So yeah, I'll be directing a production of John Shanahan's 'Dinner For Several' this summer and it's my first time with a full show like this.

Quick question...for now....

When I get my cast and we do our first read through, should we go straight to blocking or are theatre game/excersise's encouraged to get everyone comfortable with each other? If so, what games have you found helpfull? The cast is twenty-somethings and one 50-60 year old.

Ya know, I was thinking about it today and we never do any stretches or warm-ups before rehearsal in class. We all pretty much know each other, but the 4 or 5 of us that go to Burger King after class are a lot closer than the others.

I want to be sure everyone is pretty close and chummy because there are four really intense smooches in the show that I want to look spectacular and strangers kissing usually doesn't look too good.

I'm sorry if I have too many comments.

Do you mean at the same rehearsal as the read thru, you begin right away on your feet with blocking?  I don't think you meant that, but I'm not sure.  However, if you were thinking of having an on-your-feet read thru, I would advise against it.

Personally, I like to have the first night as a read thru, and have it open to the designers and crew, too.  Everyone can hear your 30-second "vision," and introductions are made all around.  The set designer can also give a brief overview of the space you'll be playing in.  And you all get contact sheets and schedule info.  Plus, even if someone is memorized already, there is a lot of new material in hearing the script aloud for the first time in the actors' voices.

I also really like to have a night or two thereafter for book work.  This is not an opinion everyone shares.  For me, bookwork is not 'finding the beats,' and other academic type approaches.  It's getting everyone into the same place about themes, as well as background information that is relevant.  If there are references to literature, history, whatever - get everyone up to speed on the basics of the words, setting, character.  It depends on the show how many nights to spend, whether the whole show is done at once or broken up, or if the whole cast or just some main characters are present.

Then, on a whole new third or fourth night, it's up on your feet for blocking. 

I am also a big believer in warms ups, espeicially vocal warmups, and basic stretching.  When I am close to a show, I can tell by what I see on stage whether they warmed up or not.  I can tell which local actors did warm ups even if I'm in the audience.  Warm-ups are not always popular, but I can see the pay off, so I don't know why some actors resist.  Chris is absolutely right that theatre games are usually loathsome to those involved, and I would use them as with great discretion, if at all.

Chris is also spot-on about the benefits of out of theatre socializing, especially if some folks are friends and some are newbies.  I've seen casts get quite a bit better after a planned 'Thursday we're having a drink after rehearsal' or two.  Sometimes, I think that cast parties are the most beneficial input into mounting a successful show; too bad they usually don't start up until after at least one paying audience has seen the show.

Good luck with your first time in the director's chair. 

No, I wasn't thinking about blocking the first night...you have given me some really valuable info. I haven't done a "real" show since high school some 8 years ago. I'm in a show right now, but I DO NOT want to model my behavior after anything my director does.

I'll be sure to cut the games

I do my own warm-ups with a few people in the show i'm in now, but we ALWAYS did them when I was in high school. I'm at a loss that the director doesn't require it. It's a farce too and we have a few trip and falls and a guy runs...they NEED to be warming up.

I do plan to have outings for the cast. I've become really good friends with some of the people in my last acting class at college and it all started cause a few of us would stay after and help each other run lines for our scene work. Eventually we just made it to Burger King.

Be careful with your "outings" (social gatherings after rehearsal). Some people are not naturally comfortable doing that, others must go home to their families. Be sure that those people are not distanced from the others because of this. Perhaps try a short "social" before some rehearsals............coffee, soda, light snacks...........which can be left out during rehearsal.  perhaps each cast/crew member could contribute for each rehearsal when you do this.

This might help those who cannot attend your "outings." feel more part of the group.