Thanks! It was definitely my mistake to allow myself to be marginalized.  Not a mistake I'll make again.  But the show opens Tuesday (yes, 3 days away, that Tuesday) and since I'm also in it  (one of four actors) I need to abandon this thread and get my head into a good space.  Thanks for the support, I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks Joe!

I am a firm believer in letting the director have almost full artistic license as far as where the play is going. But when the diretor is not doing his job, as with anyone in the production, the show suffers. If the show suffers the audience is not getting what they came to see. Therefore as producer it is unfortunately your responsibility to try and fix the problem. I would suggest to the director that he might have bitten off more than he could chew by casting himself in the play he is directing. Then give him the option of acting, with input into the direction, or directing. Theatre is not about the feelings of the on stage or backstage people. It is about the entertainment and enlightenment of the audience. The whole reason we do theatre.

I have seen too many plays totally trashed for the same trouble you are going through now. EGOS do not belong on the stage. save them for the press.

Originally posted by notmyshoes As a director... I feel like I want to take the director's side. If the director is satisfied with the performances, you have to trust them. They probably feel that more direction would be detrimental to the production. Especially if they want organic, realistic performances. Over-directing the actors can lead to a production that emphasizes spectacle over script. If the script is strong enough and the actors are well-cast, they shouldn't need a lot of coaching. Just my two cents.

I can see your point and as a director as well, if my cast doesn't feel comfortable, isn't it the director's job to ease their fears.  The original poster stated that the cast was feeling uncomfortable and wanted direction to help with their roles.  The director, who's job it is to make an actor feel comfortable failed to do so.