Five years ago, Frank Hauser, then a retired freelance director, and writer Russell Reich, his former student, selfpublished Notes on Directing in hardcover It was immediately acclaimed as a gemwitty 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 Hausers 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 directors role to casting, how to handle a first readthrough 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, nononsense 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 theaterlover wanting insight into the creative process Indeed, Notes on Directing offers life lessons to all who read it