I’m Losing My Mind
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1326
Printed Date: 6/28/25 at 12:39am
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Topic: I’m Losing My Mind
Posted By: Pheonixfyre
Subject: I’m Losing My Mind
Date Posted: 3/25/05 at 4:11pm
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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. ------------- I think I'll try Defying Gravity 
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Replies:
Posted By: clelia
Date Posted: 3/25/05 at 9:56pm
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Rather than stay at your wit's end which will only frustrate both of you , have a private sit down ASAP with the actor and ask him to identify the areas he feels most concerned about and how you can best help him. THen be specific about what he needs to do. If he has trouble with the blocking, sit him down as much as possible. Focus on the key moments in his scenes. Be supportive and calm and professional. He isn't screwing up on purpose. And the "know everything" stance is just a defense because he is probably frightened of looking bad.
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Posted By: countbio
Date Posted: 3/28/05 at 10:21am
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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 |
Posted By: Theatre13
Date Posted: 4/01/05 at 12:47pm
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It is never to late to replace someone. You would be amazed what someone can do at the last minute. I admit it is scary cut it can be done and your cast will put in the extra work to help out since it will relieve their stress. ------------- Jeff Freelance Director/Designer/Dialect Coach |
Posted By: Pheonixfyre
Date Posted: 4/07/05 at 12:29am
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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 ------------- I think I'll try Defying Gravity
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Posted By: Dustmac
Date Posted: 5/29/05 at 10:18pm
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What you are going through is the second hardest decision you have to make as Director. The first is the initial casting and the second is making changes/getting on the cast you choose. You have to sit him down and explain why he has to learn his lines and if you don't light a fire in him, replace him. |