Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Director’s "notes" ?

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Jenny
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Topic: Director’s "notes" ?
Posted: 4/12/04 at 10:49pm

I am relatively new to theatre, so don't know what to make of this:

Prior to curtain of a show, my director made some criticisms to the entire cast of the "I won't mention names because you know who you are" variety. Immediately prior to curtain time of the next show, he repeated his criticism to the cast, along with a lecture on why the offending person was hurting the whole show, then announced that I was the culprit!

I was completely shocked, and had no idea that the original remarks were intended for me. I had spoken alone to this director in between his two speeches, and he had said nothing. I hadn't received any notes of any kind before this, and had assumed that was I was doing was OK.

My offense was doing too much during a scene where I was supposed to be hanging around on one side of the stage. The main action was on the other side of the stage, and my "scene stealing" was "inappropriate and unprofessional."

I understand the content of his criticism, but still cannot believe the manner in which it was delivered. This director knows my lack of experience, and had previously called me "very directable." After the run was over, I told him that I was stunned, and hurt, and angry. Do I need to grow a thicker skin?

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Mike Polo
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Posted: 4/13/04 at 7:21am

I think the director could have handled the situation better. There's no need to humiliate someone to get the point across... if he'd simply told you straight out what the problem was instead of beating around the bush, particularly prior to a performance, he would have had a happier cast. If you intend to work for this director again, I would suggest a thicker skin... but now you have an idea of how he works, too. That should help as well. Not knowing the complete circumstances, I can't comment directly on the issue at hand, but the director's technique sounds like it could use a little work. In general, though, a thicker skin in theater is always a good thing... directors are not always the most diplomatic people on the planet and you are working in a pasttime that makes you vulnerable to blows to the ego.

However, as a first timer, the director should have worked with you to fix the problem, not attempted to humiliate you. In addition, he should never give vague notes like the one you described first prior to a performance... they could lead to misunderstandings.

Mike Polo
Community Theater Green Room
http://www.communitytheater.org

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Gaafa
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Location: Australia
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Posts: 1181

Posted: 4/13/04 at 10:58pm

From what you have posted Jenny - It sounds like the director has had less experience than you in Theatre!
He would have to be a ?Wombat? to risk giving notes prior to the Rag going up & upsetting his cast - This is the SM?s time not his! If there has to be notes? After the performance is more productive & of more value.
He has had his polishing time during the rehearsal process, to ensure the cast don?t upstage others &/or themselves for that matter. Obviously he has very little visualisation skills in his direction technique and has blocked it wrong in the first place! In saying that, also a few warm props can tend to be carried away with the moment of lights ?n action & enthusiastically go over the top -Which is very easy to do, even for those who are well seasoned!
It very easy to say don?t get upset - but Don?t! Take it all on board & imagine you are in the audience watching your performance. Then allow it to incubate & think about it for awhile, as an element of the total production - be objective & look deep into mirror! You might see something from beyond the 4th wall, - you could have missed from your perspective on the boards.
It may be that it has nothing to do with you & more to do with him. He may be frustrated because the production is turning out to be, not what he imagined & has no idea what to do about it.

However it does seem he needs quite a few lessons in people skills & Communications 101.
What ever you find!
Remember you are - what we are all about!
Let IT wash past you like a wave & use IT as an invaluable learning experience!

G'donya Jenny!

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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Jenny
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Posted: 4/14/04 at 1:24pm

Thanks you guys--

I do think the director was right in that I did too much; I misunderstood what my purpose was as part of the scene. A friend who saw the show twice asked me why I didn't do the same thing the second time - she thought the first time was great. Of course, what I was doing wasn't supposed to be great, it was supposed to be backround.

I think I will avoid this director until I have a little more knowledge and confidence; but will resist the urge (which I still have) to say never ever again will I do anything remotely associated with him. Yes, I was that upset. Should I make a habit of asking the director "am I ok?" for every scene? I would like to, especially after this, but felt I would be a pest to do so and should just listen to the notes - all of them, not just the ones directed specifically at me. Any suggestions?

Thanks again!

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Gaafa
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Posted: 4/14/04 at 9:43pm

Well done!
You have just listened with your eyes & seen with your ears!
By asking the question you have achieved!
The next achievement to look forward to, is when this director pats himself on the back for your performance - Like a wave let ?IT? wash over you & enjoy ?IT?!

