It's a community theatre and they each have their own culture and rules. Others have already posted about what would be Equity rules, practices and etiquette. I would just like to offer that if the Board really has this house rule for their shows, you choices are:
1. Meet with the Board and convince them they are wrong. Maybe you can get them to change their policy.
2. Give your notes to the SM. Let them communicate all notes to the cast and report back to you.
3. Continue to do what you are doing, knowing that it will cause bad feelings with the Board, and make your peace with the fact that they may not ask you to direct there again.
Those are your three choices as I see them. No union rules cover this theatre and the Board is free to run things as they see fit.
I am directing a show in Camden, NJ that is community theatre, even though they bill themselves as professional. It is non Equity and basically community theatre actors.
We opened 2 weeks ago and attended the show this past Friday. One of the actors has altered her costume and I contacted the stage manager to let her know to tell the actor it needs to be readded.
A Board rep informed me that I am not allowed to give notes or talk to the cast after we opened.
This was not agreed on and not in contract with the company.
I have been looking on line to see if there are any rules pertaining to this - even in actors Equity. Am I correct that as the shows director that when there are issues such as this, that there are no rules about this.
Thanks