Theatre Etiquette - Multiple Shows?

Fri, 19 Oct 2007, 01:17 pm

Meercat73 posts in thread

Just wondering what everyones opinion is on taking on more than one show at a time in community theatre? Examples: A Director or Musical Director taking on two projects and then splitting their time between the two (OR neglecting one in favour of the other!) A leading actor accepting a role in another production then having to divide their time between roles. My opinion is that you need to commit to one project, so that you can make the best show you can and put all your effort into it. It always seems that others have to pick up the slack for those that accept more than they can handle? Just my opinion and I am interested to hear what others think, as it seems a lot of people now have more than one project going at once. I cant imagine doing this, as once Im in a show - I can only think about one role, one set of songs, one set of dances and so on????

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MeercatFri, 19 Oct 2007, 01:17 pm

LogosFri, 19 Oct 2007, 01:45 pm

Hmmm

Isn't this an interesting one. I know personally of a performer here in SA who is often working on as many as three shows at once and I'm afraid the last time I saw them on stage it showed. I'm deliberately not even identifying sex here. If you have a day job and are committed to a show I personally do not believe you should take on a role that requires your attendance at rehearsals for more than one show at once even if they rehearse on diferent nights. There will certaily be a period of rehearsals for one show where you cannot attend because of performances for the other. It is possible to take on other roles than say acting or directing. If you have a good dance captain you don't have to be present at every rehearsal of a show you have choreographed provided your not in it. I do not believe you can give full attention to two shows at once. Not when you also have a day job and a family. This was the voice of a mildly disgruntled director. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

MeercatFri, 19 Oct 2007, 03:06 pm

YES!

Yes I agree. One always suffers, and it is grossly unfair to commit to a project, only to do a half assed job. Especially when so many others are relying on them.

NaFri, 19 Oct 2007, 04:11 pm

I agree: the more projects

I agree: the more projects you do, the less you'll be able to give to them. Of course, it depends on your roles: as a techie, you can often work on several shows at once, without it majorly affecting the overall performance; and as an extra in a TV/film show (for say, a one-off shooting day), you can certainly still work on a theatre show without it affecting your performance. That being said, it's generally discouraged to work on more than one show at a time. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Tari-XalyrFri, 19 Oct 2007, 04:11 pm

Learning the hard way

Yes and I'm currently learning the difficulty of taking on multiple shows. Although I must admit, it is partly by accident because one show was never planned and thus one was taken on board and then I had no choice but to take up the second (it's a uni thing). Thus I'm currently working on two and it's taking it's toll, mentally and physically. I know I will never take on more then one at a time again. You cannot be fully committed to both and one will eventually suffer because of it. My 10cents worth. ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

MeercatFri, 19 Oct 2007, 04:32 pm

I understand if it cant be

I understand if it cant be helped, if you need to help out or didnt realise they would be at the same time. But to agree to a role - and then audition for another or take on another show when you are supposed to be directing another - to me that is just rude.

David GreenSat, 20 Oct 2007, 03:29 pm

Actor to Director

I believe that depending on your involvement with the projects you should be able to take on a few things at the same time. As an extra or chorus member, as long as when you are at that rehearsal you put in 150% effort I don’t see any reason why you cant be in multiple shows. However, alot of people cannot or will not put that extra effort into their other projects and so one show ends up getting 70% and the other 30% and the result is both shows look bad. As a director, I believe that unless you are dealing with a complete cast of professional actors (and lets face it, who ever gets that) you should only limit yourself to one show at a time. Not so much because of what you as the director can take one but how much the cast needs you. As an actor, if worse comes to worse you can always replace the character, you cant replace a director and so it should be the directors first task to ensure that any production he does is the best it can possibly be. Just my two cents worth ;) Keep Smiling :) David Green DRAGON FILMS www.davidgreenenterprises.com

