Directing: Blocking ... suggestions needed

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Blocking ... suggestions needed

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=4028
Printed Date: 10/30/25 at 10:52pm
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Topic: Blocking ... suggestions needed

Posted By: Scott B
Subject: Blocking ... suggestions needed
Date Posted: 5/19/09 at 12:15pm

Keep in mind that we're a very small community theatre, so getting really experienced directors are sometimes hard. So this summer it's me.

I'm directing my first full sized musical - Bye Bye Birdie - and I could use some input.

Last night was our first rehearsal and things went very well, but I could use some insight.

I tried to do most of the blocking ahead of time at home, but when I got actors on stage and started watching them I found myself moving them around in a different manner than what my notes showed.

I'm wondering if I need to change my approach ... as in ... I pick certain spots within the dialogue that I know they need to be at a particular place, but everything in between ... leave it loose, see how they "feel" what they need to be doing move as necessary. All the time my SM takes notes as well.

Does that make any sense? I would appreciate your thoughts.

Replies:

Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 5/19/09 at 7:00pm

You've managed to pick up what it takes many directors a long time to learn.

Directing is guiding - not puppet pulling. You certainly have your own vision, and need to have people at certain places for plot, visualizations, general focus, etc.

But you should be willing to give the actors some freedom ... sometimes they won't take it - and you have to nudge them; sometimes they take too much - and you have to rein them in some.

But if they only do what YOU would do if you were acting all the roles, the play will look like that: one person doing all the acting. Though those shows certainly can look polished, they rarely are moving or provocative. Every person brings their own experiences to the table! That's why it's a community project and not a solitary art!

Sounds as if you're right on track!

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http://tristanrobin.blogspot.com

Posted By: belle
Date Posted: 5/19/09 at 8:28pm

What you do sounds fine if it's working for you. Have exact notes is VITAL. Don't keep changing major blocking points. It drives some actors crazy.

Not doing the same thing twice is DOOM. Some actors are not good a writing down what they are supposed to do, so they they will have to be reminded. Your SM's notes are what you/he/she will have to refer to since your notes are not being used.

I think that getting the blocking "set" fairly early is good. People can polish after they've learned the blocking.

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 5/19/09 at 9:58pm

Get a good Stage Manager!

{The old adage " Find a Manager & stop handlimg 'it' your self"} Always rings true in this game.

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[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: greenphoenix
Date Posted: 5/19/09 at 10:47pm

I think you are smart to leave a little flexibility for new inspiration during rehearsal. It is good that you planned ahead, but sometimes things look different on paper. Trust your instincts.

Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 5/20/09 at 12:05am

Originally posted by greenphoenix

... but sometimes things look different on paper. Trust your instincts.

Boy ... ain't that the truth.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.