As less is more - don?t ever loose your focus by believe how much more less could be!
Never assume that what you are doing is right - because the director hasn?t told you other wise!
Therefore if you don?t know & aren?t getting any feed back? - ASK!
You will be appreciated more than less.

Keep on keeping on & looking in that mirror - If one day you don?t see any reflection!

You have forgotten the most important thing - The audience!

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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DEADLOLA
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Posted: 2/18/05 at 12:33am

I have been active in community theater for about four years and have done several plays; after one of these I was approached by someone who is a local director and was pleased by her compliments. She stated that she would contact me for future work and actually did. I auditioned and got the part -during rehearsal she did not appear too pleased except one night when she exclaimed loudly that I had "restored" her faith in asking me to audition. Notes were usually pretty specific and usually positive.

The production was scheduled to run for five weeks-I contacted family, friends, everyone I could think of who might come to see the play

After the first weekend (THURS, FRI, SAT AND A SPECIAL SCENE PERFORMED FOR A THEATER FESTIVAL)

DURING THE RECEPTION AFTER THE FESTIVAL,

THE DIRECTOR TOLD ME -IN THE MIDST OF A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE, THAT SHE WAS RECASTING MY ROLE AND I WOULD NO LONGER BE NEEDED-THAT I SHOULD ARRANGE TO PICK UP ANY PERSONAL ITEMS FROM THE THEATER

WHEN I CALMED DOWN SOMEWHAT LATER I CALLED HER TO TRY TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE AND FIND OUT IF THERE WAS ANY WAY TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION SHE STATED THERE WAS NOT

THAT I HAD HAD THREE WEEKS OF REHEARSAL AND SHE WAS NOT GOING TO JEOPARDIZE "HER SHOW" FURTHER

I STILL HAVE THE NOTES SHE EMAILED AND THOSE I JOTTED AND AM NOT ABLE TO SEE THE PROBLEM

FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND EVEN STRANGERS STATED THEY THOUGHT MY PERFORMANCE WAS GREAT-THIS INCLUDES VETERAN ACTORS AND DIRECTORS WHO HAD NO REASON TO LIE OR TRY TO MAKE ME FEEL GOOD

I AM STILL DEVASTATED AND STILL CONTACTING FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO ADVISE THAT I AM NO LONGER IN THE SHOW

I AM FINDING THIS VERY DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ASK WHY I AM NO LONGER INVOLVED AND AM VERY LEERY OF EVER DOING ANOTHER SHOW

ANY ADVICE??????????

cferrill

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Gaafa
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Posted: 2/18/05 at 10:03am

It is obvious something at the festival, got up her nose for some reason! Shelve it! It probably had nothing to do with you at all!

Check back & see if their was a full moon that night?

I don?t agree with what the Directors done! You would have to be beyond hope totally, for me to ever contemplate thinking of sacking someone!

Forget about it & let her ring you!

Life is a continual cycle, what goes around!

I assure you that you won?t have to do anything, other than shrug it off, the least said!

I hope it won?t be too long before she does ring!

You then can be soooo Sweet & nice!?!?!

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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Topper
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Location: United States
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Posts: 543

Posted: 2/19/05 at 1:39am

First of all, let me express my sympathy for the way
you were treated by this director. Termination of an
actor from a show is something that should be done
privately -- not as public humiliation. What that
director did was unprofessional (not to mention
impolite, immature, and cowardly).

Being not in possession of all the facts, I can only
imagine why this director would attack you in this
manner.

A) This was a personal issue that had nothing to do
with your performance.

Years ago I was part of a show where a very talented
actor in our cast was fired (privately, of course).
None of us could understand why until it came to
light he was having an affair with the director's wife!

While I'm not suggesting or accusing you of anything
untoward, it goes to demonstrate that there are many
underlying reasons for dismissal of a performer.

An ensemble has to gel not only onstage, but off as
well. (Oftentimes I'm convinced the intrigues going
on backstage are more entertaining than the show
itself.)

Perhaps you unwittingly did or said something to the
director (or ABOUT the director) that she found
offensive.

B) Even though you were given positive and
complete notes during rehearsal, you may have
done something during the performances that
deviated from her direction.

