26th August, 2009 - Ideas About Directing #4

Idea 4 – There is a Time to Let Go


Be aware that, as the time approaches for the show to go up, there is a tim to stop picking fault. There is a trade off here. Some stuff that is not in your view quite right, may slip through, but the pay off for this is that the show needs to run. There are lots of reasons for this, but the main one is that the actors need to feel the shape of the show, and to develop confidence that they can get through the whole thing without stopping. If you don’t do this, then potential disaster awaits.

Of course, this rule doesn’t stop you taking some notes and then finessing some stuff that needs attention, but don’t get too picky as the opening night approaches, or confidence will be wrecked. And you run the risk of being tied up with fly ropes and left for dead outside the stage door.