Oso
I'm so glad to hear what you're saying.. well, not that you're having a rough time of it with your actors, but the fact that there are others out there..
Its been getting consistantly better with my cast, I am pleased (and ohso relieved) to say.. of course the odd actor occasionally has "a day" but on the whole they're getting the idea alittle more. I've actually reached a point with them that I get hugs from most all of them before they leave, I've had most of them come up and tell me that they couldnt imagine how hard it must be to have to SM, with all that it entails.. I've even had the odd email in response to a schedualling email, thanking me for doing what I do..
It's a great feeling, and is making my job alot easier.. when i have to yell at them they dont take it personally anymore.. they realize that it is my job, and if i am yelling at them they are obviously doing something wrong.
I hope everything works out for you... maybe try explaining to them that as rough as it is yelling at them is neccisary, if they put you in that sort of position.. also, try to find something that the cast and crew can bond over... for my show it was a revolt against the administration of my school, i was lucky in that this happened relatively early into rehearsals, and my cast bonded very well very quickly.
Break a leg.. I hope your show goes well.
Zo_toast