Directing: attendance at rehearsals

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attendance at rehearsals

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=4772
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 2:33pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: attendance at rehearsals

Posted By: Tallsor
Subject: attendance at rehearsals
Date Posted: 8/27/10 at 3:23pm

I'm stage managing a show where it seems like we've had a high amount of times that one or another cast member couldn't make it to a rehearsal due to other commitments - some of which we're not told about until the day before, despite having a 'please put list of conflicts' line on the audition sheet. Classes, other shows, etc.

I noticed this was a bit of a problem with the show I was directing last year as well (which was why I recommended to the director of this year to add an extra week of rehearsals) - and was curious if this was a growing trend.

Have conflicts risen with the actors in shows you've been in?

Replies:

Posted By: Thudster
Date Posted: 8/30/10 at 11:58am

I'm in the Wilder Pageant, an annual show in Walnut Grove, MN, and we go through that every year. On any given rehearsal night we're going to be missing at least 5 cast members, and it's usually with no notice. Our advantage is that we do basically the same show every year (it's a historical pageant) so we have cast members who can step in at a moment's notice, but still... I don't envy the director.

Posted By: Tallsor
Date Posted: 8/31/10 at 9:54am

Thanks - it helps, in an odd way, to know you're not alone.

Posted By: KEB54
Date Posted: 9/05/10 at 2:07am

There are always conflicts. Things come up. You deal with them the best you can.

Community Theatre is different in that this is a hobby for people. They have life and work commitments that take presedence. If they get ill, or a child gets ill, or a baby-sitter doesn't show up, or a work issue occurs, you need to deal with as best you can.

However, these should be rare. The actors should know the expectations of them before they accept a role and then agree to abide by those expectations.

Now if it is not rare, say a work or school schedule that was not revealed in the audition sheet, then there is a problem and re-casting may happen. You (the director) should not feel bad about this since the actor was not upfront and tried to conceal the true circumstances. Not good! And that behavior should be considered when they audition in the future.

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KEB