Pitching a show is easy! Towards the end of every semester, we will open the pitch forms for directors to submit to the Executive Board. To pitch all you need to do is to find a play: We like to use Samuel French or Dramatists Play Service to find plays. Some plays have full scripts online but if they don't you may have to pay $5 or so to view the whole script. We prefer that you read the whole play before pitching-- this helps us (and you!) get a better idea of what the logistics will be. After you've read your play, fill out the pitch form! This is just an overview of what the play is about, how many people you'll need to cast and some of the technical logistics. If you want an assistant director or a stage manager make sure to mention that on the form. If you do not put a name down for an assistant director you will not have one and if you don't put a stage manager down, one will be assigned to you. You'll then receive an email about coming to an Eboard meeting where we will read your pitch and discuss the feasibility of your play. If we find it's something that Wandering Minds can accomplish-- you're in! If more than 2 pitches are submitted we will have a voting General Meeting to decide whos play will go up the next semester. If your play doesn't get chosen-- don't fret! You can always repitch for the next semester or pitch it as a special project! 

Once you've been chosen to direct there are a few things you should prepare before the begining of auditions. First would be to get access to an online version of a script. Some scripts are already online but some you may need to purchase a paper copy and type it up. This may seem daunting but you should have time to do it during winter or summer break depending on when you pitch. Feel free to reach out for help if this is overwhelming! Having a version of the script online helps tech as well as your actors if they lose their printed copy. You can also have actor's buy their own paper copy but usually, it's easiest to print out scripts through Fed-ex or yourself. Wait until casting to print/acquire cast scripts though-- so you know how many you'll need. After you've acquired a script-- read it multiple times. If you want you can go ahead and make the preliminary prop, costume and set lists but that isn't necessary. Before auditions, you'll want to have picked sides for people to audition with. Try and have a good mix of monologues, and two-person scenes. Try not to have scenes with more than 4 people in them.

After auditions and callbacks, you'll go to a room with the other directors to discuss cast lists. Make sure to have first and second picks in case someone else wants your first choice! We try not to double cast too much here since we are all college students and all quite busy but sometimes it happens so keep your options open. 

After casting you are in charge of working with your stage manager (if you already have one) in setting up a read through and rehearsal schedule. More details on these and the rest of the audition process can be found in the director's handbook. 

FInally, as the director, you are encouraged to come to the weekly Eboard meetings. These are held the same time every week for about an hour and they are a way for everyone on Eboard to check in with how the club is doing. 

A special project is anything that isn't a mainstage show. It's something Wandering Minds can do in addition to the shows that isn't financially or physically taxing on a club. These could include: a one acts festival, a scene fest, a shadow-cast, a talent show, a monologue contest etc. The sky's the limit! Special project pitches can be pitched pretty much any time but preferably at the beginning or end of the semester is ideal so we can plan accordingly. Fill out the form below if you're interested in pitching a special project. We are open to almost anything!