This prevents actors from getting conflicting information and establishes the director as the head honcho of the piece.

 

During tech week, however, the Director's attention is split between performing and watching.  So he will pre-set as much of the lighting and sound cues as possible and then hand over the reins to the AD who will be responsible for seeing the play comes together.

 

Needless to say, the fellow is very talented in both the acting and directing departments, so his confidence level is high.  And it also helps that he happens to be one of the most laid-back, even-tempered individuals I've ever met.  Working on his productions is always a pleasure.

 

I do have dear friend that is often in shows that he is directing. He calls me in to watch and take notes a couple of times during the rehearsal process, and he is always very good and relaxed. He is also " laid-back and even-tempered." I think those qualities are a must. He also works with an amazing stage manager.  In the last show, he did have a monitor so he could watch the on stage action from backstage. I don't think it is for everyone. It is certainly not for me. I do admire those that can do it though.

 

Linda

 

Over Christmas I co-directed (and produced) a Christmas show, with both of us in the show. We had just been in the show the Christmas before and knew it inside and out. We thought it would be a piece of cake because we had done it before! For the first month of rehearsals, I could sit out, call out my lines, block and give direction while watching. But later on, tech week rehearsals, when I needed to be on stage too, it was very hard.  Another thing to remember...when you are in the wings, trying to stay in character, trying remember your next line, trying to remember what props you need, it doesn't help to have 20 other cast members asking you questions about what they need to have or where they need to be.

 

I did end up depending on a few other people to watch and take notes during tech week, which was very helpful, but it isn't the same.  Someone else is not going to see the same things you would.  BTW - the show ended up to be fabulous, but the frustration level was unbelievable up to that point. Maybe a smaller cast, non-musical would be doable. But I don't think I will be trying that again!

 

When I've had to do it, I always make sure I have a strong and experienced stage management team to give me input during the process.  Usually I have someone who has worked with me before and knows my "style".  Some people would have an assistant director for this sort of thing, which works too.

 

Not that I would ever set up a video camera in a theatre, but in theory I also tape run throughs during the process and every tech week rehearsal.  I watch the tape after the rehearsal and give notes at the top of the next rehearsal.  The actors never are allowed to see the tapes, which I tape over every night.  Of course that's all hypothetical, cuz no one video tapes

 

Sandy

 

I really feel that if you are going to be a good director, you need to be out in the house, watching what's happening on stage.  If you are on stage, you can't see the pictures, the blocking, the ensemble.....etc., etc., etc.

 

But, that's just me!