Book excerpt: Every director, from the beginner to the most experienced, will find in this book invaluable information to make their direction more effective. Following a general overview of the director's role, the book focuses on how the director shapes and guides a production - from preproduction meetings to curtain calls. Veteran directors and actors in community, regional, and academic theatre offer their expertise on a range of topics, including: selecting the right play things to look for in an audition criticizing effectively basics of directing a musical staging a big show with a small cast blocking tips managing rehearsal and schedules and much more. Directors may be an unseen presence in stage productions, but their influence is everywhere to be seen - and heard. Stage Directions Guide to Directing provides welcome support to directors charged with unlocking the full potential of their productions.