All directors will need to direct new work at some point in their career. This book directly addresses that process, providing a practical, step-by-step guide through the task of developing and directing a new play from the first meeting with the playwright through closing night and beyond.Drawing on 20 years of experience as a director and as the current Artistic Director of LCT3, Lincoln Center Theater's home for emerging artists, Evan Cabnet combines the practical with the personal to provide an honest, useful, and entertaining look at the elusive art of directing a new play.Combining practical advice and personal experience - successful and otherwise - Cabnet demystifies the art of directing new work, from the largest creative questions of tone and style to the most granular logistical questions of planning a rehearsal. This comprehensive look at every step of the process begins from developing the first draft through closing night including collaborating with the writer; staffing your creative team; finding a producer or institution to commit to the project; workshopping; casting; rehearsing; teching; previewing; opening, and closing the play. This frank, supportive, and entertaining text is an indispensable resource for theater directors looking to begin a career in new play development, or to sustain one.