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Frank Hauser
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Russell Reich
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Notes on Directing: 130 Lessons in Leadership from the Director's Chair (Performance Books) Paperback – September 15, 2008

by Frank Hauser (Author), Russell Reich (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 184 ratings
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There is a newer edition of this item:

Notes on Directing: 130 Lessons in Leadership from the Director's Chair
Notes on Directing: 130 Lessons in Leadership from the Director's Chair
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Five years ago, Frank Hauser, then a retired freelance director, and writer Russell Reich, his former student, self-published Notes on Directing in hardcover. It was immediately acclaimed as "a gem-witty and full of insight;" "so sensible, so complete, and so right;" and "amazingly illuminating" by the likes of Judi Dench, Edward Albee, and Terry Teachout. Gathered over Hauser's long career, and polished to a sharp edge by Reich, the 130 "Notes" address a wide range of topics, from "understanding the script" and "defining the director's role" to casting, how to handle a first read-through of a script, rules for rehearsal, how to talk to actors, how to get a laugh, and the key elements of staging. Filled with enduring good advice expressed in assertive, no-nonsense language, and supported with explanatory commentary, insightful quotes and examples, and five valuable appendices, this deceptively slim book has the impact of a privileged apprenticeship to a great master, providing deep insight into the hidden process of creating a live, shared experience. It can be appreciated by everyone from the student aspiring to a directing career to the professional looking for new ideas to the theater-lover wanting insight into the creative process. Indeed, Notes on Directing offers life lessons to all who read it.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    160 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Bloomsbury USA
  4. Publication date
    September 15, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    5.11 x 0.53 x 7.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    080271708X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0802717085
  8. See all details
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About the Author

Frank Hauser, now deceased, formed the Meadow Players at Oxford University in 1956 and served as Director of Productions at the Oxford Playhouse for seventeen years, during which many of his productions were seen in London and New York. In 1968 he received the award of Commander of the British Empire (C.B.E.), one of the most prestigious honors granted by the Queen. Russell Reich is a creative director and lives in New York. He served as Visiting Artist in Residence at Harvard University, Artistic Associate at the Circle Repertory Company in New York, and was a member of the Circle Rep Director's Lab.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloomsbury USA; Reprint edition (September 15, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080271708X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802717085
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.11 x 0.53 x 7.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 184 ratings

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  1. Frank Hauser

    Frank Hauser

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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  2. Russell Reich

    Russell Reich

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    Russell Reich is the co-author and publisher of all the books in the acclaimed Notes On series. These short books capture the essential, enduring wisdom found in a number of specialty fields.

    His first book, "Notes on Directing," was a triple award-winner endorsed by Sir Tom Stoppard, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Richard Eyre, and Edward Albee. It has been recognized by The Harvard Business Review as one of the best books on leadership and translated into Italian, Korean, Farsi. Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese. Reich's next books, "Notes on Cooking" and "Notes on Teaching," have been similarly acclaimed and recommended by the leading practitioners in their respective fields, from Jacques Pepin and Daniel Boulud to Wendy Kopp and Geoffrey Canada.

    He is also the co-author with Rabbi Adam Jacobs of "128 Reflections," a unique distillation of ancient Jewish wisdom on how to live a happy, successful life. His next book will be graphic non-fiction, exploring ways our residential spaces influence our lives, identity, and well-being.

    Outside of writing and publishing, Russell is currently the Chief Creative Officer at ADM Productions, a leading events and brand experience agency. There, his work often lies at the intersection of technology, design and storytelling.

    He lives just outside of New York City with his two sons.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
184 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

M. Yablonovich
5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem -- And Not Just for Theater
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2022
Verified Purchase
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.)
One person found this helpful
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John Bliss
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational Yet Direct
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2015
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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.
5 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read.
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2017
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As an actor it does provide you with insights into a director's art and by doing so it increases your perspective and adds to your knowledge of the stage and its various elements. I recommend it highly.
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E.Greene
5.0 out of 5 stars Short, sweet and wise like a Strunk and White for directing.
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2015
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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.
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Robert Prince
5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, easy to read and helpful for novice and experienced directors
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2014
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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.
5 people found this helpful
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Krista HRK
3.0 out of 5 stars It's Alright
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2014
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I was expecting a more conversational "how to" book. This book was a collection of short statements (ie. notes!... duh!) about directing. Some of the ideas are specific to directing, others are just common sense (i.e. "don't try to please everybody"). But overall it's an easy read and a quick read.
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Angela Marinella
5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read for anyone directing/managing people
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2019
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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+
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Desi'sGirl
2.0 out of 5 stars Hardly scratches the surface of the art on directing.
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2014
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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.
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure
Reviewed in Canada on September 18, 2017
Verified Purchase
A great handbook for any director, new or seasoned, to carry along to rehearsals at all times. Should be read often to remind one of the little things that might have become so familiar that it could become easy to forget to pass them along. A real treasure.
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Effie
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enlightening!
Reviewed in Germany on April 6, 2019
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Very hands down on directing! If you're looking for a practical guide on how to direct I strongly recommend it!
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Alok
5.0 out of 5 stars Too much knowledge
Reviewed in India on July 10, 2018
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Best book for any aspiring director and filmmaker...Just grab a copy...! You will never regret...!
One person found this helpful
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AVB
5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting selection of thoughts
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2016
Verified Purchase
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
2 people found this helpful
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Bogdan
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read and very insightful
Reviewed in Germany on April 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
Clear and to the point. The book contains excellent distilled knowledge and tips for directing plays. Had i read it sooner, i would have avoided some novice mistakes. Still, I'm happy to have it now.
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