NaSat, 20 Oct 2007, 03:59 pm

Thinking about this topic

Thinking about this topic some more, I was reminded of when I did a short SM stint at St Martins. I was working closely with a director, who although was being paid (probably very little), did not turn up for more than one show during the season. I've heard rumours of other professional directors similarly not appearing for the performances, except for perhaps opening night. While I could accuse the director of not caring - or being 'professional' in terms of their behaviour - but it does occur to me that there is another factor. That is payment. If a director (or actor/etc.) is contracted on to create a show, and unless specified and paid to do so, they may not 'have' to show up to performances. Only perhaps, rehearsals. I know it's not likely, but as with the above rumour, it was suggested to me that directors 'can' leave without actually overseeing the performances (since in many cases, the SM has the notes/blocking/prompt copy, and is in charge of running the production anyway), and therefore many 'professional' directors don't attend the shows. IMHO - and the reason I used apostrophes - this is a stupid excuse for lazy directors not to bother turning up when they have the least amount of control and input. Ie. job's done, cast and crew know what they're doing, I can't do much else. Anyway, it just popped into my head... Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

LogosSat, 20 Oct 2007, 09:16 pm

Disagree

In the professional world when a director has finished his job ie the show has opened, not previews but really opened, his job is over. He is no longer being paid and obviously must move onto the next job. It is now the Stage Managers or Company Managers job. The director maight return if he hears that his show is being mucked about but other wise he's gone. If not he could be hanging around for years. In short term shows he may stay for the run but I wouldn't. You don't make changes after you've opened, it's finished. I don't consider it lazy, it's professional, the job is done and you go. Do architects hang around their buildings after they are finished, no, do film directors follow the film around seeing it night after night, no, so why should theatre directors? Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Musically SavageSat, 20 Oct 2007, 11:45 pm

Professional Manners

It is an age old question, yes!

And so many things would come into play. The sheer size of involvement might dictate that only one production is possible and good judgement would be appreciated by all. Directors (of all varieties...) themselves need to always consider what would be required and make a sound judgement for an actor before offering a role... (odd how choices are sometimes limited...) Directors too need to be decent about it.

Thankfully the more experienced fathers, mothers, brothers & sisters within the industry try to guide us all and keep us safe n happy :-)

At the end of the day "Moral Police" patrol these waters and some fishies are not always worked with as frequently as others...

Luke

NaSun, 21 Oct 2007, 02:36 am

I guess I'm just used to

I guess I'm just used to doing fringe shows, where the director is involved much more. Personally, I think a director not seeing the performances is stupid - but you're right, I hadn't considered the longer seasons, like with many of the musicals. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

TaureanSun, 21 Oct 2007, 07:27 am

Directorial Attendance

I know several Community Theatre directors and the norm is that they usually watch the play/musical grow as the season runs. (Sometimes with less than favourable results)

However, there are a few that, for whatever reason, do not "stick around" once the show opens. One in particular comes to mind where the Director could not bring himself to watch the show. Not because of anything "wrong", but he felt he would always want to fine tune the performance and did not want to become like a director from his earlier years as an actor who insisted on giving notes throughout the run....

Sounds like a darn GOOD reason to stay away to me!!

Taurean

"Joke 'em if they can't take a stuff!" (Robin Williams)

Jodie HansenSun, 21 Oct 2007, 09:16 am

Personally....

I personally don't particularly like the director et al coming to each and every show during the run (with one exception who shall remain nameless - FLASH). I would expect them to come to the opening night and the closing night but not to each and every performance during the run. As for taking on more than one show, sometimes it can't be helped and sometimes it is a personal choice on passion. I have just finished a show last night but have been involved in the rehearsal process of another for the last couple of weeks. Yes, it is hard work but if you take it on like any other job that you want to be proud of, you will do it well regardless. At least, that is from my point of view..... You can do anything if you really really want to and have the passion to do the absolute best that you can.

NaSun, 21 Oct 2007, 11:52 am

My lighting lecturer at uni

My lighting lecturer at uni had the same issue - could never bring himself to watch any performances, either the uni productions or those he worked on externally. I know one director who shouldn't have turned up to performances, since he was new to the whole directing thing, and was terrible at giving notes after every show. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Walter PlingeMon, 22 Oct 2007, 08:20 am

MMMM

It is nice to see some others opinions on the matter. The reason for my question is I am currently involved in a show that has a fair few songs in it - and after 5 weeks of a musical director singing the songs at us - and promising to give us backing tracks to sing to - she has left to start another show. This has left us with half of the backing tracks, a cast that has no idea as to how to sing each song, and 7 weeks until we go on! I suppose I could understand if the cast was confident and the job was done - but to leave when the job you have accepted to complete is not even close to done is beyond me! And now the cast is having to figure out their own way, change songs so that we will have backing and even decide who is in what becuase she didnt even bother to do that! I have just noticed that a lot of people (at least in the South WA areas) tend to take on more than one show at a time - like she has - and then leave others to take up the slack when they cant deliver on both.

