In Charge of the Roller Coaster: A Guide to Directing Plays and Other Media provides students with a collection of stories and anecdotes that promote insight into the myriad opportunities, challenges, and discoveries related to the art of directing.

Over the course of 10 chapters, students learn how to use space, rhythms, movement, shapes, mass, and color to create action, meaning, and atmosphere. They grow to understand the importance of inventiveness and problem solving within the theatre. The text covers how to foster collaboration with actors, designers, writers, musicians, producers, and other creative partners. Dedicated chapters explore script analysis, managing unexpected scenarios, the creation of panic and suspense, rehearsal techniques, thoughts on updating classics, and more. Throughout, imagined scenarios and questions help readers discover problems and find innovative solutions. The revised first edition includes new and updated citations for sourced material.

Employing a unique storytelling perspective and designed to help readers experience a tapestry of what is involved in directing plays and other media, In Charge of the Roller Coaster is well suited for courses in directing.
David J. Magidson is a professor of theatre at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he teaches courses in directing and playwriting. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Utah and has directed 100 plays for many different theatre companies, including the Jewish Ensemble, an Actors' Equity Association theatre at which he served as the artistic director for five years. Dr. Magidson has also served as the director of Wayne State University's Center for Arts and Public Policy and artistic director of the Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival for 10 years.