http://www.communitytheater.org/forum This is an XML content feed of; Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board : Directing : Last 10 Posts Copyright (c) 2006 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 15 May 2026 05:59:52 +0000 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 14:25:05 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 8.05 30 www.communitytheater.org/forum/RSS_topic_feed.asp?FID=10 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_images/CTGRlogo.gif http://www.communitytheater.org/forum http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5638&PID=29166#29166 Author: Lane Class
Subject: How to recruit cast
Posted: 4/12/19 at 2:25pm

It looks like my next directing assignment will be Good People by David Lindsey Abair and I love the script. In am really excited by the prospects it offers. Even though I am in the midwest, we experience the same issues of class dividision, success, poor choices, unemployment and racial issues as much as the East. We ask are these problems cultural with no escape or . . . .

My problem is that I am not sure of the best way to recruit women of color for one of the leading roles which is an educated successful black university teacher married to the former boyfriend of a Southie who is frequently fired, pays this months bills with next month's check and seems locked in misery.

Typically we have no diversity in those who audition. Though we have tried to remedy that, we don't really know how as our community theatre is located in a small town (6-7,000), just a few short miles from a huge metropolitan area from which some of our actors come. In all my years directing at this theatre I have had very few African-Americans audition and one I cast was wonderful and there were no issues of which I was aware, but she never auditioned again and I do not know why.

This play is so genuine and so good and so relevant. How can I find a black actress without giving offense? I desperately need to hear from others who might have been faced with this dilemma and can suggest to me how to handle it. I would love to hear from black actors. It seems unbelievable to me, that we are in 2019 and are still grappling with race issues in the arts.

Good People]]> Fri, 12 Apr 2019 14:25:05 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5638&PID=29166#29166 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29027#29027 Author: Fauxgoddess
Subject: Director is a jerk?
Posted: 3/05/15 at 1:32pm

They came for rehearsal Monday, I just asked them if they were ready to work, and we got to work. Very little discussion of the email other than one sent an email saying they really needed to get crackin and they understood my frustration with it all.

I am happy to report that things are looking up. The lead was very sick for two rehearsals and she is now much better. We have thrown in two extra rehearsals this week, which they needed. Luckily, they are *all* pretty quick learners on lines, and they had OBVIOUSLY been studying the script intensely since I saw them last, because their grasp of the lines was much, much better.

Yes, I have been too nice. I am working on learning more effective techniques for motivation and diplomacy, and also working on my communication skills.

We have done six plays before this usually on the same rehearsal schedule: four to five months of once a week, and one month of 2 x per week. That's a total of six months. We do this for people that work, people with children, etc. so they can enjoy theater, too. It's always worked out fairly well. This one was three months and one month 2 x per week.

I am happy to say it looks like this production will get off the ground and on to opening night! I am very relieved and want to thank you guys for all the helpful advice and support! IT REALLY DOES help to have other people to turn to for advice or suggestions.

Thank you sooooo much!

Edited by Fauxgoddess - 3/05/15 at 1:36pm]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2015 13:32:58 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29027#29027 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29026#29026 Author: edh915
Subject: Director is a jerk?
Posted: 3/04/15 at 3:01pm

There is no excuse for holding off on emotions. They must, must, must start now so you can orchestrate the emotional level of the show. I mean, there have to be high spots and low spots, but you need to see what they're capable of before you can tell them "soften it a little" here and "play it to the rafters" there.

One of your problems. of course, has been your rehearsal schedule. Two days a week has not been enough to make them emotionally invested in the show.

What show are you doing anyway? 'night, Mother or something similar?

In any event, your actors need to "woman up". I fear you've been too nice so far.

And no apology is necessary. You might say you regret some of the language you used, but they have to understand that they are failing you, the show, the theatre group, and any potential audience members you may have.

I have acted in intensely emotional shows, from King Lear to Faith Healer, and believe me, if they don't know their lines, they'll never, ever get the emotions.

Break a leg!

Worst Case Scenario: Turn it into a Reader's Theatre Production.

