Directing

Once the season is announced, the Artistic Committee, who are appointed by the membership, invite experienced directors to state there preferences for the forthcoming season. The Artistic Committee will then decide who is to direct each of the productions.

Newport Playgoers are fortunate in already having a strong team of excellent directors, but there are opportunities for first-time directors to take on small-scale productions in the Studio, gradually progressing with experience and confidence to the Main House.

Directing is not a task to be taken on lightly as it obviously involves a considerable commitment of time, effort and emotion for several months. Directors must not only have the artistic vision for the production but must also have the ability to manage people well and be able to express their ideas in such a way that the designer, actors and technical crew are able to put these ideas into practice.

In a large-scale production or musical, the director may require further assistance from experts that specialise in Musical Theatre/ Choreography/ Dialect coaches/ Fight Instructors who would take responsibility for particular aspects of the production.

Production Assistants

The Production Assistant has the important role of liaising with technical crew, wardrobe and so on. P.A.s are the link throughout the rehearsal period and the run of the play, all members involved in a production - the director, cast, they are attending all rehearsals, Technical and Dress this reason it is often a good introduction to the theatre for new the chance to get to know people from the beginning, actors keeping a list of everyone involved, marking moves on the prompt script, noting down quick changes and props. The PA is often more involved in a production than anyone else as Rehearsals, right through to the last night performance. For members, working with an experienced director, giving them as well as technicians.