Dear Abby: SM Deputy vs Disrespectful Director

[PSMKay]

We have received the following post from an SMNetwork member who wishes to remain anonymous.  You can read more about "Dear Abby" posts on the Announcements board.

Dear SMNetwork:

Let me preface this by saying that the actress I'm working with is a consummate pro, and a kind and very pleasant colleague. The director (also executive producer) is another story....

On average, he has been twenty minutes late every day. I understand that regulating and disciplining him is not my place, but it's just one of many demoralizing, frustrating habits he presents daily. Today, he came into the theater (it's tech week) and announced that in one hour or less, he wanted the actress in costume and makeup for a press shot, to be submitted to the local paper of note. We do not have the wig yet (another irritating story) and no one other than the director had been informed of any press shots before tomorrow, when the staff photographer is due to attend the final dress.

As both the PSM and the Deputy on the production, I am disturbed by this disregard for the Union's rules re: due notice for press shots. I spoke with the actress, and she said she is not interested in filing a grievance with the Union. My question is this: given that this is another in a series of concessions requested (or, in another view, demanded by default) during this production, and that the director is also the executive producer, should I as the Deputy pursue the paperwork with the Union anyway? I'm frankly offended at how this director treats his entire staff, but know that I have grounds only to speak up on behalf of the AEA employees. I also want to continue supporting the actress, given that she has been very gracious throughout this process, and we have another six weeks to work together.

What should I do?

Thank you.

-- Tormented in Tech

[loebtmc]

I am not sure where you are located, but certainly in the Western Region I have been able to share certain things "under the table" - anonymously and in ways that don't come back to bite me. I would indeed report this to the union and make sure the rep dealing with this company knows abt problems - especially if there are ways the rep could have found out without the producer/director assuming it came from either you or your actress. Notifying the union of this producer's blatant disregard will help when he asks for concessions plus allows the rep to help teach in interactions with this person. Plus, it never hurts having things in his file so folks are warned before dealing with him. And yes, as the deputy, you are entitled to report this.

In my current production, I had to speak to our writer during rehearsal because she brought a camera. The rule is 24-hr notice. The work-around is taking the actress aside (so she can speak freely and also so the director knows there is a process involved - some of this is for show) and formally asking her if that's ok, and letting her know that saying NO is an option. And if I were the actor, I would take as much time as I needed to be ready for the call.

Assume this is a one-person show (which is why you are both PSM and Deputy)?

This doesn't address the larger problem of the director, but it's a start.

[Rebbe]

I guess I have mixed feelings about this, because since the director did not give notice, you and the actor should not have allowed photos to be taken.  We as AEA member are obligated to adhere to the rules in the book, and it takes two parties to make a violation like this possible.  My understanding is that, technically, we as individuals are not allowed to make concessions by saying “ok, just this one time, I don’t want to cause trouble so I’ll let you take my photo even without any notice.”   That said, I completely understand that you were put in a terrible position, wanted to help get good publicity for the show, and I might have made similar choices myself. 

Since it sounds like you’ve felt pressured to violate rules, you should definitely call Equity.  Just placing a call isn’t the same as filing an official grievance, so you can get some advice and support before you decide on that if you want.   You shouldn’t be alone in dealing with this, but your rep won’t know you need help if you don’t ask.  I don’t think this is contradictory to supporting the actress.  You may even want to mention to her that if she makes compromises in an effort to be nice, it could actually have negative consequences for the next cast, since this director will expect the same of them.   

If you felt like it, you could also have a conversation with the director, telling him in a friendly way that you’ve done him some favors so far, but you will have to call Equity about any other special requests.  Maybe be ready to list rule vs. realities up to this point.  You can even approach it as if you are sympathetic to him, but just not allowed go against the contract you both signed.  Then you can call and let the union say no to him for you.  Based on the producers response to any of the above, you can decide if you want to do an official grievance form as well.

[loebtmc]

(I meant to say much of what rebbe said but edited too much - yay rebbe!) -

yes, a conversation w the director is in order - and a conversation w AEA - and with the actress

[PSMKay]

The original poster has sent me a response:

Thank you for your encouragement and support....

I spoke with our Business Rep, and was much heartened by the conversation. Apparently, while staffers at this company say the director/producer's attitude has been a consistent issue, the BR said this was the first report of such a concern by Stage Management, and agreed to put a note in the company file.

loebtmc - yes, this is a one-person show.

Rebbe - while I certainly agree with you on obligations of AEA members, my experience with this director is that a refusal to bend rules prompts him to stonewall, attack, belittle and generally disrupt the work of all departments (including the folks onstage) until he gets his way. Given that my first priority was getting us to a point where the actress could get onstage and work through the show (we had never run through the show, at this point), and that this photo session was directly between us and a run, I felt the best and most expedient option was to compromise so we could reach that goal.

Moving forward, as we only have six or so more hours to rehearse, how do folks here on the SMNetwork deal with directors who exhibit this kind of behavior? Do you have any favorite tricks (or stock phrases) that you find can minimize this attitude?