NaMon, 22 Oct 2007, 08:35 am

Yes, IMHO, that sounds very

Yes, IMHO, that sounds very bad. If you have not actually provided any assistance to the cast and ensured they are fully capable of doing the performance, then you shouldn't be leaving to do another show. Silly question - where's the AD in all of this? Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Walter PlingeMon, 22 Oct 2007, 08:42 am

Im guessing you mean director? Im not to good with the lingo :) He left her the 5 weeks to get the songs down - so we could then begin the play rehearsals. When he returned he found - chaos. So we are basically all starting form scratch now - with some members of the cast helping others with the songs - so that the director can focus on the play so that at least will not be terrible :)

NaMon, 22 Oct 2007, 09:32 am

Yes, I meant the Artistic

Yes, I meant the Artistic Director. Wow - that's really sad that the director wasn't there; I can understand wanting to leave the musical director to get on with things, but surely it would have been wise to have stronger communication between the MD and the cast. He could have known ahead of time how poorly things were coming along. I hope things turn out well! Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Walter PlingeMon, 22 Oct 2007, 09:48 am

I think he left strict

I think he left strict instructions on what was required - and the stage manager to oversee the progress. We kept him up to date with the progree, or lack of, as he was overseas. I believe she just wasnt commited and did not really care how it turned out. Even with the Stage manager and others asking for more feedback and instruction other than "Its easy" and "It will be ok"! It is unfortunate - because Im sure if he wasnt overseas we could have fixed things sooner - but as she told him she had it all organised no one thought it would get to this point. The positive thing that has come out of this though - is that the cast is now banding together to get the most out of the next few weeks and put on the best show we can.

NaMon, 22 Oct 2007, 10:41 am

Ah, well, that makes it

Ah, well, that makes it only worse doesn't it? But it sounds like you've got a very dedicated and passionate cast, and if you can band together, then anything is possible! :) Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

LogosMon, 22 Oct 2007, 10:47 am

All the best with your

All the best with your production. Whatever the reason for waht has hppened it sounds like this will challenge all of you. Give it your best and I hope it works out. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Jodie HansenMon, 22 Oct 2007, 02:12 pm

Where are you?

Where are you Meerkat? WA I think but what show is it?

Walter PlingeMon, 22 Oct 2007, 02:33 pm

Kwinana

I am in Perth WA - The show is for the Kwinana Theatre Workshop. We are doing Robin The Hood - it is going to be a very funny play I think...

LabrugMon, 22 Oct 2007, 02:44 pm

My 2 Cents

My thoughts are dependant on who you are and your involvement with a play.

Directors, Lead Actors : Should really only do one show at a time. Community or Professional, your entire focus should be on the single production. Auditioning for, or arranging a second show is acceptable.

Principle (not lead) : Again, I feel that you should dedicate yourself to one production. However, I would not be adverse to auditioning for another show while rehearsing, and possibly starting rehearsals of said show in the final weeks of performances for your current show.

Chorus, Bit parts, Cameos with lines/songs : at least half your available time should be dedicated to one show. Doing two shows while possible, can be very exhausting and possibly distracting. Doing anything more than three is simply stupid.

Extras without lines/songs : if you are just a filler and have to opportunity at doing something better, then strongly consider your obligations and be upfront with the directors and other cast members. If you have made a commitment to one show, and another comes along ...

That being said, Community Theatre is slightly more challenging, especially when cast and crew are also engaged in seeking professional work. As an example, if a lead cast member of a show is offered, say a single day of paid-work, it is unfair to expect them to turn it down and attend rehearsals for a non-paid Community Production. As a director, you just expect them to work that little bit harder to make up for it. Little interruptions such as this can be managed.

Ultimately, the decision to do multiple shows should be very seriously considered. Directors and Leads (in my view) definitely have to make solid commitments. Other members of the show then negotiate with the director/producer/etc.

