Negative attitude is an understatement
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Directing
Forum Discription: For questions about handling shows, actors, crew, board members, children ...or do we repeat ourselves?
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3861
Printed Date: 5/19/24 at 2:23pm
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Topic: Negative attitude is an understatement
Posted By: chelserin
Subject: Negative attitude is an understatement
Date Posted: 3/02/09 at 7:43pm
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We are a small cc in a town of 7,000. It is very much a everybody pitches in type theatre where actors help with set building and you bring your own makeup. But, if I may say, we put on some pretty terrific shows. So, on with my problem. This may be a long one.
The show currently in production is my first directing experience and everything went very smoothly and we now have a great show. Or so I thought.
There is one member of the cast who had just moved to the area from a major US city, where she did theatre. She's made little comments throughout the rehearsal process about how we did things differently, like not supplying makeup and nylons for the actors, and how short our rehearsal period is (5 weeks). But all in all I thought she had been enjoying her experience. Until yesterday.
I recieved an extremely nasty email from her, saying she would never work in our theatre again, and we didn't appreciate her talent and how she even did us a favor by accepting her role. She then went on to say that the note I had given her was not appreciated (I had asked to her to say a line a little louder) and I was being to picky. Needless to say I was taken aback. I then found out that at the show the day before she had been 'venting' these feelings to other cast members, which upset them and caused them to flub a couple lines on stage. Now she can say what she wants about me or the theatre, but I do not want her to spead her negativity around the rest of the cast and make them feel uncomfortable for this last weekend of shows coming up.
I replied to her yesterday, being very diplomatic, and have not gotten a response back. And now am dreading calling her to make sure she is still going through with the final shows and to make sure she isn't harrassing the other cast members and making the last run of shows intolerable for everyone. Part of me wants to say, just don't show up, I'll play the role, but I know that probably isn't the most practical response.
I guess I don't really have a question in here, just needed to get this off my chest and see what others have done in similar solutions. This just completely surprised me. And I guess especially since she has so much experience I was expecting someone who knew how to take directions and notes without taking it personally, and who knew what it took to get a production up and running. But I guess in her other theatre they just did everything for her and told her for fabulous she was. Which, by the way, I do tell the cast every night what a great job they are doing and how much I enjoy the characters they've created, but she has decided not to join the cast for pre-show meetings, so I guess she hasn't heard me say those things. ------------- To be in the world, and of the world, and never to stand aside and watch. |
Replies:
Posted By: Mike Polo
Date Posted: 3/02/09 at 8:42pm
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My sympathies... been there, done that, have the scars.
I've never booted a malcontent from a cast but Lord knows I've come damn close. Best of luck. ------------- Mike Polo Community Theater Green Room http://www.communitytheater.org http://www.twitter.com/CTGreenRoom"> 
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Posted By: imamember
Date Posted: 3/02/09 at 8:55pm
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I'm currently a malcontent with the show I'm in. I do think there are legit issues though. Our director is a first timer, but he's been in over 40 shows. Our director... Changes lines Adds lines Adds small scenes Gives line reads Gives notes as he seems them causing us to take 2 hours to get through 10 pages because of all the stopping. Doesn't block (just use your natural movement) Says if he ever directs again he only wants to work with the actors and not have to deal with anything else like how the set looks, how the lights look etc etc etc.... He doesn't want to direct, he wants to be an acting coach it seems and he sucks at that as well. I think I'm so disappointed because I thought he'd be really great due to the amount of shows he's been in and just general experience level. As to the OPs issue, it sounds like your diva's issues are especially petty although your rehearsal period does seem small...of course if she's god's gift to theatre she should be awesome enough to be ready in 5 weeks no? Make an example of her and boot her. |
Posted By: greenphoenix
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 12:41am
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So sorry for you. Yes, one bad apple can ruin it for everyone. If I were you, I would be reading the script over the week, and be prepared to maybe go on for her- JUST IN CASE. Such a person will surely not want to miss her last weekend in the spotlight (onstage and offstage). However, you may need to go on for her with book in hand if she doesn't show, or if she walks. There is really nothing you can do at this point other than to try to focus on the positives, and to keep the show on-track for the last weekend. P.S.--Five weeks is not that short a rehearsal period. It depends on the complexities of the play, but that is about standard for community theatre where I am. |
Posted By: chelserin
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 12:57am
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Thanks.. Since she hasn't replied to my messages, I AM reviewing the script. Luckily I've been over it and seen it enough times that I practically know all the lines already. Just in case.
I know the rest of the cast doesn't share her feelings and have told me so, wich helps. So, as you say, we are going to focus on the great show we have and try to end on a good note.
------------- To be in the world, and of the world, and never to stand aside and watch. |
Posted By: imamember
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 1:30am
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I'm sorry, I was thinking 5 weeks for a musical. For a straight play that sounds about right. No need to beat it into the ground. |
Posted By: greenphoenix
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 1:33am
| Good luck. You may wish to make the board of directors aware of her divisive actions (if they do not know), so that this will be taken into consideration for future casting. |
Posted By: KEB54
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 10:54am
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Ride it out and never cast her again.
