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drose
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bullet Topic: lack of direction
    Posted: 5/01/08 at 12:38pm
Have a production coming up that has been in the works for several months.  The director of the show has given the cast ZERO direction.  The show was organically blocked and then the director said, (and I quote), "Well, my job is done".  The actors are fair upset about it and have asked for guidence, but are told they are doing fine.  (And I agree, they are fine.  But they are not good, or great...and they could be!)  I have been asked by the actors to help them (unoffically) and I will, but the reality is that I cannot do much for them except help them clean up their physical presentation - I can't reblock or redirect their characterization - that's between them and the director (who also happens to be in the show and is only concerned with his performance).  It makes me sad, but I don't really know what else I can do.  I have spoken with the director, but he seems to turn a deaf ear..."they're doing fine."  I don't know that there is any solution other than time...the show will eventually end.  I guess I just wanted to vent a little to someone, since my normal sounding boards are all in the show and I'm trying to keep them upbeat!Ouch
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pdavis69
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bullet Posted: 5/01/08 at 1:03pm
Are you the artistic director of the theatre?  Why is it the cast is asking you for help?
Patrick L. Davis
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jayzehr
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bullet Posted: 5/01/08 at 3:26pm
Well, look on the possible bright side. Sometimes lack of direction is better than really bad direction I'm very curious about productions where the director is actually in the show. How does that work? What's the process? I attempted to do this about ten years ago and only made it through one rehearsal before I decided it was impossible.
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tristanrobin
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bullet Posted: 5/01/08 at 9:51pm
jayzehr - that was my experience as well.

I will never attempt it again.
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drose
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bullet Posted: 5/01/08 at 9:55pm
I am the executive producer for the show, as well as a locally established director and owner of another local theatre company.  I am also in the show. (And the choreographer for the pre-show presentation)  I was asked to be a special advisor to the director (by the director), but he really isn't interested in my artistic input, just my troubleshooting skills for producing.  In addition, two of the four actors in the show are active members of my theatre company and it was I who (foolishly in hindsight) encouraged them to participate in this production. 
 
It doesn't seem to work to actually be in the show that you are directing.  At least, I have yet to see it work.  the current show is totally lacking in direction (in terms of artistic vision) - it's pretty choppy.  The director is a bit of an egomaniac and seems to  only be concerned about his performance.  I have broached the subject with him, but he made it very clear that he does not need my help in that area.  I am trying hard to respect that, but when fellow actors ask for help (and I feel the same way), it's hard not to undermine the director.  I know how I would feel if my actors turned on me, but...none of us want a mediocre show.
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JoeMc
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bullet Posted: 5/02/08 at 12:54am
It's not in my piff to be a Congoozler, in fact I have learnt to sing mute loudly these days, on a lot of productions.
However may I suggest in your situation, you hold a 'Talking Stick' moot, with the whole cast.
I have found these moots, engineered well, have a lot of value in resolving situations.
One of two things can happen in that, the director either will spit the dummy [a repcement may be needed?] &/or accept the outcome.
But more importantly it always brings out the desired result, of the cast being empowered as a stake holder & taking responsibility to own the production.
Depending on your in house politics, you could facilitate the moot or find a strong moderator to control the procedure.
I agree for a director to Direct from the stage, is something I have yet to see happen successfully! 
Anyhow Drose it's great to hear from you again.LOL
 
[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}
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drose
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bullet Posted: 5/02/08 at 4:04am

Thanks!  Life's been crazy/busy.  It's good to catch up with all of you again.  A lots been going on in my abscence...could take me a few days to get up to snuff. But on topic,  I'm afraid that however good your advice is, with only a week left until opening, I may just have to vent a little here, suck it up, and hope for the best.  I hesitate to open up a can a worms at this late of a date.  It has been a brutal experience, but as always, a good learning tool.  "What not to do" lessons are as important as their reverse.  (I think.  Maybe?)

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pdavis69
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bullet Posted: 5/02/08 at 8:50am
I would have to say as Exec. Producer on the show, not only do you have a right to step in with changes and additional direction, that's your duty.  If a director isn't doing their job the producer needs to step in to help the director make the needed changes or if he is resistant, replace him.
 
It's not a situation I would want to be in so I hope things work out for you.
Patrick L. Davis
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biggertigger
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bullet Posted: 5/03/08 at 8:54am
I have to agree with Patrick, you are the Executive Produce and are in charge of the total package.  You are also the mediator between the show and the board.  If you feel you that your speaking up will be an issue go to the board and have a meeting on how to handle this situation.  Then approach the director with your concerns and ultimately how you are going to handle this.
 
On a side note, having directed shows that I have had a part in is difficult, but that is why you really need a strong Assistant Director that shares the same view as you.  But, yes, it can be difficult when you can't truely observe the whole picture.
The two greatest days in a theater persons life, the day you start a new show and the day the damn thing closes.
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drose
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bullet Posted: 5/03/08 at 12:11pm
I would agree that something needed to be done, and I believe that I dropped the ball by waiting and hoping that things would work out.  I avoided addressing the situation because I was trying to just be an actor.  Also, the director is the president of the company (he has no board, and he doesn't want to go for non-profit status--good luck with thatConfused)  I signed on as exec. producer at his request because of my theater ties/experience in the community (I started my company 2 1/2 years ago and we are doing well)  He didn't want to have to reinvent the wheel to get his project up and going.  But he is essentially retaining complete artistic control because I would have to bring all issues to him, and he isn't interested in recognizing them as issues.  It's kinda crazy and more than a little frustrating.  And now, of course it's too late.  We open Wednesday.  Maybe we can make progress when we postmortem the show, but my lesson is learned.  I will not make this mistake again.  Nor will I work with this director again - his learning curve is a little too painful for me.
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