In professional theatre, it is generally frowned upon to be to overly committed to multiple productions.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

Home Page
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NaMon, 22 Oct 2007, 03:01 pm

I disagree ("community

I disagree ("community theatre is more challening"). Us in the professional world also have to deal with actors/directors/crew working full-time day jobs, and particularly in profit-share work we come up with the same issues. Doing City Head this year, I had four people pull out of doing the show; my first choice was to do a one-woman show. I had an actress sorted out, who was extremely willing, but just as we got the registration done for the festival, she pulled out - she wanted to be able to accept paid work if it came along later. The other people pulled out because of various other work commitments - and all within days of committing to the show in the first place. "As an example, if a lead cast member of a show is offered, say a single day of paid-work, it is unfair to expect them to turn it down and attend rehearsals for a non-paid Community Production." It is also unfair for a lead cast member of a show to pull out of a professional, profit-share performance, and expect the director to be able to pull out another cast member at the last minute to fill the spot. Luckily, I had a friend of a friend decide to be involved, and he stayed in the show. I provide as much info to the potential cast as possible about times/dates of rehearsals and performances. I expect them to be wise enough to look at their calendar, assess their commitments, and to think about it before saying yes. If I think there is even a chance of conflict, I don't agree to something. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

LogosMon, 22 Oct 2007, 03:16 pm

We work in a very awkward

We work in a very awkward world. It runs all the way from those who do it purely as a hobby. They do not get paid and do not expect to they have day jobs and do it solely for love. There are a number of us who have day jobs full or part time who also do paid work in the world of performing arts. Some of them will also do amateur shows if the part is right or just because they want to. There are those of us who do reasonably well as performers and only have to take the other jobs occasionally to help pay the bills. Then there are those who make a living, more credit to them. I more or less live on a strange mixture of acting writing tech work and hiring out lights and other gear. I do amateur and more often profit share if the situation presents itself. I make it very well known that I will accept paid jobs that might cause me to miss occasional rehearsals but the season run of the show is always dedicated from the start and will not be cut into. I tend to agree in principle with you Jeff. The cahnge comes in where perhaps a pro musician agrees to do an amateur show in the evenings. If he or she is working on one show during the day as his/her day job and does the other at night then there is no problem the clash will occur if seasons cross and presumably that would be worked out before hand. As a technician I am often working on several shows at once. Getting one up and running while two or more are in the planning stages is not an issue. As I am also a Director and Producer I a often working on my next show in that area as well. It simply requires good planning and the ability to multi task. Which I am told that men can't do, by my wife. Any way. No lead actor pro or amateur should take on another role while still working on one. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

LabrugMon, 22 Oct 2007, 03:21 pm

Clear Point

Well argued. I accept that. I'll eat my humble pie and love it.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

LabrugMon, 22 Oct 2007, 03:26 pm

Working vs Performing

Of course my focus was mainly Community work. Most Community people do have jobs (FT/PT) where as it is my understanding that this was a given. If your lively hood is productions, then I would consider this in a similar light, its your job. Balancing a job and one show is bad enough...

For thos involved in Theatre courses, the line becomes a little thinner, but on the whole I would consider the FT/PT Student status equivalent to a job. It gets a little grey due to the similarity when doing a show for assessment and a show out of hours...

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

LogosMon, 22 Oct 2007, 04:00 pm

Students

I'm involved on another web site with a thread about students and outside theatre work. There was a hard and fast rule at my uni that you didn't work off campus during your course. The same applied to most of the top end courses in London. I think it's a good rule and accordingly I didn't even consider students in my post. When you are studing drama frankly I would have thought you'd be too damn busy to do off campus shows especially if you need a job to survive. I had a special exemption to work as a professional technician while I was at Uni because I had been doing lighting as a pro for some time before going to Uni but my time was limited because of on campus shows. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

LabrugMon, 22 Oct 2007, 04:07 pm

Closed Shop

That is absolutely true. I know that local theatrical schools (WAAPA, Curtin, UWA) have a similar view and on the whole, it makes bloody good sense. However, having had been one of those students myself, I think it would be hypocritical of me to uphold the rule when I flaunted it myself somewhat.