EVERY actor drops or paraphrases lines:
mishandles or abuses props, costumes or set
pieces; misses cues or entrances, etc.   This in itself
is not cause for dismissal unless they are
continually being done WILLFULLY and
INTENTIONALLY.

I've known actors to be dismissed from shows
because they "didn't agree" with a director's blocking.
Or simply because they "hated" a line or two and
purposely muddled or omitted it, knowing the
director couldn't do anything about it on stage.

I also directed a show with a relatively inexperienced
cast. One of the actresses was fantastic in
rehearsals, but during performances she had a
peculiar habit of staring straight at the audience
whenever they laughed or applauded. Rather than
staying "in the scene" she repeatedly would stop
whatever she was doing and watch until they quieted
enough for her to continue.    This never appeared in
any of our rehearsals and no amount of notes or
corrections from me could prevent this lack of
self-control. But since the show was a comedy and
both the audiences and the cast found this trait
somewhat endearing, I kept her on. I understand a
different director might have easily dismissed her.

In either case, you deserve a better explanation of
why you were dismissed. And you certainly
deserved better treatment for your efforts. If anybody
asks why you are no longer in the show, simply fall
back on that Hollywood standby saying you and the
director "had creative differences" and leave it at that.

Best wishes to you in the future.

"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

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DEADLOLA
Walk-On
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Joined: 2/18/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 0

Posted: 2/21/05 at 12:16am

DEADLOLA THANKS THOSE OF YOU WHO RESPONDED WITH POSTIVIE VIBES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

I AM SOME BETTER FOR THE DISTANCE THAT TIME BRINGS

I DO PLAN TO CONTINUE IN THEATER AND THIS WEEK RECEIVED AN INVITATION TO WORK WITH A PREVIOUS DIRECTOR

I WILL KEEP THE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN MIND BUT CAN'T IMAGINE A ANYONE ELSE BEHAVING IN THIS FASHION

THANKS AGAIN-DEADLOLA

BUT ALIVE TO SOMEONE NEW

cferrill

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DEADLOLA
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Posted: 2/21/05 at 9:46pm

AS A POSTSCRIPT; I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT THE DIRECTOR IS NOW IN THE ROLE OF "LOLA"

DEADLOLA

cferrill

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Author	Message
Jenny Player Joined: 4/12/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: Director’s "notes" ? Posted: 4/12/04 at 10:49pm
	I am relatively new to theatre, so don't know what to make of this: Prior to curtain of a show, my director made some criticisms to the entire cast of the "I won't mention names because you know who you are" variety. Immediately prior to curtain time of the next show, he repeated his criticism to the cast, along with a lecture on why the offending person was hurting the whole show, then announced that I was the culprit! I was completely shocked, and had no idea that the original remarks were intended for me. I had spoken alone to this director in between his two speeches, and he had said nothing. I hadn't received any notes of any kind before this, and had assumed that was I was doing was OK. My offense was doing too much during a scene where I was supposed to be hanging around on one side of the stage. The main action was on the other side of the stage, and my "scene stealing" was "inappropriate and unprofessional." I understand the content of his criticism, but still cannot believe the manner in which it was delivered. This director knows my lack of experience, and had previously called me "very directable." After the run was over, I told him that I was stunned, and hurt, and angry. Do I need to grow a thicker skin?

