Hi,

I'm 24 years old and have been doing theater all my life, primarily acting. Over the past 2 years I've directed 2 shows for our local Fringe Festival.  I've received good feedback but am always wanting to learn more about directing. I've read On Directing, A Sense of Direction, and Thinking Like A Director. Are there any other books you'd recommend?

Also, for those who've been doing it awhile, what is the biggest thing you've learned about directing? I know every director has their own approach. Some get the actors on their feet the first day, others do extensive table work, some work out blocking in detail, others give actors freedom to create their own, etc. I'm just interested in hearing different methods.

Thanks!

This isn't really a technical thing, but I've gradually come to the conclusion that one of my biggest goals in directing a play is to get through it without any kind of negative emotional outbursts or hurt feelings. So many productions will go south with people complaining and bitter about this or that and the director can be oblivious. I try my best to keep lines of communication open and to observe if actors are frustated or upset and then attempt to solve the problem. Of course, I fail constantly but I try.
I also try to be as open as possible to ideas from the cast and crew. I make sure I get the final vote, but theater is a collaborative process and a good idea is a good idea no matter who comes up with it.

One thing that I find has always helped to make any community theatre shows that I have directed more successful is an organized schedule. This might not be what you were looking for, but I always give my actors a detailed schedule on the first day of rehearsal. It outlines rehearsals from day one until we close. I always stick to the schedule, and I leave a few rehearsals as TBA closer to the end to allow me to pick up any bits that need work. Actors are always commenting on how much they appreciate my schedule; they know when they are needed well in advance, and they can plan the other things that they have to do in their lives. Also, I never call anyone unless they will be working - I always hate to sit around as an actor (unless you are being paid, of course). This type of organization isn't really part of the 'creative process', but it makes for a very happy cast. Nobody feels as though their time is being wasted. I get actors who always audition for my shows, and they have told me that this is part of the reason why they do. It makes their lives so much easier and they feel respected too.

I totally agree with lessismore.  Having a schedule to hand out right away is a really good way to build respect right off the bat.  Since I'm 25 and I'm often dealing with people 10-20 years older than I am it really makes a good impression and like lessismore said, it makes it really easy on your actors.  They know what is coming.  As for how I work, my first day of rehersal is a read through.  This gives everyone a chance to meet each other and guarentees that everyone reads the entire script once.  After that we dive right in to working out blocking.  I tell my actors that I want them to move if it feels right or do things if they have an idea and I'll tell them if I like it or not.  I also get right up on stage with them when I want them to do something and show them what I mean.  I've found that if I'm willing to get up there and do it myself, that they are more willing to be creative, and they know exactly what I'm looking for.  I try to stay as involved as possible, rather than just sitting back in the seats and watching them stumble through.

Bernie - These are all wonderful tips. A few I hadn't thought of before. I'll keep these for future projects! Thanks!