I've noticed all these things to be true Matthew, on a show that has had a negative atmosphere.
BUT, I usually find that no matter what environment the Stage Manager tries to create, that the fish stinks from the top. If the DIRECTOR has
not provided strong leadership, specific characters, specific moments, specific staging, mined every laugh out of a script, and given EVERY actor in the show at least one moment to stand out, "star" or be special, the situation can deteriorate very quickly.
All the things you mention happen when actors don't feel supported, or feel like they had to create the play themselves. We as Stage Managers do the followup leadership. The tone and the quality of work, has to be set in the room and the rehearsal by the Director by his or her own tone and quality of work. If that's not there, it's always difficult to keep the cast's noses out of the rulebook, have them not call out for tiny ailments, or aggressively go after other employment so that they can out in for MRE or even give notice. Directors have a huge responsibility in keeping their actors happy in a show, and it starts on Day One of rehearsal.
So, this has come up in sort of an ongoing conversation with a colleague. One of the most important things about stage management can be setting a positive, upbeat and professional atmosphere . . . but what happens when your attempts fail – either the are aspects of the production out of your control, or the show was doomed to failure before you start – and the atmosphere turns negative – bad rehearsal environment, heinous tech, bad reviews, or small houses – can lead to a negative buzz about the production.
What I have noticed over my career is how much more difficult is it to stage manage a production that has a “negative” buzz. Has anyone else noticed some of these things?
1) Performers will call out sick quicker and let understudies go on more often if there is negative buzz.
2) In AEA situations, the productions with the negative buzz, seem to be the one where the deputy or the cast is throwing up every rule in your face.
3) In contracts with the MRE, actors are much more like to MRE out the show.
4) For longer runs, actors are much more likely to “get out of their contract” anyway possible.
5) It’s also harder to maintain / note these type of shows.
6) Actors are much more likely to play those onstage games to keep them some entertained.
Anyone else notice these or other things on these "Negative Shows"?