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'All great directors - however they do it - make you want to be good. I hope I do it. It's like being a parent, a psychiatrist, a disciplinarian and a friend. '
Ann Reinking
There are always time constraints in theatre, which often causes a feeling of urgency and the need to get a play ready. However, one of the biggest disruptions to the rehearsal space is often social issues amongst the cast or casts feeling tired and overworked. The pandemic has had an impact on how we socialise, how we feel in new spaces, our trust and our stamina. We can ignore this and potentially come across obstacles within the rehearsal period, or we can try and factor this into decisions around rehearsals.
Below are a few tips to implement early on to help support the smooth running of a rehearsal space.
Often, it’s tempting to overlook these as unimportant, and rush into the work. But long term, these additions can really help negate any longer- erm issues.
Have a framework but keep flexibility within it. Maybe structure rehearsals loosely so there are routine ways of beginning and ending a rehearsal. This sense of ritual often offers a sense of stability which can allow people to feel safe, able to connect and in turn take more creative risks.
Group check-ins
Movement check-in The actor does a movement and a sound that represents how they are feeling, the company then mirrors the movement and sound back to the person. Work around the group.
Metaphor check-in The actor uses a metaphor to describe how they are feeling, i.e. ‘I’m feeling like I am in a busy street and there is lots of traffic’. This is a great way to assess where people are at without them potentially having to divulge personal information.
It’s also a good way to assess the energy within the group and an easier way to keep a check-in concise. An addition to this is asking if there is an image that could help with their metaphor. For example, if it was ‘I’m feeling like I am in a busy street’ the addition they could add to the image might be finding a park that’s close by or a quiet green space that the person can pause in. Often, just doing this can help a person feel more relaxed and in tune.
Company agreements These can be simple and quick to do. It can create clarity and agreement around the space and is away of acknowledging that everyone has different needs and boundaries.
Use big sheet of paper, agree upon and write down how everyone would like the space to operate during rehearsals, i.e. a confidential space, respectful etc.
Themes/Power Dynamics It can be useful as the director to understand the position of power that you hold within the company and consider how you can hold this in a way that is respectful. In therapy there is a term called the good enough mother. Directors need to be the good enough director; No one is perfect, but like a mother you can be the person holding the boundaries, making sure the space feels safe, making sure everyone feels seen and heard and supporting the cohesion of the group – it’s a tough gig!
If running a larger company, clarity around roles and expectations within rehearsal spaces can be useful and help with transparency.
Themes Invariably, plays will explore themes that may have had an impact on the cast (please also consider stage management). Allow space for individuals who might have been affected by traumatic themes to express their concerns without the need for disclosure. It's helpful to acknowledge early on any themes that could be triggering or traumatic and inform the cast that you are available to discuss these concerns privately without requiring personal disclosure. While most actors likely possess self-awareness to determine if they can work with these themes safely beforehand, it's beneficial for you to be aware so that you can modify and adjust your approach to direction accordingly.
Breaks If not stipulated by the theatre, this can be discussed in the group contract. If you are someone who forgets to take breaks, maybe have someone in the cast remind you. Try to make sure everyone has had some fresh air and food; it means you’ll have a cast better able to focus and make it to the end of rehearsals.
Warm downs and debriefing Offering simple structures for actors to warm down and debrief can be incredibly useful and does not need to take up much time.
Debrief
In a circle go round and ask each member to reflect on anything they want to take away from the performance (positive feelings about how a scene went) and something to leave behind (low energy).
You might want to create a space for reflections but set a time limit and make sure everyone gets to be heard. It might be to make this more concise you ask people to simply say words, thoughts, emotions that the performance brought up.
Refill your own cup As a director find ways to look after yourself. Do what you need to do to stay grounded and connected. As the director you are holding the space and creating the container for the work to take place. This can be draining and hard work – sometimes actors do not understand/appreciate the work that holding a space takes, so take care of yourself!
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