After opening night, a director's job is done and I usually just sit in the back of the auditorium and watch. I have been known to do a little pre-show energy or pep talk, saying something astounding like "I love all of you" and "don't suck", but normally I just watch.  I do like to go back stage at intermission and tell them how great they are doing, or tell them the little things that I notice (usually something that wasn't a planned part of the performance) good or bad.  Things tend to get a little too relaxed (and loose) at the end of the run. Especially with the seniors. That can be good or bad. Directing teens is a lot like being a parent.  You do you best while raising (and directing) them, and hopefully the direction you give will be apparent when they are on their own (and in their performances).

I agree with Suzecue1 on this, director's job is done and it is time to take a back seat and let the audience and cast enjoy themselves. Having said that - I always make sure that my SM has the best interest of the show in mind and our vision and trust they will keep things in order.  "Let's do the show we rehearsed".

Originally posted by suzecue1 After opening night, a director's job is done and I usually just sit in the back of the auditorium and watch. I have been known to do a little pre-show energy or pep talk, saying something astounding like "I love all of you" and "don't suck", but normally I just watch.  I do like to go back stage at intermission and tell them how great they are doing, or tell them the little things that I notice (usually something that wasn't a planned part of the performance) good or bad.  Things tend to get a little too relaxed (and loose) at the end of the run. Especially with the seniors. That can be good or bad. Directing teens is a lot like being a parent.  You do you best while raising (and directing) them, and hopefully the direction you give will be apparent when they are on their own (and in their performances).

I usually use tech week to transition the show from my hands to the SM's.I agree with everyone, that once the show opens, my job is done. I like to sit back and enjoy. I do give a pre-performance pep-energy talk. But keep it short and sweet. The cast and crew have more important things to do than listen to me babble on. I don't take notes during the run. If I see something jarringly off, I may go talk to the actor about it informally, but otherwise, it Miller time! (Well, in my case, Killian's time!)