Lighting, Sounds and Special Effects

I have recently been involved in several productions where directors seem to totally ignore the possibilities inherent in good tech. some of these directors are amateur some are professional.

Lighting is a particular bugbear of mine. Most directors I have worked with lately seem to think that all a lighting designer should do is design a rig that will do exactly and only what the director wants. No creativity required please park at the door.

Similarly I have doen a couple of sound designs for people. I am not first and foremost a sound man but I like to gently underscore plays. So much of what we do on stage is silent. Music can add so much as can carefully designed soundscapes.

Is there a shift away from tech or have I simply been unlucky?

Do you feel that an LD should be an active creative part of the team or simply a yes man.

Reviews too only seem to notice or at least mention us if something goes wrong. Is this because the reviewer knows nothing or believes that the general public don't give a damn about tech.

I'd love to hear other opinions.