Inside the Rehearsal Room: Process, Collaboration and Decision-Making

Inside the Rehearsal Room is a 2023 STR Theatre Book Prize nominee that explores text-based theatre-making through an instructional and conceptual lens. It examines the rehearsal process, considering the inter-connectivity between actors, directors, designers, and backstage teams. It includes auto-ethnographic and fully ethno-graphic case study approaches, interviews with professionals, and practical exercises to creatively read a text from an acting and directing perspective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shortlisted for the STR Theatre Book Prize 2023, Inside the Rehearsal Room is a comprehensive exploration of text-based theatre-making. Serving as both an instructional guide and a conceptual framework, this book delves into the intricate process of rehearsal, examining the interconnectedness between actors, directors, designers, and backstage teams. It explores how the cumulative impact of weeks in rehearsal shapes the final production, highlighting the significance of collaboration and communication.

The text incorporates diverse approaches, including auto-ethnographic and fully ethno-graphic case study methods, which provide insights into different rehearsal rooms. Interviews with renowned directors, actors, designers, and actor trainers offer valuable perspectives, shedding light on the creative processes and challenges encountered during rehearsals. Additionally, the book addresses the ethical considerations within the rehearsal room and the selection of material for production.

Drawing from over 20 years of directing experience in the UK and Europe, Robert Marsden offers practical guidance and insights into the rehearsal process. He challenges traditional approaches and advocates for a more dynamic and inclusive approach to the rehearsal room in the twenty-first century. Inside the Rehearsal Room is a valuable resource for actors, directors, designers, and anyone interested in the art of theatre-making.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 234 x 157 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350103665