Ultimately, they cannot stop you and so stress the point as strongly as they can. Yet, on the other hand, I learnt a valuable lesson - exactly how taxing an endeavour it can be to tackle more than you can handle. I say, let them see what it's like. If they can handle it, then they have the stamina of J M Barrie. If not, then they may have just learnt something about their own limitations.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

NaMon, 22 Oct 2007, 05:00 pm

Oh, I forgot - and Logos

Oh, I forgot - and Logos reminded me - it's of course ok if you warn your director/whoever ahead of time if you can't make a rehearsal/show. This means the person can work out whether they need to replace the actor, or change dates, or whatever. That's fine, and of course, a natural issue when trying to make schedules agreeable to everyone. Yes, Labrug, you are right - doing a course and a show at the same time is similar, it's not advised. Especially if the course is full-time hours. It means you put a lot of strain on trying to excel in an (often) assessment situation, as well as pleasing an outside performing team. And hey, I did the same thing as Logos. During my uni holidays, I worked professionally for the uni venue, and occassionally came in on weekends to help out - but it never clashed with my assessment productions. (Incidentally, I turned down an offer to work with the Vic Arts Centre because it occurred at the same time as my last ever day at uni - it was bump out at uni and I was the SM. I believe that was my 'sliding doors' moment, since I have never been able to get work with VAC since) Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Tari-XalyrTue, 23 Oct 2007, 01:02 pm

Taking note . . .

I must have that stamina then Jeff. lol. No, there is no "rule" - written or unwritten - in my course regarding off campus show commitments. Dare I go as far to say it is actually encouraged to do 'community' shows. To help gain experience. But in saying this - in my current position of doing two shows simultaneously - I won't be doing it again in a hurry. It is tiring and takes it's toll on your body but I believe the efforts worth it, right down to the last cent. I fully agree that it is all about multi-tasking and using your time wisely, like you said Logo's. (Which, Logos, some men are capable of, just very few that I know of.) ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

Sean BTue, 23 Oct 2007, 03:00 pm

I am aware of a similar

I am aware of a similar situation where people are encouraged to perform rather than to not. As I've been looking at courses lately I found that a perk, rather than some of the bigger courses where NO you cannot do a show at the same time as a course. Just think a course can be three years long- is it not good as well to get experience outside of the course with different people as well? People I know that have been in these 'no productions outside of courses' have also appeared in other productions...I guess limiting it is kind of hard. ____________________________________________________________ Currently working on: 'Locked In' a short play based on a real life experience For more details visit: www.freewebs.com/lazycreationsgroup

Neville TalbotTue, 23 Oct 2007, 10:43 pm

Irony

The irony here is that myself and others are struggling to get MD work in this town... Anyway- my 2 bits You don't take on anything that would jeopardise you doing the best you can on either project. It's not fair on your colleagues on the show. It's also completely unacceptable to the paying audience. (this counts whether taking on 2 shows at once, or simply taking on a show when work is extra busy, or you are really needed by your family) I don't know the details of the aforementioned MD, but if this person was indeed doing the kind of job listed above, I would seriously consider a name and shame program, as this is completely lacking in integrity- either to themselves or the cast, or the job itself. I personally cannot possibly understand someone not wanting anything they're involved with to be good. This person should not be getting involved in any project. We all do stuff we'd rather not, I like to think the difference is that we in this industry will still do it well. I know of very few people capable of managing more than one major project at once. I used to think I was one of them. I now actually try desperately not to, as 'good enough' is simply not good enough in my opinion! Anyway, I swore this would not be long. Nev It's the simple things stupid...

Musically SavageTue, 23 Oct 2007, 11:35 pm

Just an inkling...

The comments above that are general in nature are quite good actually, to help get a rounded view. :-) I'm getting the impression that your production in particular Meercat includes a few dynamics that are not really ideal. The MD seems to be wearing the heat though. Most productions have a 5 or so headed monster that stumbles down the terrain and probably be an exhausting exercise to see whats going on. The immediate SW has 'Paris', 'Singing in the Rain', Wizard of Oz', Robin the Hood and Alladin(No maybe not, but there is another one) all rehearsing and crossing over etc... . Gotta a feeling that the local actor base is rather thin at the moment. The big plus here is that talent is developing nicely! I think I know a few parties involved. I'm getting curious enough to look into this just a little... Luke