------------- KEB |
Posted By: DWolfman
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 11:13am
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You have my sincerest sympathy and empathy.
Had a similar situation myself (difference is, my actor couldn't put two cohesive lines together and claimed it was all someone else's fault - but to everyone else in the show behind my back). Had to take over the part myself two weeks before opening (and went on to have a wonderful production and a happy cast).
Hope for the best and prepare for the worse.
------------- Even a man who is pure of heart... |
Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 11:19am
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Doesn't make any difference if it's in business or our hobby ... approaching and discussing problems in an email is a bad idea. I would sit down, one-on-one, and discuss the problem in a calm manner. I would apologize for the fact that she's not enjoying herself (NOT for the way things are being run), but explain how her actions have now affected the morale of the rest of the cast. I would simply ask ... "Is this something we can work through for the final week of the show to make it a positive experience for everyone else?" Her answer would determine my final decision. Good luck with this. |
Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 11:31am
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Lots of good stuff here.. I would take some of each.. I would; study. also, I would let the board and other directors know (over time.) I would (if you feel up to it) follow Scotts suggestion, but formost and regardless of the answers.. NEVER CAST HER AGAIN.. (again, IMHO) ------------- Marty W "Till next we trod the boards.." |
Posted By: Kathy S
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 7:41pm
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You wonder why these things happen... It seems that there is just a percentage of people out there that can't be happy and are very adept at finding things to criticize. My husband used to say that it's the old "80/20 rule -- 80% of the problems are caused by 20% of the people".
I think sometimes that the community theatre culture has a way of kind of leaving the door wide open for "wack jobs" to walk in. (I mean that in the kindest possible way.) It's such an inclusive group that welcomes all volunteers and so when a nutcase walks in the door we open our arms wide and welcome them just as if they were normal folks. Then you find out they aren't! But you try to make allowances for everybody's differences. Then push comes to shove and you worry that they will cause the ultimate distruction of the organization, or at least give it a bad reputation by spreading rumors about how badly they've been treated, or whatever they claim their problem is, and gossiping. Nothing you can do about it except continue to produce the best work you can, treat all people the best you can, and when the show's over DON'T HAVE ONE MORE THING TO DO WITH HER!
I guess you just have to shake the dust off your feet and keep going.
We're all with ya!
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Posted By: chelserin
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 9:18pm
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Still no word from her. I've left several messages asking to talk things over for the good of the show... our next show is thursday. Now my question is if I haven't heard from her by tonight do I assume she's a no show and rally the cast? I need one rehearsal with the cast before doing a show.
And the Board does know about this. I'm on the board and I forwarded her email to our president (who's also part of the production team) as soon as I got it.
Thanks for you support. ------------- To be in the world, and of the world, and never to stand aside and watch. |
Posted By: Lubbtheatre
Date Posted: 3/03/09 at 9:23pm
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She is a legend in her own mind. What part of community theatre does she not get? Don't let the negative attitude of one person take away from the wonderful experience that the rest of the cast has had doing this show. Treat her like everyone else and if you can replace her you might go to her and say" It seems that you are so unhappy and I don't want to make you more miserable so if you would like I can replace you for the rest of the run. If you choose to stay I will expect the same of you as everyone and if I don't get it it will not be your choice to stay"
------------- "We never make change until the hassle becomes too great" |
Posted By: janetk
Date Posted: 3/04/09 at 9:42am
| I think it seems if we all have dealt with someone like that. I agree that talking with her in person is best, but if she is not responding then you have to do what you have to do. I would make sure that your directors in your organization also know what's going on...as a word to the wise. Good luck |
Posted By: B-M-D
Date Posted: 3/06/09 at 11:26am
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Fire her ass and play the role yourself. Absolutely no one is irreplacable. It'll send a loud and clear message to not only her but to everyone in your CT world and will earn you enourmous respect. ------------- BD 
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard." |
Posted By: chelserin
Date Posted: 3/06/09 at 11:58am
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Well she showed up to the show yesterday. I decided that if I have to deal with her for 4 more days I was going to kill her with kindness. And during our before show gathering (of which she hides in the dressing room) I made sure to tell the rest of the cast, many times, how wonderful they are and talented and I appreciate them... and several of them said in return, "You're so good about praising us, but do we tell you enough how great you've been." Since she was right behind the curtain I hope she heard that..;p And as far as I know there was no venom being spread durring the show.
It would have been very satisfying to just tell her to take a hike, but probably not the best for the show or the rest of the cast. But you can bet that other directors, both at our theatre and the neighboring theatre, who we have a good relationship with, will get the heads up that this one is trouble. And if she is really that concerned about rehearsal schedules, and understudies and having to provide your own makeup she will be sad to find that all the theatres around here are very much the same in that regard.
Thanks for the advice and sympathy, it has helped a lot. ------------- To be in the world, and of the world, and never to stand aside and watch. |