How major an offense is spacing out during notes?

Question

My director randomly flipped at my friend and I because I was doodling while he was giving notes. I feel horrid because I totally wasn't trying to suggest that what he was saying wasn't important or anything, and I hope he isn't really mad at me or anything...

Answer 1

lots of people pass notes in school, but that doesn't make it right. i pass notes myself once in awhile, but try and limit yourself. if you were presenting a project to the class, and people were passing notes during your project, you would feel offended, insulted, or that you were boring. it seems that you feel guilty, which is how i would feel if i got caught, which is a good sign. you should feel guilty, and TRY not to do it any more (we all probably will) but i don't think the director should be mad at you long-term or anything. he probably already forgot. people do that kind of thing all the time, and sometimes act even more rudely.

Answer 2

OH MY GOSH YOU'LL NEVER WORK IN THIS TOWN AGAIN YOU HORRIBLE ACTOR!!!!!!!!DISRESPECT!!!

oh, puleese. seriously. Average has it right - people can often focus better when they are fiddling/doodling/etc. It's soothing and repetitive and helps you focus.

What your director was doing was being controlling. Directors LOVE to have your full, complete and undivided attention, even if they don't have to have it at every given moment for you to deliver your best performance. And the more insecure they are, the more they are going to perceive every little thing you do "wrong" as defiance.

To not be so harsh on your director, he's probably just worried about the show. Another thing is that the doodling probably caught his eye and he found it distracting - which is no excuse for lashing out at you, that was totally inappropriate.

Yes, you should pay attention during your notes. nothing is more guaranteed to make your director REALLY angry at you if he has to give you the same note TWICE. But spacing out next to your friend isn't exactly cause for exile into the deepest depths of bad actor disgrace.

it's a good lesson to learn though, because man... directors can be awesome, awesome people, empathetic, dynamic and brilliant - or they can be the nastiest, temper-tantruming, controlling, freaky people in the universe. I have worked with both and unfortunately, the second kind is a little more common. Actually, it's so common that I was once in a play where both me and a castmate burst into tears one day and begged our director to tell us what we were doing wrong because he WASN'T yelling at us. (we were dead serious, we thought we sucked so bad we didn't deserve to be yelled at.) It was just so weird to have a nice director who was just being hands off because he respected our talent and liked what we were bringing to the characters!

My piece of advice on this, though - this guy sounds REALLY touchy and I would NOT say anything (apology or otherwise) unless he brings it up again. Just drop it. He's probably forgotten, because betcha he yells at people like this in every show. Do your best and be really on and focused tomorrow.

oh, and break a leg!

Answer 3

Actually, doodling and writing a note are two very different things. I attended a conference where the presenter actually passed out little toys (with flippy parts) because the vast majority of people actually concentrate BETTER when they are occupying their hands with a random action. Basically, your mind can process many more words per second than a person can speak, so parts of your mind need to be preoccupied in order to really concentrate on what someone is saying. This is why a lot of students doodle pictures or scribbles in class while taking notes.

I knowing this doesn't really help you with your situation, but if more people knew this, maybe it wouldn't be considered disrespectful as much anymore. I think a quick, simple apology the next time you see him (discreetly, not in front of everyone) would let him know that you took to heart what he said and he would appreciate your character in doing so.

Answer 4

It's VERY disrespectful. Notes is one of the MOST important parts of the rehearsal process. The very best actors LOOK FORWARD to Notes, and appreciate the crucial feedback and assistance on their (and their castmates') work.

The Director is trying to help YOU to do a better job, and have a better, safer show. He COULD be doing all kinds of other things, instead of trying to prevent you from making embarrassing mistakes and bad acting choices. Would YOU want the audience members to be screwing around and talking to each other while YOU are trying to do YOUR job, after YOU have put hours and hours and hours of work into the play? Put yourself in his shoes. He knows you're tired, but SO IS HE, and an inattentive cast makes it much worse.

Apologize and acknowledge the importance of Notes, and then promise to set a better example for the rest of the cast. Refuse to chat or goof around with anyone during Notes, and explain why, if necessary. Give the Director your undivided attention, even when the note is not for you - you may be able to benefit from his advice to others. Write down your notes, and refer to them before the next rehearsal so you'll be sure to remember to follow them, as directed. Make eye contact with him so he KNOWS that you get it. Trust me, he will be VERY appreciative, and you MAY restore your chance of being cast again in the future.

Answer 5

I doodle ALL THE TIME during notes. if I've got paper and a writing implement (things that are crucial during notes) I'm going to doodle but when I'm getting notes I stop. Usually my director doesn't care as long as I pay attention during MY notes.

No I don't think it's too Horrible, as long as you get your notes, don't interfere whith other people getting their's, and you correct any problems for the future I don't really think it matters what your doing during notes.