translate a written text into a cohesive visual vision and lead peers through a rehearsal process.
Materials Needed
• Projector for Slides
• Director Prep Sheets
• Scene Starters Packet
• Stopwatches (phones)
Lesson Pacing
10m
Hook: The Unseen Force
Show a 2-minute clip of a famous scene. Ask: "What decisions were made that weren't in the script?" Discuss lighting, placement, and pacing.
15m
Instruction: Vision & Composition
Present Scene Command Slides . Focus on levels, triangles, and the "Sandwich Method" for feedback.
20m
Phase 1: The Blueprint
Students work individually on their Director Prep Sheets . They choose a scene from the packet and must define their "Big Idea" before they can touch the stage.
35m
Phase 2: Action! (Rehearsal)
Students rotate in groups of 3-4. Each student gets 8-10 minutes to direct their peers in a single "beat" (3-4 lines of dialogue) from their scene.
10m
Cool Down: Post-Mortem
Gather in a circle. Directors share one successful adjustment they made. Actors share one note that was particularly helpful.
Director's Mentality
Students often struggle with "telling" instead of "directing." If you see a student acting out the scene for their peers (giving line readings), intervene and ask:
"Can you ask your actor a question that would lead them to that same emotional place?"
Grouping Strategy
Group students by confidence level. Mix "born leaders" with quieter students to ensure every group has a facilitator, but watch for dominant personalities taking over during others' directing time.
Set a timer. No overages.
Active monitoring is key.
Discussion Starters
Q
"How does your blocking change if we change the setting from a park bench to a hospital waiting room?"
Q
"If your two actors are too close together, what does that communicate to the audience? What if they are on opposite sides of the stage?"
