It is the first day of rehearsal the actors are gathering either at a table or in a circle with scripts in their hands wondering what their expectations are and possible dreads. What should you say and what comes out of your mouth.
Obviously the first item is to thank them for accepting the role in your newest product; especially if you are working with volunteer actors.
Next, is your introduction, which needs to be friendly, not threatening (that will come later with the rules). What do they wish to now are:
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- Where you are from and where you may have studied or graduated from.
- Your experience in theater, if you are a first time director let them know and tell them how you will depend on their expertise when called upon.
- If you are contracted through the theater or one of the premier directors for this theater and if you hold any other positions with this theater.
Tell them why you like this play and trust me as a director you should like the play, never take on work you don’t believe in. If you wrote the play, tell them what inspired you.
Tell them what you think the play means. What is the intent? For example, the new play I’m writing will deal with a newer type of topic “divorcing in your golden years”. People are living longer and baby boomers and younger are not necessarily going with the long standing tradition that marriage is forever and a cycle you must complete if you are not happy.
Tell them a quick overview of the story. In my case, the play will take place on the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary gathering and a quick set of events that will take place.
What is your concept, what is your interpretation of the show and what creativity within the cast are you looking for?
The point is to stimulate and excite the cast. Be charming and strike at the heart of the play.
You can continue or and save for another day which will include:
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- Introduce the staff working on the play (set designer, Customer Assistant Director/Administrative Assistant)
- If you have the luxury of an assistant, have them give a speech about commitment, attendance, policies, rehearsals, etc. Let them deal with all the paperwork and formality. If not, guess what it is you!! If you lay down policies and expectations, stick to your script and don’t allow for exceptions.
- Depending on the time, have a read through of the script or save for another night. This always depends on your time schedule from production to performance.
At the end of rehearsal, be sure you have established your leadership; remember, just like the director, actors will form early impressions of you too.
