As a director, I consider myself as pretty self-confident, not quick to feel hurt even when someone tries to do so deliberately. A cool customer.

But about a year ago, I was directing MACBETH. It was a big, complex show, and one in which I was taking a lot of artistic risks. I needed cooperation and a little patience from the cast, which I got--except from one. I found out that one of cast members--playing a major role--was spending much of his backstage time caustically criticizing the show the show in general and myself in specific. The cast member who informed me of such reassured me, explaining that the rest of the cast paid no attention to him. That this backbiting is just "what he does."

Well, the cool customer in me feel hurt and disrespected. I felt vulnerable. Though I never let on, I felt that I was working hard to create something a little unique--and here was this guy tromping on the daisies. But that's what we all feel, right?

I mean whether you're rushing in to learn lighting cues for an unfamiliar show, or making sure all the props are in place (pistols loaded, bottles washed), or trying to direct a complicated play, you want your work to have value and to be appreciated. We sure ain't doing it for the money!

I know that I'm not saying anything new, but one thing the community theatre experience has taught me is to treat EVERYONE with respect. Everyone contributes.