Walter PlingeWed, 24 Oct 2007, 10:04 am

Understand

I understand the problems in any show can be tracked back to a number of factors :) I was more wanting to get others responses to the idea of leaving a show OR taking on another when you are already involved in a major way with another. I have been out of the community theatre monster (And it can be a monster!) for a while, so I was suprised to find people taking on so much! And in this case, when the job you have accepted to complete is so obviously NOT complete, it just baffled me! Of course it is only my opinion that this person didnt really care - they may have thought the job they were doing was actually enough - I dont know what is worse! Maybe I have been spoiled in the past with MD's that teach you the melody lines, harmonies, and all the rest and then give constructive feedback on where we could improve? After more rehearsals since my previous posts - Im actually glad that the events have occured - our show is starting to really come together, and our cast is learning so much more about theatre and each other than we were - and when we perform it we will all know that WE worked HARD to get there :)

Musically SavageWed, 24 Oct 2007, 11:24 pm

Get to it...

Rock on! The deep end is certainly fun from time to time. Enjoy as much as you can and you'll find the enthusiasm will impress the audience no end. :-) Luke

Musically SavageThu, 25 Oct 2007, 05:19 pm

Think about it...

Here's a situation that wasted directors time just recently. A young lad auditioned and went through all the process before letting us know that he'd been offered a better role in another play (pre-cast I suppose - auditions the next week or so) I did wonder what he'd planned to do if offered a larger role? What role would have been large enough? Not thought through really. Not good form so I'd discourage this sort of thing.:-( Luke ...up their for thinking...

Walter PlingeThu, 25 Oct 2007, 07:52 pm

AH!

That is exactly the kind of thing I mean! How can these people perform to the best of their ability if they are always waiting for a better role?!?!?! Shouldnt they be focusing and committing to the one they have?

calFri, 26 Oct 2007, 09:52 pm

HMMMM

Having recently directed Beauty and the Beast in Newcastle, I had my entire cast commit to our rehearsals from August, and we started rehearsal in late June for an opening of late September. I was very lucky that this happened, because Newcastle music theatre people have a habit of being involved in at least 1-3 shows per year. It is very frustrating from both an acting and a directing point of view if you don't have those people there. Even if they are only fillers, they are there to do a job. I only had 24 in the 'ensemble' in B&B, and i can assure you, if even one of those were missing it made a huge impact. I have now moved to Perth and am finding the same frustration as an actor with people not being at rehearsal, for other reasons apart from 'other shows', in my book, you miss rehearsal for 2 reasons, illness (deaths included) and work. But I always used to say to my casts, in the last 2 weeks b4 we go up, can you please change your shifts. Enough notice was there. Meercat, your idea of an MD is what I have always been lucky enough to have up until now. I love my MD to death, but here we are 3 weeks out, and he is not only trying to make things work vocally for the cast, but he is in the show as well trying to remember where the hell he is supposed to be on stage. Ah well.... Cal DON'T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN

Walter PlingeFri, 26 Oct 2007, 09:56 pm

The MD of this show was

The MD of this show was invited to help the club out at the last minute when the pre organise MD had to leave due to other committments. Her brief was to teach the songs to the cast whilst the director was away. She was happy to do this as it fitted quite nicely into her extremely busy schedule. She has also been given the option to come back closer to the show and polish up anything that needs it. In future make sure you have the facts before you post a forum. I am happy to talk to you about the show and the way we work at any time.

Musically SavageFri, 26 Oct 2007, 11:57 pm

I'm a bit stunned Cal. Yr

I'm a bit stunned Cal. Yr using backing tracks for the show? Or who's in front of the cast. The MD is usually (or ideally) the friendly face for the cast to look at & be inspired by. I suppose the benefit is the MD is in the SAME show twice... :-) I'd be interested in what yr doing too, I MD'd B&B in Mandurah earlier this yr & that show seems to make family of people. Luke ... just dancing on the inside...

