Advice for directors
Tue, 21 Dec 1999, 02:36 pmGrant Malcolm13 posts in thread
Advice for directors
Tue, 21 Dec 1999, 02:36 pmSpotted these... er... gems on a mailing list:
> 1. Pick or write your own material.
> 2. Know the story.
> 3. Know the characters.
> 4. Do not try to find exercises for actors.
> 5. Cast well - direct less.
> 6. Trust your instincts.
> 7. Do not let actors direct other actors.
> 8. Demand that actors learn the words.
> 9. Demand the best that each actor has.
> 10. Keep your car near the rear exit on
> opening night and leave the engine running.
And if these were the 10 best bits of advice i could think of for a budding director, i think i'd leave the engine running too. I'm sure we can all do better than this.
Anyone care to submit their own? I'm going to work on one in between writing Christmas cards :)
Cheers
Grant
> 1. Pick or write your own material.
> 2. Know the story.
> 3. Know the characters.
> 4. Do not try to find exercises for actors.
> 5. Cast well - direct less.
> 6. Trust your instincts.
> 7. Do not let actors direct other actors.
> 8. Demand that actors learn the words.
> 9. Demand the best that each actor has.
> 10. Keep your car near the rear exit on
> opening night and leave the engine running.
And if these were the 10 best bits of advice i could think of for a budding director, i think i'd leave the engine running too. I'm sure we can all do better than this.
Anyone care to submit their own? I'm going to work on one in between writing Christmas cards :)
Cheers
Grant
RE: Advice for directors
Sat, 4 Mar 2000, 11:09 amWalter Plinge
It is not often that I reply to the messages posted on this website however i read all messages everytime I am on the net (subscriber)...however i now feel the need to make comment like Miss Jay and Grant...
" 8)Avoid competitive theatre(ie Finley Awards,Drama Festivals)its a hobby after all, and in the end ,in this game it all starts and ends with a bare stage,and quite frankly,I think it takes away the fun,and as most of us will only be doing this for pleasure and not payment,what's the point,it will only lead to tears before bedtime. "
I disagree with this comment beyond words!!! Before making my comment i will let you know I am only a young actress therefore encouragement is a huge thing to me....
Iin 1998 I was part of the Bunbury One Act Play Fest and the State Drama Fest (youth section)....I have never felt so (i may be being very innocent and naive here) encouraged...liked...admired...'in'....welcome ...in my entire life. (This has nothing to do with my play doing well in both festivals).
The people, not only judges and organisers etc btu fellow actors, were continually talking to me and commending our performance. I was even asked to join a few different groups, which I would still love to do (i just have to try for the 3rd time to get my drivers license - and i will be up there in a flash).
The Drama Fests (if you take on the right attitude) can be so much fun and so exciting. Imagine a whole weekend dedicated to other people like you.
Also just a quick mention to rule number 1
1)If you must pre-cast a play either by necessity or choice,do it discreetly.
This is the total opposite to my previous comment. With one of my local drama organisations there is alot of pre-casting. Come on!!! We are all intelligent people we can see when things have been pre-cast...so i agree with Grant DON'T do it discreetly be up front.
I went for an audition at my previously mentioned local organisation and I have never been for one since, because the same people get the best roles everytime, only for the fact that they can 'give' something in return to the centre/organisation putting on the production.
I feel sick in the stomach when ever i walk into the centre.
They had a great little youth group *crow* that i was part of until i (along with the co-ordinator) realised the unjust way it was being 'used'. *note they lost their co-ordinator because of this fact*
on the other hand I went recently to the audition for Rebecca at Melville....even though i was not successful I would like to say a big 'congrats' to the way they handled their auditions. They were professional and encouraging and I wish them well for the production.
On that note I sign off
Sky (wannabe future Blak-yak-er)
PS. Who ever has something to do with The Last Supper..can u give a big 'break a leg' to Tom. I really would have loved to of seen it however i am away on hols YAYA when it it showing near me. (if he doesn't recognise my name remind him of Blackrock Beach..no this is nothing to gossip about just a past play)
" 8)Avoid competitive theatre(ie Finley Awards,Drama Festivals)its a hobby after all, and in the end ,in this game it all starts and ends with a bare stage,and quite frankly,I think it takes away the fun,and as most of us will only be doing this for pleasure and not payment,what's the point,it will only lead to tears before bedtime. "
I disagree with this comment beyond words!!! Before making my comment i will let you know I am only a young actress therefore encouragement is a huge thing to me....
Iin 1998 I was part of the Bunbury One Act Play Fest and the State Drama Fest (youth section)....I have never felt so (i may be being very innocent and naive here) encouraged...liked...admired...'in'....welcome ...in my entire life. (This has nothing to do with my play doing well in both festivals).
The people, not only judges and organisers etc btu fellow actors, were continually talking to me and commending our performance. I was even asked to join a few different groups, which I would still love to do (i just have to try for the 3rd time to get my drivers license - and i will be up there in a flash).
The Drama Fests (if you take on the right attitude) can be so much fun and so exciting. Imagine a whole weekend dedicated to other people like you.
Also just a quick mention to rule number 1
1)If you must pre-cast a play either by necessity or choice,do it discreetly.
This is the total opposite to my previous comment. With one of my local drama organisations there is alot of pre-casting. Come on!!! We are all intelligent people we can see when things have been pre-cast...so i agree with Grant DON'T do it discreetly be up front.
I went for an audition at my previously mentioned local organisation and I have never been for one since, because the same people get the best roles everytime, only for the fact that they can 'give' something in return to the centre/organisation putting on the production.
I feel sick in the stomach when ever i walk into the centre.
They had a great little youth group *crow* that i was part of until i (along with the co-ordinator) realised the unjust way it was being 'used'. *note they lost their co-ordinator because of this fact*
on the other hand I went recently to the audition for Rebecca at Melville....even though i was not successful I would like to say a big 'congrats' to the way they handled their auditions. They were professional and encouraging and I wish them well for the production.
On that note I sign off
Sky (wannabe future Blak-yak-er)
PS. Who ever has something to do with The Last Supper..can u give a big 'break a leg' to Tom. I really would have loved to of seen it however i am away on hols YAYA when it it showing near me. (if he doesn't recognise my name remind him of Blackrock Beach..no this is nothing to gossip about just a past play)