how can I cope better with an overzealous and tactless director?

Question

I'm in my thirties and have come into the world of acting/performance quite late, though my confidence improves greatly on each performance (singing/dancing/acting) I find the directing techniques of a my tactless and chaotic director often knock my confidence in the early stages of the rehearsals. I often end of performing about 50% of my potential because I resist doing anything to invite criticism that isn't constructive. This director has been with the company a long time and is often left to her own devices by way of 'the line of least resistance' because it's easier to just let her do things her way... which often makes the rehearsals difficult, no fun and uncomfortable (for everyone). This is not my own observation... it's observed by everyone, frequently. Constructive answers only please. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hmm, this is tough. If it is worth enduring this director, then try to rise above it and focus on giving joy to the audience. Once rehearsals are over, you should be out from under the director's thumb quite so much.

On the other hand, if you feel like this director is putting you in a position where you have to compromise your standards, you may want to rethink working with her. I would not to work with someone so unpleasant more than once. It is important to protect your talent. Also, you should feel safe enough in rehearsals to take chances and sometimes fail- that is what rehearsals are for. Only you can determine if this situation is bearable.

Answer 2

Your experience is not uncommon, even at the professional level. An actor's job is to give the director what they ask for, without jeopardizing the actor's integrity. Just because a lot of people complain about the director doesn't mean that the director's ideas are bad - and you don't say that they are, just that the director is tactless. Sometimes a director who is too free with praise can be more damaging than what you're dealing with, (it just feels better), because if they're happy, why try harder. Do everything you can to prepare to the best of your ability, until YOU are satisfied. Use the rehearsal process to explore some questions that come up when you're working on your own. The bottom line however is that YOUR confidence is YOUR problem, not the director's. If you know that you're prepared, who cares what anybody else thinks. (and if you're NOT, who cares what anybody else thinks)

Also, don't join the ***** sessions about the director. It doesn't help and it undermines your committment to the project.

Answer 3

Everyone deals with this...believe me!

Part of being a strong performer is letting power and passion come from you internally. Yes, things hurt that are said...they seem more destructive than helpful to an actor. But if you can get through the show, be the better person, remain calm...then you will come out shining as a much better performer than when you went in!

One thing I've learned the hard way is to keep your mouth shut! Don't say anything you wouldn't say to the directors face, to ANYONE! I know this is hard, but things have a way of getting back to the director, and you make enemies and it ends up being harder on you. It can even be harmful to your career later on. So, try to grin and bear it and vent to your diary when you get home!

Cope - have a "de-stress" routine for when rehearsal is over. Do some yoga and listen to some peaceful music. Or if you need a pick me up, go to the gym and work out. Get out anger if you need to...just keep it away from the theater.

I know it is hard...but honestly, at some point in our careers we are all right there with ya! Good luck!

Answer 4

It is a directors job to create an environment where artists can feel free to learn, grow and most importantly play. Unfortunately, we've all had horror directors in our time. It's just a learning process of its own. Don't let this meathead ruin your potential. You're the one that's going to be on stage in front of people.

Do the best work you can do and try not to let their techniques boggle your mojo. I'm a non confrontational person, so I wouldn't approach them with concerns about their style, though that may be a good thing to do.

Listen to her direction and try to bridge the gap a bit. Attempt to understand where she wants you to go and as the wonderful actor you are, figure out your own way to get there.

Also, never work there again. You want to work where you can trust your fellow actors and especially the director.

Answer 5

Well, it's a heap like my own story,
Just smile a lot and be really nice. lay down the butter...........
I mean it is really hard to be mean to some one who everytime you turn around has this huge smile on their face. don't let the smile come off. when you're going to talk to him smile if he turns down an idea or whatever smile and say thanks. even if he dosn't improve your a better person.