I found it invaluable, when I began, to plan, plan, plan. So, I create a rehearsal schedule and stick with it. I give it all the students so they know when they are supposed to be at rehearsal, and which days they are not needed. I post in on the website, share with parents, post it near my classroom. I've been known to replace actors when they don't show up. (Understudies are helpful; assistant directors who are students helps a LOT in this regard, particularly in the days since COVID. I've had actors have to take over parts after a diagnosis after dress rehearsal! It works! Just give them a script and a prop to hide it and the audience is very forgiving.) This saves a lot of headaches. I also break up the memorization of lines into about 10-15 segments, one a week, so that we're completely off book a few weeks before the production. I also build in days where I will NOT prompt them. One horrific rehearsal usually means the next one is fabulous because they realize no one will save them on performance night. I insist on helping each other out - in character - and professional behavior in the rehearsal room (No phones!!! No computers or tablets! They may, of course, work on homework when offstage, but if they miss a cue because they're giggling with friends, then we get a little stricter. I welcome their ideas. (I'm not one of those directors who has such an iron-clad vision that my way is the only way; I simply reserve the right to make the final decision, all of which must serve the play.) Also, give yourself permission to not be perfect. Do what you can with the resources and people you have; every production will get easier as you learn what works for you and what you can do.
Good luck!
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Elisabeth Ledwell
MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2025 10:19
From: Nick Hoffa
Subject: First Time Teacher/Director
Hey Adam - Almost too much to write here. for most of us, it's basically how do I summarize my teaching career and what do I remember about how I started out. That is to say, you are going on a journey that so many of us have gone on. And yes, ASK FOR HELP! Even from the students. Go on this with them. Empower them to feel it is their show - an opportunity, not another assignment. One of the big things to recognize is that you are establishing a culture and a tradition. And the students are not going to know what to expect until opening night and the applause. And no matter how good (or not so good) the show is, it will not matter as long as the students are proud of their work. And they probably won't feel that until they see people in the audience. So this first year, you might have to push a little harder and keep reminding them that friends and family and their other teachers are coming. They will forget that! Not as a threat or to scare them, but to motivate them and make them realize they have an opportunity.
Imagine a situation where it is a year from now and you've got kids in next year's cast who did the show this year. Those kids will start to know the process and what is at stake and will help. Slowly, you will build a culture. But this year might be a lot of work -it will still be worth it and will make your job easier in the future. I think doing public performances will raise your program and a bar for what the students feel like they can accomplish.
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Nick Hoffa
Drama Director
South Pasadena High School
CA
Original Message:
Sent: 02-07-2025 15:01
From: Adam Hobbs
Subject: First Time Teacher/Director
Hello everyone,
I am a first year teacher getting ready to embark on my first production that I am directing. I am very excited, but also incredibly anxious about the responsibility and unpredictability that comes from directing. I love my students but they struggle with behavioral issues and work ethic and I am worried that they won't be able to handle this undertaking, but am trying to give them the chance to prove me wrong. I have had a little bit of a rough time getting used to this job, but I want to get better and want to keep doing it.
All of that to say I would love any encouragement, advice, resources, etc. that anyone is willing to send my way. I have spent a lot of this school year thinking that asking for help is failing, and I am trying to get out of that habit.
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Adam Hobbs
Theatre Teacher
Lower Richland High School
SC
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