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?
At the end of the day the director cast the actors.
Fri, 27 Mar 2009, 04:55 pmI've deffinitely been in productions where the cast have surpassed the director. I've worked with directors who understand the play, and cast actors who are capable of pulling off the characters with little or no director. As an actor I've always found that to be a little boring. Much more fun when I'm cast because the director can see 'potential' rather than because I already am the character.
Any time when I've felt like I've truly sparkled on stage, it's been because a brilliant director has pushed me till I've reached what they wanted. It's not really 'acting' if I'm just being myself on stage--and conversely I've seen really terrible directors actually intefere with a good cast and place stumbling blocks in there way of pulling off a good performance.
That's not to say that the actors don't hold an equal share, or responsibility towards quality of show, believe me I am not saying that. I always prefer to work collaboratively, and a good director inspires ownership in their cast.
Sorry, didn't mean to put my two cents in, I'm just very excitied about this topic at the moment!