under rehearsed

I think that companies and directors need to assess wisely how much time it will take to pull a production together, and make sure everyone can meet that need before you begin. I think that the lack of rehearsal has got more to do with teams not achieving their goals fast enough and then running out of time. Some companies routinely have 6 week rehearsal seasons and some routinely have 12 week ones, and the final product often shows the latter in a more favourable light. Good prep means not having to request more rehearsals later and upset everyone. While I always hold your thoughts in high regard I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with you Jeff. I've worked in the not-for-profit sector all of my professional life and I can testify to the fact that people who aren't paid work harder and are more committed than those who are. This is because they're profiting from something other than financial gain (loyalty, vision, attention, women, publicity, etc.) profits which, unlike wages, increase the more time you put in. Actual studies can be found that say just as much. Just as much in professional theatre as in community theatre will people walk out if their expectations aren't getting met and they feel they can get them met elsewhere (and of course, their character is such that they are happy to leave a project in the lurch). You're right to say that a demanding director will only alienate his or her cast/crew. Even if they don't walk out it's likely to strain a directors reputation and relationships. But it's entirely the Director's responsibility to ensure that: a) every member of the crew/cast has a common commitment to a common goal, b) that the need to meet that goal is being achieved, and c) that everyone has the expectation of themselves that they will fulfil that commitment. I have to take offence at the statement "It's only community theatre..." There's nothing 'only' about what we do. Community Theatre has the opportunity to create far grander productions than our so called 'professional' counterparts who are limited by the fact that they have to pay everyone, and that cast won't come to extra rehearsals unless they're being paid. We should all have the highest expectations of our work and the people we work with. I don't think that it's acceptable for anyone, paid or not, to walk out of a production beyond the first rehearsal or reading. Just my thoughts and opinion. Sincerely Theo Messenger