Frank Hauser and Russell Reich's Notes on Directing comes close to a how-to manual. Hauser (director of the Oxford Playhouse for 16 years) and Reich (artistic associate at New York City's Circle Repertory Company) serve up helpful tips on how directors can help their actors better get into character, internalize a script, perform their roles efficiently (without micromanaging), and a great deal more. Chapters include "Understanding the Script," "The Director's Role," "Casting," "First Read Through," "Rehearsal Rules," "Building Blocks," "Talking to Actors," "Getting a Laugh," and "Elements of Staging." Equally useful for directors and actors--experienced or beginning--this 115-page book includes four appendices, an original acting exercise, recommended reading list, and full index.