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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Reprimanding Actors
« on: Nov 17, 2009, 07:00 pm »
I personally work in a Community College setting myself, so I have experienced inexperienced AND irresponsible actors. I have found that the best method of action for these situations is:
1 - pull the actor aside, FIRST make sure that there isn't a problem that you aren't aware of that is keeping them from fulfilling their responisbilities - is mom sick and needs help? (this shows off the bat that you care about them personally, and that you don't think they are at fault but rather that you suspect something is wrong, instead of acussing them of "bad behavior")
2 - if there is NO personal problem, ask how you can help them to full fill there responsibilities - once again, show you care and that you are willing to help them be their best. - ask if sending a text message reminder 2 hours before reh will help, or a weekly email reminder of what's happening, etc...
Be sure to mention to your director (causually) that there was a "situation" and that you took care of it. (just make them aware that it happened)
3 - if the problem happens again (the 2nd time) - follow the above steps again, but then add that "three strikes your out" rule applies and that if it happens again you will have to talk to the director about considering recasting his/her role, for the the sake of the production and out of curtousy for the other actors!
NOW is the time to re-address your director about this issue - telling them of the first event when it happens helps make THIS step a little easier on them, they have had time to process all that's happened (as they already have a lot happening) - ask them to keep in the back of their mind the thought of replacing the actor if needed.
4 - if it happens a 3rd time, talk to your director immediately!!!
If he is not willing to recast, then ask if HE will talk to the actor, as directors seem to sometimes have just enough "scare" power to straighten someone out.
This is what I have done, and I've established a great relationship with all my actors, and my reputation precedes me now, so I get texts ASAP when people are going to be late, and they know what is expected and the consequences if they don't stand up to their part of the deal!
Hope this helps.
-Alisa
1 - pull the actor aside, FIRST make sure that there isn't a problem that you aren't aware of that is keeping them from fulfilling their responisbilities - is mom sick and needs help? (this shows off the bat that you care about them personally, and that you don't think they are at fault but rather that you suspect something is wrong, instead of acussing them of "bad behavior")
2 - if there is NO personal problem, ask how you can help them to full fill there responsibilities - once again, show you care and that you are willing to help them be their best. - ask if sending a text message reminder 2 hours before reh will help, or a weekly email reminder of what's happening, etc...
Be sure to mention to your director (causually) that there was a "situation" and that you took care of it. (just make them aware that it happened)
3 - if the problem happens again (the 2nd time) - follow the above steps again, but then add that "three strikes your out" rule applies and that if it happens again you will have to talk to the director about considering recasting his/her role, for the the sake of the production and out of curtousy for the other actors!
NOW is the time to re-address your director about this issue - telling them of the first event when it happens helps make THIS step a little easier on them, they have had time to process all that's happened (as they already have a lot happening) - ask them to keep in the back of their mind the thought of replacing the actor if needed.
4 - if it happens a 3rd time, talk to your director immediately!!!
If he is not willing to recast, then ask if HE will talk to the actor, as directors seem to sometimes have just enough "scare" power to straighten someone out.
This is what I have done, and I've established a great relationship with all my actors, and my reputation precedes me now, so I get texts ASAP when people are going to be late, and they know what is expected and the consequences if they don't stand up to their part of the deal!
Hope this helps.
-Alisa