Imagine taking 12 pages of hand-written [sic] notes from well-known director Frank Hauser and turning them into a book on directing. That is precisely what Reich has done with Notes on Directing. Although those in need of a classic work on script analysis, blocking, and composition should read Harold Clurman's On Directing, anyone looking for wise "common folk" knowledge that the directing textbooks do not include will want to pick up this work, which is the most sensible and practical work on directing on the bookshelf, with the possible exception of Jon Jory's Tips: Ideas for Directors. Including chapters with titles such as "Understanding the Script," "The Director's Role," and "Casting," the book covers 130 little topics and sheds light on ideas not discussed elsewhere. One cannot help but ask, "Why didn't I think of that?" or "Where was this book when I started by career?" The book has such wonderful insights it will benefit anyone interested in directing or play going in general. Summing up: Essential. All theater collections.