how do you evaluate a director's work?
Thu, 26 Mar 2009, 05:59 pmLisa Skryp49 posts in thread
how do you evaluate a director's work?
Thu, 26 Mar 2009, 05:59 pmI have been reflecting on my reactions to theatre that I see.
As an actor who has yet to tackle directing, I realise I generally look at things from that point of view. My observations re: lighting/set design/sound are generally minimal - unless it is particularly amazing or dreadful. Sad I know, but true.
As to the direction of a show, it is a similar thing for me; unless someone makes some very different thematic/interpretive/stylistic departure from the expected, I don't tend to notice & the lucky actors get all the credit for a great show.
To me it would seem that if a director has done a good job, no one will really notice, as the show will flow smoothly, tell the tale effectively & captivate as it should.
Just wondering - how do you evaluate a director's work? What are your thoughts on this, folks?
You've got it right.
Fri, 27 Mar 2009, 12:49 amThat is absolutely right Lisa. If the Director got it right no-one notices. Its a fact of life - if the Director gets it right, then the Actors get the credit. If it goes wrong, its the Director's fault. As a Director I completely accept this, and expect it to be no other way.
It is only with experience and a lot of practice and analysis that you can begin to appreciate what the Director does. Of course, as an Actor you are familiar with what he/she does, but it is much more difficult to spot it in a production you are not involved in. Hell, I've been a Director for years AND spent a year adjudicating, and I still find it hard to define the Director's role. People not involved in Theatre ask me what directing involves, and I have a hard job describing it. It just sort of ..... happens. Or not, as the case may be!