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Mike Polo Admin Group Community Theater Green Room Joined: 2/01/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 286	Posted: 4/13/04 at 7:21am
	I think the director could have handled the situation better. There's no need to humiliate someone to get the point across... if he'd simply told you straight out what the problem was instead of beating around the bush, particularly prior to a performance, he would have had a happier cast. If you intend to work for this director again, I would suggest a thicker skin... but now you have an idea of how he works, too. That should help as well. Not knowing the complete circumstances, I can't comment directly on the issue at hand, but the director's technique sounds like it could use a little work. In general, though, a thicker skin in theater is always a good thing... directors are not always the most diplomatic people on the planet and you are working in a pasttime that makes you vulnerable to blows to the ego. However, as a first timer, the director should have worked with you to fix the problem, not attempted to humiliate you. In addition, he should never give vague notes like the one you described first prior to a performance... they could lead to misunderstandings.
	Mike Polo Community Theater Green Room http://www.communitytheater.org
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Gaafa Celebrity Joined: 3/21/04 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 1181	Posted: 4/13/04 at 10:58pm
	From what you have posted Jenny - It sounds like the director has had less experience than you in Theatre! He would have to be a ?Wombat? to risk giving notes prior to the Rag going up & upsetting his cast - This is the SM?s time not his! If there has to be notes? After the performance is more productive & of more value. He has had his polishing time during the rehearsal process, to ensure the cast don?t upstage others &/or themselves for that matter. Obviously he has very little visualisation skills in his direction technique and has blocked it wrong in the first place! In saying that, also a few warm props can tend to be carried away with the moment of lights ?n action & enthusiastically go over the top -Which is very easy to do, even for those who are well seasoned! It very easy to say don?t get upset - but Don?t! Take it all on board & imagine you are in the audience watching your performance. Then allow it to incubate & think about it for awhile, as an element of the total production - be objective & look deep into mirror! You might see something from beyond the 4th wall, - you could have missed from your perspective on the boards. It may be that it has nothing to do with you & more to do with him. He may be frustrated because the production is turning out to be, not what he imagined & has no idea what to do about it. However it does seem he needs quite a few lessons in people skills & Communications 101. What ever you find! Remember you are - what we are all about! Let IT wash past you like a wave & use IT as an invaluable learning experience! G'donya Jenny!
	Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house}
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Jenny Player Joined: 4/12/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 4/14/04 at 1:24pm
	Thanks you guys-- I do think the director was right in that I did too much; I misunderstood what my purpose was as part of the scene. A friend who saw the show twice asked me why I didn't do the same thing the second time - she thought the first time was great. Of course, what I was doing wasn't supposed to be great, it was supposed to be backround. I think I will avoid this director until I have a little more knowledge and confidence; but will resist the urge (which I still have) to say never ever again will I do anything remotely associated with him. Yes, I was that upset. Should I make a habit of asking the director "am I ok?" for every scene? I would like to, especially after this, but felt I would be a pest to do so and should just listen to the notes - all of them, not just the ones directed specifically at me. Any suggestions? Thanks again!
	IP Logged

Gaafa Celebrity Joined: 3/21/04 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 1181	Posted: 4/14/04 at 9:43pm
	Well done! You have just listened with your eyes & seen with your ears! By asking the question you have achieved! The next achievement to look forward to, is when this director pats himself on the back for your performance - Like a wave let ?IT? wash over you & enjoy ?IT?! As less is more - don?t ever loose your focus by believe how much more less could be! Never assume that what you are doing is right - because the director hasn?t told you other wise! Therefore if you don?t know & aren?t getting any feed back? - ASK! You will be appreciated more than less. Keep on keeping on & looking in that mirror - If one day you don?t see any reflection! You have forgotten the most important thing - The audience!
	Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house}
	IP Logged

DEADLOLA Walk-On Joined: 2/18/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 2/18/05 at 12:33am
	I have been active in community theater for about four years and have done several plays; after one of these I was approached by someone who is a local director and was pleased by her compliments. She stated that she would contact me for future work and actually did. I auditioned and got the part -during rehearsal she did not appear too pleased except one night when she exclaimed loudly that I had "restored" her faith in asking me to audition. Notes were usually pretty specific and usually positive. The production was scheduled to run for five weeks-I contacted family, friends, everyone I could think of who might come to see the play After the first weekend (THURS, FRI, SAT AND A SPECIAL SCENE PERFORMED FOR A THEATER FESTIVAL) DURING THE RECEPTION AFTER THE FESTIVAL, THE DIRECTOR TOLD ME -IN THE MIDST OF A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE, THAT SHE WAS RECASTING MY ROLE AND I WOULD NO LONGER BE NEEDED-THAT I SHOULD ARRANGE TO PICK UP ANY PERSONAL ITEMS FROM THE THEATER WHEN I CALMED DOWN SOMEWHAT LATER I CALLED HER TO TRY TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE AND FIND OUT IF THERE WAS ANY WAY TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION SHE STATED THERE WAS NOT THAT I HAD HAD THREE WEEKS OF REHEARSAL AND SHE WAS NOT GOING TO JEOPARDIZE "HER SHOW" FURTHER I STILL HAVE THE NOTES SHE EMAILED AND THOSE I JOTTED AND AM NOT ABLE TO SEE THE PROBLEM FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND EVEN STRANGERS STATED THEY THOUGHT MY PERFORMANCE WAS GREAT-THIS INCLUDES VETERAN ACTORS AND DIRECTORS WHO HAD NO REASON TO LIE OR TRY TO MAKE ME FEEL GOOD I AM STILL DEVASTATED AND STILL CONTACTING FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO ADVISE THAT I AM NO LONGER IN THE SHOW I AM FINDING THIS VERY DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ASK WHY I AM NO LONGER INVOLVED AND AM VERY LEERY OF EVER DOING ANOTHER SHOW ANY ADVICE??????????
	cferrill
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Gaafa Celebrity Joined: 3/21/04 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 1181	Posted: 2/18/05 at 10:03am
	It is obvious something at the festival, got up her nose for some reason! Shelve it! It probably had nothing to do with you at all! Check back & see if their was a full moon that night? I don?t agree with what the Directors done! You would have to be beyond hope totally, for me to ever contemplate thinking of sacking someone! Forget about it & let her ring you! Life is a continual cycle, what goes around! I assure you that you won?t have to do anything, other than shrug it off, the least said! I hope it won?t be too long before she does ring! *You then can be soooo Sweet & nice!?!?!*
	Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house}
	IP Logged

Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 2/19/05 at 1:39am
	First of all, let me express my sympathy for the way you were treated by this director. Termination of an actor from a show is something that should be done privately -- not as public humiliation. What that director did was unprofessional (not to mention impolite, immature, and cowardly). Being not in possession of all the facts, I can only imagine why this director would attack you in this manner. A) This was a personal issue that had nothing to do with your performance. Years ago I was part of a show where a very talented actor in our cast was fired (privately, of course). None of us could understand why until it came to light he was having an affair with the director's wife! While I'm not suggesting or accusing you of anything untoward, it goes to demonstrate that there are many underlying reasons for dismissal of a performer. An ensemble has to gel not only onstage, but off as well. (Oftentimes I'm convinced the intrigues going on backstage are more entertaining than the show itself.) Perhaps you unwittingly did or said something to the director (or ABOUT the director) that she found offensive. B) Even though you were given positive and complete notes during rehearsal, you may have done something during the performances that deviated from her direction. EVERY actor drops or paraphrases lines: mishandles or abuses props, costumes or set pieces; misses cues or entrances, etc. This in itself is not cause for dismissal unless they are continually being done WILLFULLY and INTENTIONALLY. I've known actors to be dismissed from shows because they "didn't agree" with a director's blocking. Or simply because they "hated" a line or two and purposely muddled or omitted it, knowing the director couldn't do anything about it on stage. I also directed a show with a relatively inexperienced cast. One of the actresses was fantastic in rehearsals, but during performances she had a peculiar habit of staring straight at the audience whenever they laughed or applauded. Rather than staying "in the scene" she repeatedly would stop whatever she was doing and watch until they quieted enough for her to continue. This never appeared in any of our rehearsals and no amount of notes or corrections from me could prevent this lack of self-control. But since the show was a comedy and both the audiences and the cast found this trait somewhat endearing, I kept her on. I understand a different director might have easily dismissed her. In either case, you deserve a better explanation of why you were dismissed. And you certainly deserved better treatment for your efforts. If anybody asks why you are no longer in the show, simply fall back on that Hollywood standby saying you and the director "had creative differences" and leave it at that. Best wishes to you in the future.
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
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DEADLOLA Walk-On Joined: 2/18/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 2/21/05 at 12:16am
	DEADLOLA THANKS THOSE OF YOU WHO RESPONDED WITH POSTIVIE VIBES AND RECOMMENDATIONS I AM SOME BETTER FOR THE DISTANCE THAT TIME BRINGS I DO PLAN TO CONTINUE IN THEATER AND THIS WEEK RECEIVED AN INVITATION TO WORK WITH A PREVIOUS DIRECTOR I WILL KEEP THE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN MIND BUT CAN'T IMAGINE A ANYONE ELSE BEHAVING IN THIS FASHION THANKS AGAIN-DEADLOLA BUT ALIVE TO SOMEONE NEW
	cferrill
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DEADLOLA Walk-On Joined: 2/18/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 2/21/05 at 9:46pm
	AS A POSTSCRIPT; I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT THE DIRECTOR IS NOW IN THE ROLE OF "LOLA" DEADLOLA
	cferrill
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