Accessibility

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The Directors Craft was written in 2009 and provides informative insights into the professional world of directing for both novices and experienced directors. In a review by Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson, he states that the book is suitable for both actors and directors alike to clarify terms that are foggy in the theatre industry and gives an insight into how to present yourself in the professional world. Another review by Melissa Lee says this book is not instructional to the reader but rather is offering a practice that you can try, to see what works for you and may help solve issues you have in the rehearsal room or beforehand. The book is encouraging and straightforward providing a step by step guide through all elements of directing.

Mitchell herself in an interview with Royal Holloway Drama in 2017, states that she only wrote the book because she was pregnant and bored, unable to make any theatre or fly around Europe for shows. She states that her time as a director since writing the book has changed and she has found shortcuts and more simple ways of going about her practice although the bones of it she still uses.

Mitchell is a universally accessible practitioner as her book is available worldwide and she is still alive and speaking about the meaning of being a director in our world today. Her book is written in a clear and formulaic way that is easy to read no matter your skill set or current career position in the theatre world. Part four of her book sums up where she got her information and provides clarity that her practice is what she has found works for her and gets the best results from her team.  Overall, Katie Mitchell is a highly interesting practitioner that gives theatre makers a way of thinking and constructing their work that pays respect to the original text. She provides options and exercises that you can use if you want, and tips on how to run a room in a safe, inclusive and effective way.