We've had lousy directors before. Bad enough that the cast had to direct themselves, but not bad enough that cast members threatened to quit 3 weeks before opening. Yikes! You didn't mention if there was one, but what about the producer? Could he/she pick up the pieces? When you meet with the director, I would suggest having someone with experience ready to come in and AD the show.  Ready to do the things that are being left undone. Someone capable to take it over if the director gets falls apart and quits. If the cast knows that you are bringing someone in that they respect, maybe they will stick around?  From what I have seen, in my experience, the cast will pull it all together. 

 

At our ct we only use appoved directors.   What this means for us is using directors that have worked with us in other capacities and know how we work and opperate.   In some ways it's double edged sword in that it's a little more dificult for new directors to get to work with us.   The philosphy stems from long before I bcame a part of the group, wanting people (at least directors) who have a stake in the organtization rather than just breezing in to direct a show and never being heard from again until the next time they direct something.

We also have a program to groom new directors from within by having them AD a show, do a presentation piece with at least 3 people that's at least 30 min long and then if approved by our board to direct will have a mentor for their first main stage production.   It's a process that most experienced directors are not willing to subject themselves to.  We've made exceptions for people who are experienced, who's productions we've seen and have worked with us before in other capacities.   We've found that depending on a resume alone is no gaurantee of success.  For the most part it seems to have worked out fairly well.

Funny, we just had the SAME EXACT thing happen very recently - however no one approached the director.  Everyone was afraid to discuss the problems with him in a "formal" manner.  The cast, scared to the point of tears, invited me to "hold book" during an impromptu rehearsal they decided to have themselves when they realized the director was of no help.  They asked for my advice and help, but it was OPENING WEEK.  There was little I could do.  Consquently it ended up being the worst show that I've ever seen (and I've seen some real stinkers!)

I agree with suzecue1.  Get a back up person lined up now.  If the theatre decided to allow him to stay on with the production, I would require that there is a board appointed AD or liaision that is capable of directing the show in case he quits.  If he has been rude and condescending already, he will probably quit when all the cards are laid out on the table (either out of embarassment or being upset).  I think if the cast sees the theatre's administrative/organizational team is recognizing and coming up with a resolution to the problem they will probably be more willing to stay on board.  They've obviously already put in some work on this show - they probably won't be likely to throw that away if the problem is being addressed appropriately.

Remember - the cast and theatre's reputation are on the line here.  If the cast feels alienated, they may not want to do a show with your group again.  If the theatre presents a lousy show because of this director, you'll lose audiences.  Best wishes on a sticky, icky situation!

The problem started when they had a hard time finding a director for this show. That process has little to do with me. I am for hire at this theater. I got called in to tech direct because I know the producer and I live around the corner. (Maybe I should move.) I personally think they have a problem with how they put together a season. They pick the shows then try to find a director who wants to do it. In my opinion it is the backwards way of doing things. Anyway, they had asked a few directors who declined to do this show, including me, before they settled on this director. Like I said she has some experience and had assistant directed. She had worked with this theater before, but not as a director  She was enthusiastic and laid out a plan that looked more then reasonable.

I have been called into this meeting because of my background, such as it is. She has to be told that she is being preceived as rude and that her show is in trouble, because I don't think she is aware. After reading the responses I like the idea of having a "board advisor" at rehearsals. I am also going to recommend that the stage manger take over as assistant director. The producer is more of a business person then a director. Actually, I think she would faint if she had to direct.

As for abandoning all of the tech to me, the third party. It couldn't have been better said. I feel abandoned. As I started putting together a crew, I tried to talk to the director about what she wanted. A week went by. I asked for any input. Another week went by. I got nothing, and continue to get nothing.  It has finally reached a point where it has to be done. I have all the people I need to make this happen. I have promised my friend that the cast won't be naked, on an empty stage in the dark.

Thanks for the input. Wish me luck.

Linda

Linda,

I've been in this situation a number of times, and it's never pretty. A meeting, as you mentioned, is the way to take care of it. Hopefully this is a meeting called by the producer, with representatives of the board, if needed. Those are supposed to be the next two levels up in the food chain, with the board backing up the producer if the producer can't handle the problem.

They need to trust the facts about how the show is effected by this director. If you know there is no recovery for the show with this director, they need to leave. Don't change your mind in the meeting. If you feel the director should be given another chance, then you need to limit their responsibility. You need to tell them that for the sake of the business of the show, they now only have control of X and Y, but the producer/stage manager/cleaner will now be taking over authority for the other parts of the show.

The response will range from remorse and humility, to anger and the director leaving. Don't waver if you don't have a replacement: no director is better than a destructive director, believe me. Many shows can operate on autopilot with some minimal guidance. If some of the actors are reliable and experienced, even a business oriented producer can take over.

Just be sure that you have a single voice of authority if the director has to go. If that's a cleanup (replacement) director, that's easy. If it's a producer like the one you mentioned, they should still call the practice schedule, and they will clearly state how the show is delegated from here on out (actors A, B, and C will provide guidance for the scenes, the stage manager will take over the major blocking, the tech director will do whatever she does, and we will still have a good show).

The important thing is that the cast sees that someone is taking charge, and they will pitch in to make the show work.

Godspeed,

-Tom