D Is For...Directing

The fourth post for the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge, D Is For... Directing:

I recently accepted a job working for a term at a local college of further education on their BTEC Performing Arts course and will be directing two shows. I have directed bits and pieces in the past: Caryl Churchill's Far Away whilst at university, a piece that I wrote called Four Doors Down during the Bike Shed Festival, a version of Harold Pinter's The Dumb Waiter with the second year students at this very college and I have assisted other people with several productions over the years.

The second year class will be devising their own theatre piece, while the first year class will be performing a play text.

This is the first time that I have had to choose a play for others to perform in this manner. It wasn't a blank slate, it never is, but having to choose a play that serves a cast of sixteen, can possibly incorporate songs, but isn't a musical and is suitable for students. After reading several plays, I would get so far in to a play I liked and then face a wall of impenetrable Russian, Jacobean verse or swearing that proved unsuitable for the age group.

After much deliberation I have decided that the first years will be performing The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov.

I'll keep you posted on our progress...