MeercatSat, 27 Oct 2007, 02:46 pm

Response to our Theatre Manager

We wish to respond to your posting. Whether the Musical Director was called in at the last minute or not she did not appear to be prepared. We were not given sheet music, lyrics, we were not taught melody lines and we were expected to learn new dances whilst learning songs. Last minute preparations aside, my comments were referring to the job she believed was "enough". When she left, we were still not aware of which cast memeber was in each number! At no time were we given directions on where we could improve, we were told continuously that everything was good and even when we asked for more direction we were told "It is easy". I wonder what it is that you and the musical director believe she is polishing when she returns? At the stage we were at when she left, there was nothing in our opinion that was even close to polishing. We are still yet to receive backing tracks, even though they have been requested numerous times. These are the facts as we know and believe them to be. While you may have stopped in on rehearsals from time to time - we have been to each rehearsal and experienced first hand the first five weeks under the MD's control. We understand that their is two sides to every story, however, the fact remains that after five weeks of her "teaching us the songs" the cast is now having to start from scratch and work extremely hard in the remaining five weeks to put on the sort of show that our patrons expect of KTW standards. As the manager of our Theatre, we would have thought your interests would stand with those who have a vested long term interest in our theatre as opposed to those passing through. Arguements aside - the fact remains that the cast of this show is now picking up the slack for work that was not done as promised. This is our view alone - in no way do we represent the views of KTW as a whole. JESSICA LAVERS & NAREEN KEIR.

Walter PlingeSat, 27 Oct 2007, 03:13 pm

I HATE FUCKWITS

Walter PlingeSat, 27 Oct 2007, 03:27 pm

I was referring to those

I was referring to those who leave productions semi-done and have the intellectual integrity of a spanner, not those who attempt to hold a show together.

Walter PlingeSat, 27 Oct 2007, 06:00 pm

I understand your side of

I understand your side of the story. And YES I do have a vested long term interest in our theatre.If I did not then....... As explained to you previously both our MDs (and you know who they are)were busy for this show and rather than cancel the whole season I found a replacement MD which, I may add, is not easy to do. I am sorry that it has not worked out but it was totally out of my control. The control at all times lies ultimately with the director. He was away and handed control to the Stage Manager.Even though I have only been to a few rehearsals I have at all times been in contact with the Stage Manager. I have wanted to chat to cast but have been asked by her not too. Because I have complete faith in all who work at my club, good, bad or otherwise I am sticking with it throughout the year (years before and years afterwards)not just coming and going as I please. I thank all cast, crew and committee for being supportive and realising that, all things aside, we just need to get a show on and a bloody good one at that!

Walter PlingeSat, 27 Oct 2007, 06:42 pm

Please re read this posting from the start

At no point did I attack the job you are doing, or the quality of the cast in this show. I was merely giving my opinion and asking for others opinions on people leaving shows when their task is not complete or taking on more than they can handle. Im dissapointed that you missunderstood my comments.

Walter PlingeSun, 28 Oct 2007, 11:37 am

So what is happening now

So what is happening now with the vocal rehearsals? Do you have someone else that can help you or have you been left on your own?

jeffhansenMon, 29 Oct 2007, 10:31 pm

MD?

Five weeks of vocal rehersal, and it's not together? Someone isn't doing their job. Is it just the MD? In my experience, cast are given stuff they are expected to learn away from rehearsals, but they tend not to. They turn up at rehearsals and ask "What was that bit we did last time?" If cast come prepared with a recording device, then go away and learn their parts, it all goes smoothly. When I was doing this for money, we'd get a whole show down in 4-5 weeks. Songs, Chori, Lines - the lot. It takes dedication and hard work from both sides. My 2 cents...

RapunzelThu, 1 Nov 2007, 07:35 am

hmm

It's a funny world indeed. In England panto often only has a seven day rehearsal period (9.00 to 6.00 daily, last two days are actually in the theatre) so you learn the lot in that time. It works out at about 60 hours to do everything. Back to the original topic. Had a similar experience to one poster above, discovered the guy we'd cast had dropped out of a show, which he'd started rehearsing for another company, to take the lead in ours. Because it was the lead and the other show role wasn't? Who knows?? I know actors have egos, of course we do, but that's just arrogance with a capital "A". I also know someone who repeatedly takes on multiple roles for different companies which overlap...sometimes by far too much. This person is never home, they are always at a rehearsal...sorry, I'll correct myself...or they are ill (because of over-rehearsing?!?) Some overlap is understandable, albeit tiring as Tari is discovering, but you owe it to yourself to learn what your personal limit is and not be so rude as to give "second best" or "good enough" to someone else's vision. Good luck to the cast who are pulling it together (break lot's of things!!) Rapunzel "Papa, where is Mama? They tell me she has gone away, where is she?"

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