Explores the theory and practice of directing plays, with particular emphasis on textual interpretation. The author looks at the complex process of choosing a play, the working partnership of director, playwright, and designer, the delicate matter of casting a play, the rehearsal process, and everything that needs to happen before the production is up and running. Gives full voice to current theater ideologies, including concept direction. The ultimate goal, he believes, is for directors to make artistic choices and work from an informed perspective with integrity and imagination. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.