okay i'm new to the forum thing...but i seriously need some help....at my theatre i am directing The Diary of Anne Frank.  A little deep i know, but we're already selling out.  I am having a problem with my Otto Frank.  We started out rehearsals really well, but now it seems like he has stopped trying...I'm constantly having to cue him the same lines and give him his blocking for every scene, every night.  I'm going crazy..I've tried talking to him but he's one of those older men who think that they know more than everyone else.  It's too late to replace him and I am at my wits end.  If anyone could give me any suggestions on how to handle this situation I would greatly appreciate it.

May I add to Clelia's excellent advice: bring your stage manager  or asst. dir. with you to the meeting. You and the SM  should be a team and very supportive (the good of the show type stuff). Avoid any inflamatory or confrontational phrases. Lots of:  "we are concerned about_____", "you seem to need lots of help with_____".  I have found that having another production team member in the room keeps it calm, focused and professional while avoiding the personal and making a strong point at the same time.

Good luck,

Countbio 

Thanks for the help guys, we did talk, and i involved our executive director in the discussion....apparently all he needed was time.  He is doing great now.  We open next week YAY, cross your fingers for me...i hope it goes over well with the public