Direct Consequences

As a director, every production you tackle is a different. Currently, I am co-directing (with Ryan, the Kander to my Ebb) No.11 Productions’ original play Claire and the Ornithological Shadow. After last night’s lackluster rehearsal, I feel I need to remind myself what it means to be a good director. Here’s what I think (and please, feel free to comment or disagree or question this, I would love to make this a discussion).

A director…

• Is organized and creates a focused rehearsal atmosphere that fosters ideas, growth, and play.
• Determines blocking and provides the creative team with a sturdy structure.
• Is keeper of the vision, creates the world of the play.
• Inspires the actors and creative team to do their best and makes sure no one feels slighted.
• Ensures that all of the elements create a cohesive production.
• Is never afraid to try an idea.
• Asks questions and provokes the imagination of the creative team.
• Is confident in their ideas and vision (without being closed off to suggestions).
• Finds the means to create onstage what they imagine in their head.
• Pays attention to every detail.
• Does his/her homework and researches all aspects of a show.
• Does not impose superfluous ideas/devices on a play. Every artistic decision should bring out and enhance what lies in the script.
• Acts for the good of the production.

Claire and the Ornithological Shadow has been a very different directing experience for me. First off, there’s no script. We’re creating this from scratch through the rehearsal process. Previously as a director, the script was my measuring stick and my source of inspiration, now the “script” is an amorphous idea I have to discover. Secondly, there are two directors and two actors. That’s a very odd proportion for me. And we’re rehearsing in our apartments, not a studio. And we’re all really good friends. It’s a weird rehearsal atmosphere and one we haven’t fully adjusted to. Thirdly, and what needs to be addressed most urgently, I’m not sure if we’re all on the same page. The world of the play exists in my mind, but, without a script, it is very difficult to know if the rest of the team sees it the same way. As directors working without a script, Ryan and I have to be all the more eloquent and clear in painting the landscape on which our terrific actors will play.

Don’t fear we’ve got two months to work out the kinks before the play opens and I know it is going to be great when it does. I in no way am casting any disparity on the gang at No. 11, they are wonderful! I just know that personally, as an ever-growing artist, I’ve still got a lot to learn and discover about this powerful, delicate craft called directing.

Written by Julie Congress