Advice for a new director

[fabala4077]

Posted: 1/25/08 at 12:39am

So, rehearsals for my first original play begin tomorrow! I'm excited, but at the same time...

Does anyone have any good tips or strategies for working with actors? This is an all-student production; how should I work best to help the students improve? Any good warm up games? I'm open to anything.

Thanks!

[AngActing]

Posted: 1/25/08 at 3:50pm

Yes, my advice at having done both . . .acting and directing.

* Be confident in yourself. You are the director and what you say goes.

* When offering criticism, always, always start with what the actor did right and then go to the part that needs changed.

"Angela, great idea to try that, I applaud your instinct. It didn't work for me, so, how about trying it this way."

* You can also start with a compliment on the parts that did work.

* After you work a scene. Ask actor's if they have any ideas about their character.

* Don't scream, yell or put down anyone.

* Don't throw things or punches! (had directors who have done that)

* Always remain calm.

* Do expect actors to be on time for rehearsal or call time.

* Do not be afraid or timid when they try to break the rules. Be firm, assertive. Try to come to a compromise which doesn't affect/effect the production and ask the actor about their own self-respect and integrity.

--If you have the power and you get an actor who just doesn't care about his fellow actors and doesn't care about the quality of the production; perhaps, you can give them a smaller role and move up another more dedicated actor or tell them [the disrespectful actor] to leave the production?

If you don't have a choice . . . as is often the case in school. Try to get any bad seeds to consider their own reputation (integrity) and the feelings of others who depend on them to do their scenes.

If you can't move them or get rid of them . . . then work around them.

Finally, I hope you have a very dedicated group of actors and you all have fun with the experience of working together.

* Once the show "opens", as Director, no more critiques -- just enjoy the show and accentuate the great things of the performance(s). Once a show opens it belongs to the Stage Manager, if you have one. The Stage Manager becomes the Director once in performance -- to keep your vision working and in tact. You can, of course, have the Stage Manager fix any problems you see.

Updated On: 1/25/08 at 03:50 PM