Hi, I'm sorry things have not turned out the way you wanted. I agree with the aforementioned sentiments that they do not know what you know- or the more aptly put- fake it until you make it. Although I'd directed before- when I took on my first musical it was daunting. However, I did not let that on to students at all. Otherwise, as you have likely learned- you've compromised your authority. Not to mention- I'm sure there was a teacher/ director before you? One thing I think most any theatre teacher can agree with is that drama kids are fiercely loyal to their directors. More than likely you've walked into a situation where they are already measuring you against their old director. They are comparing your logic, ideals, and thought processes. Even if yours are better- they will likely default to the loyalty they feel for the previous teacher. I know when I took on a new position I was VERY careful not to say anything negative about the previous teacher, and I asked them to let me know if they had different fundamental ideas about things. That way we could engage in a conversation not about why the previous teachers methods might have been bad or ineffective, but instead- about new methods simply add to the actor's arsenal in tackling a role or a show. That way I was never negating something they felt a fierce loyalty for- I was adding to their bag of tricks and breadth of knowledge. I have seen some other train wrecks happen when new teachers took over and their methodology was vastly different than that of their predecessors and instead of having a dialogue they assumed a "my way or the highway" philosophy that made students feel like they were enemies as opposed to a team. They will want to make you their enemy- it is teenage nature to test authority and see what they can get away with. Unfortunately for you, they are already a small mutinous army unified under the beliefs of their previous director. You have to work hard to get them to join your team. It should be expected that they are going to continue to test your authority.
I feel like it is worth mentioning that from a directing philosophy standpoint- it is NOT about what YOU want/ wish. It's about what best serves the show. If you present ideas that way it's hard to argue with because it's not about conflicting desires- it's about the story and what tells it the best. I always tell my performers that if I've directed them to do something that seems wrong in the moment to let me know. We then discuss it and nine times out of ten they see why I made that choice and why it makes sense. Sometimes though, their instincts are better and serve the show. The important aspect here is it is not an order, it's a creative process. An order can be violated, a process dictates logic and a dialogue (ergo, mutual respect). Keep in mind that the dialogue typically involves me allowing them to try what they'd prefer as part of the discussion. Usually, they'll do it and it will immediately feel wrong after we've had the discussion. This only works in rehearsal though- nothing beats out the ego-feeding mania of an audience's feedback. Audiences are not part of the process, and in HS- they love everything they see typically. Even if it is illogical.
Here's something I've always had to make peace with- part of the art of directing is the "letting go". Ultimately, the show goes up- and it belongs to the actors. Your hand in it is withdrawn. If you've done a good job there should be no sign you were ever there. It should all happen effortlessly- as if nothing could stop this reality from being. If you've done a great job- when things go wrong on stage (because they ALWAYS do) your actors are able to obey the reality of the scene and their characters and keep the story going without a hiccup. This, again; is because the focus has been on honoring the story and the world it creates above all else.
On another note- EVERYTHING that happens on stage doesn't have to come from the director. In fact, if your actors are making creative choices for their characters that are realistic, that is great. That means they are acting more like professionals than not. That makes your job WAY easier. You should encourage well thought out creative choices being made by your actors. Discourage "because it would be fun". If they think "it's better" and can articulate why- it's hard to argue with that.
Lastly, and here's the kicker- I'm not a screamer. I'm not a yeller. I'm just disappointed. Disappointment holds more power than anger or hurt. Especially if you've done a few shows and they've learned that you won't cast students who disappointed you in lead roles again because they haven't proven they can be trusted to respect the creative process. Right now they don't know what the results of their actions are. They don't know what will happen to them now that they've violated your trust. What I recommend you do is put on your steel panties and do NOT let them see you cry. I would recommend you give "After show" notes and address those moments in the play. Ask as calmly and flatly as you can why they chose to do those things. See what they have to say. Discuss the fact that it would have been more appropriate for them to have spoken to you before making changes. Discuss the fact that they have disappointed you greatly because you thought you could trust them to honor the production process and what would best serve the story. Discuss the fact that you'll have to keep in mind who is a team player and who is not when casting the next show. If they are seniors and are moving on/ won't care- it doesn't matter. This is how you build a sense of respect for your next show with those who remain. By demonstrating what the consequences of violating your trust will be. Don't be vindictive, don't be catty. Just be to the point. As for the costume kid, just state it was not part of the design scheme and that they should wear their assigned costume. Then, when no one else is around- hide the preferred costume until after show. I've had these sort of problems with shows we do in partnership with other schools- and rather than try and win a kid over who doesn't know me I simply remove the option.
I know this is a lot, I hope it helps.
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Victoria Kesling Councill
Chapter Director - VA EdTA/ Virginia Thespians
Theatre Director- Fine & Performing Arts Department NKHS
Artistic Director - NKHS Trojan Theatre
Artistic Director - Kent England Exchange Production
Virginia Commonwealth University BFA Theatre Education, BFA Art Education '08
University of Houston - MA in Theatre Candidate '16
"Love the art in yourself and not yourself in the art." - Konstantin Stanislavski
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-23-2017 09:33
From: James Gunn
Subject: Directing Issues- Creative Boundaries
I remember my first directorial attempt very well. I was the new teacher. The students did not trust me. I chose the typical blocking/tablework/memorization/ vocal exercise format of rehearsal. While I was open to blocking and oral interp by the actors, it was clear that mine was the final decision. At the end of the day, the cast created an excellent show, I earned their respect, and we moved on to rebuilding a program.
It seems from what you say, that they did not respect your authority. Methinks that while that may be true, it was because they knew you had never done this before and did not trust your decisions. This was exacerbated by yielding important decisions to your students, so they felt as if they were "on their own".
So, whether you feel confident in your skills or not, remember basic Magic Scoolbus teaching technique: take control, make decisions, make mistakes, get messy. Oh, and Show. No. Fear. Ever. Remember, your students don't know that you don't know.
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JIm Gunn
Director of Theatre Arts
Madera High School
Madera CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2017 17:01
From: Waleksa Mendoza
Subject: Directing Issues- Creative Boundaries
Last night was the opening night for my first time as director for our high school's Spring musical. Throughout these past few months I have welcomed input from the cast and crew being that it was my first experience as a director, which was fine until opening night. I was on cloud nine watching all of hard work come to fruition but then I saw my cast members act/ block a performance that I specifically said not to do on numerous occasions. I remember these particular actors say that it made more sense but I said vehemently said no. To see them ignore my wishes as a director hurt more than made me angry. I had already been having doubts throughout the production about my directing abilities and seeing them blatantly ignore my direction just reaffirmed my doubts. I felt like they didn't trust or respect me the moment they walked on stage. I thought about everything the "suggested" throughout the production and sat there looking at the show wondering "did I really this show or was it all the kids?" My eyes became teary and I couldn't even enjoy the rest of the show.
To make matters worse not too long after that scene, another two actors wore costumes I told them they were not allowed to use. Even with the show being sold out and numerous compliments I received for directing the show that I night, I still felt like a failure and a fraud. I'm at a loss. Are my feeling justified or am I just being overdramatic?
Waleska Mendoza