A Different Direction

7 Possibilities for Saving the (Barely) Living Theatre

In a world of mass media, where movies are avail­able in your hands and indi­vid­u­als can program their own video and audio playlists, is there really a place for the commu­nal expe­ri­ence of live theatre? John Ahart writes A Different Direction from the refresh­ingly rare place of both skep­ti­cism and hope. He suggests major reno­va­tions to the very insti­tu­tion he has called home for so many years and provides tools to both reimag­ine and rein­vent this amaz­ing living human resource.

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Reviews for A Different Direction

“A Different Direction captures some of what made John Ahart such a great teacher — his influ­ence remains with me to this day. Written in his unmis­tak­able voice, backed by his many years of expe­ri­ence, this book will hope­fully inspire a whole new gener­a­tion to nurture the precious essence of theatre: that unique moment of commu­nity between a partic­u­lar group of actors and spec­ta­tors at a partic­u­lar time—never repeated but, with John’s mix of prac­ti­cal advice and passion, perhaps endlessly renewed.” — Ang Lee, Oscar-winning film director

“Ahart is really getting at the essence of what makes the shared expe­ri­ence between performer and audi­ence compelling and only possi­ble when both are in the same room at the same time. A book every direc­tor should make his bible.” — Larry Wilker, Tony Award-winning producer

“It seems we need to be reminded again and again what is most impor­tant in theatre. I turn to John Ahart for my inspi­ra­tion in this. Now read­ers of this book can do the same.” — Myrna Selkirk, Director and Associate Professor, McGill University

“This compelling work is inspir­ing to theatre profes­sion­als, theatre teach­ers, and to all who love the American theatre!” — Carolyn Anderson, Director and Professor, Skidmore College