how to handle conflict between actors
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Running Your Theater
Forum Discription: General questions about how to make it work
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5170
Printed Date: 11/22/24 at 10:41am
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Topic: how to handle conflict between actors
Posted By: chelserin
Subject: how to handle conflict between actors
Date Posted: 9/25/11 at 5:59pm
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Hi... we've had a situation in our current show that resulted in an actor quiting 5 days before opening night. the gist is that actor Z grabbed actor X by the arm and spoke sternly to him. Later Z apologized to X and the director.
When I stopped by rehearsal last week (as the board support person for this show) X was still upset and I let him vent to about Z, hoping once he got it out he could let it go and move on. Nope. X felt that Z was out "to get" him and he did not feel safe with Z around. Z has been active in our theatre for many years and I have never known him to be violent or threatening. An ass at times? yes... threatening no. I offered to talk to Z and try to mediate. X declined. I offered to be at the rest of the rehearsals. I said Z's behavior would be brought to the board to discuss. The next day X quit the how saying that the director and I had not taken his concerns seriously and hadn't taken action against Z. In my opinion, X's pride got hurt and he couldn't get over it. Z apologized and that should have been the end of it. Both these men were in their 40's/50's, it is not my job or the director's to babysit. However, I wonder if there was more I could/should have done. We do not have a n actor code of conduct and I am thinking that would be a start. As a board member/director what do you do when there is a conflict between actors? It's not called "Drama" for nothing. ------------- To be in the world, and of the world, and never to stand aside and watch. |
Replies:
Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 9/29/11 at 12:39am
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To me they are both acting just like big girls blouses!
I believe you acted well with mediation, but just treat it like a wave & allow it to wash past you!
I have found over the years that generally 'the least said is soonest mended'.
 ------------- [western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |
Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 9/29/11 at 9:18am
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Perhaps a quick note to X expressing your concerns. Show your understanding and invite him back again in the future. ------------- Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse |