Micro-Managing Principals?
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Topic: Micro-Managing Principals?
Posted By: JGrigsby
Subject: Micro-Managing Principals?
Date Posted: 12/05/12 at 8:40pm
Okay ... last post, I promise.
HELP!!!
I'm the high school's drama director. I just completed my last successful play last week. Since I've been at the school, I've produced?
The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
Here and Now
Chemical Bonding
(I swear I'm not in love with Mr. Zoladis)
My school's principal requests prior review of all plays. HE's turned down several saying they were too risque. However, I gave him the electronic portion of Love Awkwardly to read. He finally got back to me. His comment was, "It didn't wow me." This statement means I have to go back and find a new play. I've been scouring the web the past three days looking. Reviewing posts on here, etc.
In my opinion, a good director can take a lackluster script and turn it in to something good. On the other side of that token, a lousy director can turn a great script into a nightmare.
Has anyone else had to deal with a meddling principal? I gave him the electronic portion of Love Awkwardly back in May 2012 ... and he just read it last weekend! Any advice on how to approach him? I'm only on my second year at this school, so I can't tweek him off so bad he wants me gone.
Thanks!
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Replies:
Posted By: jonplaywright
Date Posted: 12/28/12 at 4:22am
Hmm...I agree that the principal's behavior is cause for concern, particularly with something like "It didn't wow me," which sure sounds like an artistic evaluation (by someone who is likely not qualified to give one).
The guy is your boss, so it's a fine line, but it appears that there are two areas to discuss:
1. The difference between doing preemptive damage control vs. his trying to do your job.
2. The timely review of materials.
I think the trick is finding a way to broach these subjects in an "I need your help" sort of way rather than attacking him, even though he's out of line. Can you ask, for example, if he requires approval, that you establish some sort of procedure and timeline in writing for script submission and approval?
Also, is there a way to ask, respectfully, that he focus on community standards issues and allow you to apply your expertise to choosing plays that you feel will be a good fit for you and your students? You can tell him that you understand he may not always agree with your taste or choices, but hope that as long as he finds the play suitable for the school community, that he'll respect them.
Good luck!
p.s. Love (Awkwardly) is a solid play.
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Co-Chair, Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights
Resident Playwright, Final Draft
YouthPLAYS, plays for young actors and audiences
http://www.youthplays.com - www.youthplays.com
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Posted By: Majicwrench
Date Posted: 1/05/13 at 12:01am
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"It didn't wow me" doesn't sound like a "no". I hate people telling me what to do, if you like the show I say go for it.
Keith
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Posted By: JGrigsby
Date Posted: 2/19/13 at 2:41pm
Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to have to find my manliness and stand up to him. I'm doing my fourth show at this school and have been extremely successful with raising the bar with quality and expectations.
I ended up selecting The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood for the spring play. We're excited, and the kids are really stepping up.
I've decided on my fall play for next school year, but I'm still looking for the spring show
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