Edited by edh915 - 3/04/15 at 6:57pm]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2015 15:01:16 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29026#29026 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29025#29025 Author: Majicwrench
Subject: Director is a jerk?
Posted: 3/03/15 at 12:46pm

Agree w above, you have got to rehearse those emotions or it will fall apart during show. IF anything, you have to rehearse the emotions MORE so it can be done on stage effectively.
Not sure what sort of tirade you are apologizing for, if you indeed were a jerk or rude, then yes, apologize and get on with it. If you were simply telling them like it is, no need to apologize.
I take it these are not experienced actors?? Have you shown them how to learn lines (homework)? They need to be off-book, you are not being a jerk. Hang in there.]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:46:24 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29025#29025 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29024#29024 Author: hobbyactor
Subject: Director is a jerk?
Posted: 3/03/15 at 12:07pm

If you already apologized once for being harsh, I don't think there is any reason to revisit the topic.

You have a right to expect that the cast is off-book before the show opens! I think you do need to discuss when they will be ready to act in 'full emotional strength'. I have been in some pretty intense shows and you've got to rehearse the emotions and how to handle them just like you rehearse anything else.

Hope all goes well from here on out.]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:07:49 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29024#29024 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29022#29022 Author: Fauxgoddess
Subject: Director is a jerk?
Posted: 2/28/15 at 7:53am

Hi guys!

I am two weeks til opening night of a very intensely emotional play, and I've enjoyed both directing and producing it, although it's gotten stressful as of late.

The actors were supposed to be off the script two weeks ago, and one of them has, but the other two have just not gone with the schedule. I've let them keep their scripts in rehearsal the last two weeks, but I really feel these next two weeks (including tech week) that they should not have their scripts and I should not be throwing lines any more.

I sent them an email the other night that was somewhat harsh (I think), and then sent an additional email apologizing for being so cranky. We only rehearse twice a week (for the last three months), and I won't have them back until after the weekend. I've also texted one and apologized.

I really try hard not to stress and lose it right before a show, but sometimes the pressure just gets to me, and I have a meltdown. I did really good the last two shows, but lost it this time. I feel badly.

When they come to their next rehearsal, do I address this with them, or just act like it never happened and continue on, hoping they will understand? I am torn because I don't want to make it appear as if I am not concerned about this issue, but still feel bad that I reacted so strongly.

They have said that they didn't want to act the "full emotional strength" that they would on stage because it's just so exhausting and puts them in a bad mood. But I *still* haven't seen what I'm going to put onstage yet! I told them no excuses about emotions next week, I need to see what I am directing, which is hard, also, when they still have scripts. Was I unreasonable? How would you handle this?

Thanks so much in advance.

Edited by Fauxgoddess - 2/28/15 at 8:02am]]> Sat, 28 Feb 2015 07:53:31 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5583&PID=29022#29022 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5577&PID=29010#29010 Author: edh915
Subject: Power/Projection
Posted: 1/14/15 at 7:52pm

I love Amos's idea. It's so simple, it's brilliant. - You might have everyone do it as a cast exercise. That way you're not singling out any particular actors.

Edited by edh915 - 1/14/15 at 7:53pm]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:52:58 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5577&PID=29010#29010 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5577&PID=29006#29006 Author: Amos Hart
Subject: Power/Projection
Posted: 1/14/15 at 1:33am

If there's a problem, what I do is take two people in a scene who are too quiet, put one onstage and one at the back of the house & say, "Now talk to each other." Because that's how far away their voices have to reach.]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2015 01:33:46 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5577&PID=29006#29006 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5577&PID=29004#29004 Author: Majicwrench
Subject: Power/Projection
Posted: 1/08/15 at 4:46pm

Just starting another show (Macbeth). Have some new people involved, looking for advice on getting them to project better. What are your favorite methods, your best motivators to get them where they need to be?]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2015 16:46:36 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5577&PID=29004#29004 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5563&PID=28943#28943 Author: directorjm
Subject: Alternate Audition Times
Posted: 7/09/14 at 7:32pm

Yes, I will provide a special audition date/time for anyone. I have a very strong preference that it be before regular auditions or at least before callbacks. One group I work with often auditions musicals with singing on Monday and cold reads on Tuesday with callbacks on Wednesday. Being unavailable for callbacks is a real problem for me. I rely heavily on being able to see actors for the same role side by side. That said, sometimes an actor is head and shoulders above the rest. If the actor needs to miss Monday or Tuesday I will suggest staying late on the other day to do what they missed or do it over the weekend before.]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2014 19:32:49 +0000 http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5563&PID=28943#28943