Active TopicsActive Topics  Display List of Forum MembersMemberlist  CalendarCalendar  Search The ForumSearch  HelpHelp
  RegisterRegister  LoginLogin
Play Suggestions
 Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Play Suggestions
Message Icon Topic: Micro-Managing Principals? Post Reply Post New Topic
Author Message
JGrigsby
Lead
Lead
Avatar

Joined: 6/20/12
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 38
Quote JGrigsby Replybullet Topic: Micro-Managing Principals?
    Posted: 12/05/12 at 8:40pm
Okay ... last post, I promise.

HELP!!!

I'm the high school's drama director. I just completed my last successful play last week. Since I've been at the school, I've produced?

The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
Here and Now
Chemical Bonding
(I swear I'm not in love with Mr. Zoladis)

My school's principal requests prior review of all plays. HE's turned down several saying they were too risque. However, I gave him the electronic portion of Love Awkwardly to read. He finally got back to me. His comment was, "It didn't wow me." This statement means I have to go back and find a new play. I've been scouring the web the past three days looking. Reviewing posts on here, etc.

In my opinion, a good director can take a lackluster script and turn it in to something good. On the other side of that token, a lousy director can turn a great script into a nightmare.

Has anyone else had to deal with a meddling principal? I gave him the electronic portion of Love Awkwardly back in May 2012 ... and he just read it last weekend! Any advice on how to approach him? I'm only on my second year at this school, so I can't tweek him off so bad he wants me gone.

Thanks!
IP IP Logged
jonplaywright
Star
Star
Avatar

Joined: 7/20/07
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 53
Quote jonplaywright Replybullet Posted: 12/28/12 at 4:22am
Hmm...I agree that the principal's behavior is cause for concern, particularly with something like "It didn't wow me," which sure sounds like an artistic evaluation (by someone who is likely not qualified to give one).

The guy is your boss, so it's a fine line, but it appears that there are two areas to discuss:
1.  The difference between doing preemptive damage control vs. his trying to do your job.
2.  The timely review of materials.

I think the trick is finding a way to broach these subjects in an "I need your help" sort of way rather than attacking him, even though he's out of line.  Can you ask, for example, if he requires approval, that you establish some sort of procedure and timeline in writing for script submission and approval?

Also, is there a way to ask, respectfully, that he focus on community standards issues and allow you to apply your expertise to choosing plays that you feel will be a good fit for you and your students?  You can tell him that you understand he may not always agree with your taste or choices, but hope that as long as he finds the play suitable for the school community, that he'll respect them.

Good luck!

p.s. Love (Awkwardly) is a solid play.

Co-Chair, Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights
Resident Playwright, Final Draft

YouthPLAYS, plays for young actors and audiences
www.youthplays.com
IP IP Logged
Majicwrench
Celebrity
Celebrity


Joined: 2/07/07
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 178
Quote Majicwrench Replybullet Posted: 1/05/13 at 12:01am
"It didn't wow me" doesn't sound like a "no".  I hate people telling me what to do, if you like the show I say go for it.
    Keith
IP IP Logged
JGrigsby
Lead
Lead
Avatar

Joined: 6/20/12
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 38
Quote JGrigsby Replybullet Posted: 2/19/13 at 2:41pm
Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to have to find my manliness and stand up to him. I'm doing my fourth show at this school and have been extremely successful with raising the bar with quality and expectations.

I ended up selecting The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood for the spring play. We're excited, and the kids are really stepping up.

I've decided on my fall play for next school year, but I'm still looking for the spring show
IP IP Logged
Post Reply Post New Topic
Printable version Printable version

Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums version 8.05
Copyright ©2001-2006 Web Wiz Guide
buy generic cialis are in line cialis canada outcome for yourself viagra sales cost saving benefit viagra uk convert your buy phentermine online pay phentermine cod payment Lenders Everything xanax online your existing xanax overnight absolute must free incest stories online The value gay incest advance The key free dog sex pics cash flow dog sex the reduced noise free gay college guys of the period gay guys