Advice: actors' suggesting blocking
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Directing
Forum Discription: For questions about handling shows, actors, crew, board members, children ...or do we repeat ourselves?
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2346
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 12:03pm
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Topic: Advice: actors' suggesting blocking
Posted By: DramaTrauma
Subject: Advice: actors' suggesting blocking
Date Posted: 4/12/07 at 5:06pm
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During rehearsals for the show I am currently cast in I had an idea for a bit of stage direction that, in my opinion, enhanced the scene and reflected the overall tone of the play better than the director's blocking.
After a few takes, I tried it my way once. The director shot it down immediately. No explanation. I was frustrated because I knew what I did worked, but I realize now that I may have stepped over the line by being too bold. I know what you're thinking..."Great, another scene stealing actor who wants to pull focus away from the rest of the action on the stage." I assure you that's not the case - I've been very mindful of the director's comments, and he's made me feel comfortable enough to experiment creatively within the bounds of my character. After this, however, I don't feel so encouraged to do so. So my question to you director's is this: what is the best way for an actor to suggest action be performed differently from the way the director sees it? Thanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 4/12/07 at 7:19pm
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As an actor, I always phrase suggestions to the director with the following:
"Do you think it would be a good idea if we tried .... (fill in the blank)."
This simple preface does several things:
1) It shows respect for the director's input and ultimate decision-making
2) It suggests alternatives as hypothetical "what-if" scenarios before being attempted and potentially wasting rehearsal time
3) Using "we" includes the director in the creative process
4) It gives insecure directors the permission to try someone else's suggestion while maintaining their control (or their feeling of control).
If the suggestion works, the director can say "I knew it was a good idea" and will probably claim it as their own creation.
------------- "None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone |
Posted By: Theatrestation
Date Posted: 4/12/07 at 7:36pm
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As a director I welcome suggestions from the actors (as long as it isn't constant from one source). If it is something we cannot use for one reason or another I tell them WHY it won't work, otherwise I usually tell them to try it next time through and then either use it, modify it, or say I prefer to keep it the way it is. It's give and take. ------------- http://www.castbuilding.com http://www.theatrestation.com |
Posted By: POB14
Date Posted: 4/13/07 at 9:39am
It sounds like you have a good relationship with the director overall. Approach him when he has a few minutes to think, and ask what he wants from you at that moment. Then discuss why you think your suggestion works, and ask him why he thinks it doesn't.
He probably didn't have time to discuss it with you at length in the middle of rehearsal, but he may well have a good reason. ------------- POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard |
Posted By: DramaTrauma
Date Posted: 4/13/07 at 10:59am
| Sage advice... thank you all for the feedback! |
Posted By: red diva
Date Posted: 4/13/07 at 3:21pm
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I guess you really need to know your director before offering ideas. I've worked with some that welcome idea sharing, especially if it comes from experienced actors that they trust. I have also worked with control freaks that feel threated when anyone suggests alternatives, perhaps thinking that a different idea would prove their directing skills to be deficient in some way. As Topper mentioned earlier, acceptance of your idea very much might depend on the way you phrase your suggestion. "Could we possibly try this" or somesuch is a nonthreateningc way to suggest ideas. Just remember, an idea that seems teriffic to you might not fit in with the picture or concept that the director has established and that only he/she can see from the audience's perspective. Your idea might work for you, but might not fit in with what the other actors are doing, and only the director can see that.
When I direct I am always open to actor suggestions....I expect them to contribute to the rehearsal producure. I find that this method helps to create ensemble and organic acting. HOWEVER, as director, I reserve the right to say "that's an interesting idea, but just doesn't fit into the total picture. Thanks." ------------- "I've worked long and hard to earn the right to be called Diva!" |
Posted By: falstaff29
Date Posted: 4/17/07 at 5:14pm
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Two pieces of advice: 1. The director is more likely to consider your suggestion if you talk to him/ her right before or right after rehearsal than right in the midst of things, when he'll want to keep focus and pushing forward. Approaching him outside of the rehearsal proper also makes you look like less of a threat.
2. Sometimes directors tell us to do stuff that IS stupid. Do it anyway.
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Posted By: moondance
Date Posted: 4/23/07 at 1:48pm
ain't that the truth!
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Posted By: B-M-D
Date Posted: 4/23/07 at 6:47pm
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As a director that's come from an acting perspective to begin with I welcome and expect actors to suggest and try different blocking than my own in rehearsal. I mean what the heck one way or the other I'm getting either the credit or the blame. ------------- BD 
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard." |
Posted By: jaytee060
Date Posted: 4/29/07 at 5:26pm
| Actually, when I direct a show, I not only accept suggestions in blocking but encourage them. I firmly believe that an actor must be totally comfortable with his or her stage movement to make it natural and believeable. If certain stage directions are ackward for an actor then they will probably look ackward to the audience. Don't be so pig-headed to think that as director, you're way is the only way. Getting a good show must be a colaborative effort. |
Posted By: avcastner
Date Posted: 5/20/07 at 12:02pm
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Theatre is a collaboration, but it really irks me as a director when an actor tries something without warning me first.
Ask your director about it first, like Topper suggests. If your director is half-way decent, he'll allow you to try it once. But don't expect him to approve every change you think up. He is still the boss.
Also, pick your battles. Don't make suggestions for every scene you are in--just the ones you feel strongly about. ------------- |