For my first rehearsal I schedule a read through. We sit around the table and read the play. I make it get clear what happens when. I don't usually follow the stage directions in the script. I like to have at least a rough sketch of what the set will look like. I go over housekeeping things making sure I have all contact information correct and pass out a rehearsal schedule. etc.

This is a great site and there are lots of very knowledgable people.  Keep asking questions.

Linda

I would basically discuss the schedule with the cast. Go over things like promptness, etc. I would also discuss your vision for the play, etc. Finally (I agree with the others) I will sit down and do a read through. Request that the actors read their lines with some emotion, etc. Believe it or not a read through can set the stage for the quality of production you are going to put on. I have directed some plays where the actors struggled in the read through. That is an indicator that you are going to have to work on pronounciation etc. However, I have also seen wonderful read throughs where the actors got into the script immediately.

POB's Top Five Tips for Rookie Directors:

(off the top of my head )

1.  Let the actors act.  Let them explore their instincts.  Don't tell them what to do (and for pete's sake don't demonstrate!); consider together what works and what doesn't, and why.  Make rehearsal a safe place for the actors to experiment.

2.  At the same time, do have a vision for the play, and communicate that vision to the actors.  Is this a door-slamming farce?  Greek tragedy?  A political polemic?  Any of those could be true of the same play; it all depends on your interpretation.

3.  DO make them say the actual words that are in those little books in their hands.  If the author is any good (and why would you do the play if she isn't?), there's a reason why the lines are written as they are.  Figure out what that reason is.

4.  Get them to play ACTIONS.  Nobody can "be sad" or "be happy" convincingly, in a vacuum.  What is each character DOING at every moment?  What does he want?  How will he get it?  Help your actors to find these actions.  That's why they're called "actors".

5.  Back to #1:  Make sure EVERYBODY, from the star to the SM to the guy that pops the popcorn, knows what your vision is and is working to make it real.

Everything else is mechanics.

PS:  I start with a readthrough too, because everybody does, but rarely have I experienced one that accomplished anything substantive.  It often helps the actors get comfortable with each other, though, so that's good.

Hi Neeshia,

WOW! You wrote a musical. Good for you. What an experience you are going to have writing and directing your own show. 

POB's top five suggestions for rookie directors (plus three more for a musical) are right on the money.

In answer to your practical questions: When I direct a musical I give myself an extra month just for singing and dancing. I always do music and dance rehearsals first. I am doing a musical right now. For the last month all the cast has done is learn their music and dance. I have a very capable music director and a dynomite choreographer. I have watched and kept quiet. (Well, mostly I was quiet.) We have just started to weave music and dancing and script together. I find it easier it that way. Everyone does it slightly differently.

I keep rehearsals to 3 hours: 6:30 - 9:30. I start promptly at 6:30. At 9:30 my stage manager calls time and that is it. We stop and all go home no matter what. This works for me. Other people do it differently. Creatively I might want to keep on going, but my actors have families and jobs.

I am all for getting the set built as soon as you can, and get the actors using it. You said you have to store it. Is it going to be moved once it is built? The sooner it is built the better, especially if they are dancing.

Keep asking questions.

Linda

 

 

We had our first practice this Saturday and it went better than I thought. But they really aren't showing the emotion and expression for their character that I would like. What method should I use in getting them to understand what they should do in showing that emotion and expression? Also how should get them to move from using the script to not using and them going directly off of their knowledge of the play? Please help.