Director is a jerk?
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=5583
Printed Date: 4/25/24 at 5:41pm
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Topic: Director is a jerk?
Posted By: Fauxgoddess
Subject: Director is a jerk?
Date Posted: 2/28/15 at 7:53am
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Hi guys!
I am two weeks til opening night of a very intensely emotional play, and I've enjoyed both directing and producing it, although it's gotten stressful as of late. The actors were supposed to be off the script two weeks ago, and one of them has, but the other two have just not gone with the schedule. I've let them keep their scripts in rehearsal the last two weeks, but I really feel these next two weeks (including tech week) that they should not have their scripts and I should not be throwing lines any more. I sent them an email the other night that was somewhat harsh (I think), and then sent an additional email apologizing for being so cranky. We only rehearse twice a week (for the last three months), and I won't have them back until after the weekend. I've also texted one and apologized. I really try hard not to stress and lose it right before a show, but sometimes the pressure just gets to me, and I have a meltdown. I did really good the last two shows, but lost it this time. I feel badly. When they come to their next rehearsal, do I address this with them, or just act like it never happened and continue on, hoping they will understand? I am torn because I don't want to make it appear as if I am not concerned about this issue, but still feel bad that I reacted so strongly. They have said that they didn't want to act the "full emotional strength" that they would on stage because it's just so exhausting and puts them in a bad mood. But I *still* haven't seen what I'm going to put onstage yet! I told them no excuses about emotions next week, I need to see what I am directing, which is hard, also, when they still have scripts. Was I unreasonable? How would you handle this? Thanks so much in advance. |
Replies:
Posted By: hobbyactor
Date Posted: 3/03/15 at 12:07pm
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If you already apologized once for being harsh, I don't think there is any reason to revisit the topic.
You have a right to expect that the cast is off-book before the show opens! I think you do need to discuss when they will be ready to act in 'full emotional strength'. I have been in some pretty intense shows and you've got to rehearse the emotions and how to handle them just like you rehearse anything else. Hope all goes well from here on out. |
Posted By: Majicwrench
Date Posted: 3/03/15 at 12:46pm
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Agree w above, you have got to rehearse those emotions or it will fall apart during show. IF anything, you have to rehearse the emotions MORE so it can be done on stage effectively.
Not sure what sort of tirade you are apologizing for, if you indeed were a jerk or rude, then yes, apologize and get on with it. If you were simply telling them like it is, no need to apologize. I take it these are not experienced actors?? Have you shown them how to learn lines (homework)? They need to be off-book, you are not being a jerk. Hang in there. |
Posted By: edh915
Date Posted: 3/04/15 at 3:01pm
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There is no excuse for holding off on emotions. They must, must, must start now so you can orchestrate the emotional level of the show. I mean, there have to be high spots and low spots, but you need to see what they're capable of before you can tell them "soften it a little" here and "play it to the rafters" there.
One of your problems. of course, has been your rehearsal schedule. Two days a week has not been enough to make them emotionally invested in the show. What show are you doing anyway? 'night, Mother or something similar? In any event, your actors need to "woman up". I fear you've been too nice so far. And no apology is necessary. You might say you regret some of the language you used, but they have to understand that they are failing you, the show, the theatre group, and any potential audience members you may have. I have acted in intensely emotional shows, from King Lear to Faith Healer, and believe me, if they don't know their lines, they'll never, ever get the emotions. Break a leg! Worst Case Scenario: Turn it into a Reader's Theatre Production. |
Posted By: Fauxgoddess
Date Posted: 3/05/15 at 1:32pm
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They came for rehearsal Monday, I just asked them if they were ready to work, and we got to work. Very little discussion of the email other than one sent an email saying they really needed to get crackin and they understood my frustration with it all.
I am happy to report that things are looking up. The lead was very sick for two rehearsals and she is now much better. We have thrown in two extra rehearsals this week, which they needed. Luckily, they are *all* pretty quick learners on lines, and they had OBVIOUSLY been studying the script intensely since I saw them last, because their grasp of the lines was much, much better. Yes, I have been too nice. I am working on learning more effective techniques for motivation and diplomacy, and also working on my communication skills. We have done six plays before this usually on the same rehearsal schedule: four to five months of once a week, and one month of 2 x per week. That's a total of six months. We do this for people that work, people with children, etc. so they can enjoy theater, too. It's always worked out fairly well. This one was three months and one month 2 x per week. I am happy to say it looks like this production will get off the ground and on to opening night! I am very relieved and want to thank you guys for all the helpful advice and support! IT REALLY DOES help to have other people to turn to for advice or suggestions. Thank you sooooo much! 
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