Comments for ShowBizRadio

Comment on Commit to Acting by David James

David James — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:22:09 +0000

Well spoken indeed. There is no task undertaken that can be undermined,faster and more thoroughly then with lack of commitment. I have been blessed to work with nothing but the most devoted individuals in my three years of community theater. However I have dealt with bad attitudes in other areas. I know how frustrating it is. I have only to say this to those who do not put forth their best effort. If you wish to embarrass yourself on stage that’s the way to go.If you do not care about embarrassing others,well shame on you.
David James

Comment on Commit to Acting by Dave Bayles

Dave Bayles — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:54:18 +0000

Well spoken Ty. The thing that gets me though is those directors who cast these people you speak of over and over again. True, directors don’t always know the acting habits of everyone, but most of us who have been around a while do know who they are. I have seen time and time again these people being cast by the same directors time and again with the same results, not showing for rehearsal, leaving early, not learning lines not available for every production and on and on. Yes, if you are going to act, then act. And give it 110%. Some of us may not be as talented, but for me as a director I would prefer to cast a less talented actor who goes all in that’s the person I know I can work with, rather than the one who is only 90% or who may drop out for something “better”. Someone who does that sort of thing to me once, will never get a chance to do it to me a second time.

Comment on Rehearsing Auditions by Bill Aitken

Bill Aitken — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:05:36 +0000

Post the rest of it.

Comment on Where Did That Chair Go? by K C

K C — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:25:32 +0000

Thanks, this is a great tip. I like the ideas to instill the set into our memory and of the goal of ‘comfort’ on the stage. Thanks for sharing

Comment on Ask Questions by Bill Aitken

Bill Aitken — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:20:42 +0000

Well that got cut off.

What I was going to finish saying is that that i make sure they and crew know that the only one who stops rehearsal is me. Ive been in two many shows where in the middle of a scene an actor stops it becuase someone did something different or a prop or set piece was out of place . If is something is done differently or in a different place the actor should adjust and adapt to it. You never know what you may discover in a rehearsal by doing that.

Comment on Ask Questions by Bill Aitken

Bill Aitken — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 22:06:54 +0000

I make it clear at the very beginning to the actors that’s how I work. The other thing I like to do is make sure that they and te crew know that the only person who sto

Comment on Ask Questions by david james

david james — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 20:04:14 +0000

I must say Ty, this particular column is one that hits home for me the most out of all others I have read of yours. One of the biggest drawbacks of community theater is the lack of time to spend table talking and digging deep into the authors subtext. Now I wish to say the talent I have worked with is fully capable of deeper discovery. It is just time restrictive because of jobs and other priorities. I have been very fortunate to have worked with a few community theaters which block out 6 to 8 weeks before rehearsal to do such exploration. To the point, too many questions during a 3 maybe 4 hour rehearsal time can really hold up production readiness. What Bill says about just trying something with out asking only works if the director and other actors are aware of the allowance to do so. I think that any director that wishes to get the most out of his cast and crew owes them the understanding of how he wishes to conduct his rehearsals. A good director is only as good as his ability to cast, meaning you were cast because of something he saw in you and he wishes to see more of it. If you are an actor like myself who flourishes most when allowed to ask questions,and there is not any official rehearsal time to do so, do not be afraid to let your director know of your acting process. I have found to my very pleasant surprise how professional and committed our community theater folk are. The directors I have worked with are tickled to work with an actor who wishes to explore his character with questions. There just needs to be an understanding and balance so the production as a whole moves forward and smooth as possible. Again Ty, thank you for your insight and expertise. Mr. Aitken you are right on the money, no actor or director likes surprises that are dangerous or shocking. Even when on stage, common sense does not take a back seat to an actors choice.
David James

Comment on Ask Questions by Bill Aitken

Bill Aitken — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:30:00 +0000

I agree and disagree. If you dont understand what you are doing on stage or why you are doing it by all means ask a question. But a lot of the questions actors have they should be able to answer themselves. I tell actors all the time dont ask me if you can try something, just do it. If I dont like it I will tell you. That gives that actor and the other actors on stage a chance to discover their honest actions and reaction to a scene. The only limits I put on that is where it involves stage violence and intimacy. Those have to be talked about before hand.

Comment on Safety First by Joan Lada

Joan Lada — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:47:43 +0000

Theater is inherently dangerous. I agree. However, in your article- you fail to mention the person whose job it is to maintain a safe working enviroment for actors & crew. The stage manager. I have been stage managing for over a decade- both professionally and at the community theater level. I stress to my casts & my crews that safety is the 1st priority- both in rehearsal and on the stage. I walk the decks before anyone else- cast or crew- looking for potential hazards- before every rehearsal and every show. Anyone with a concern is told to see me. The start of all tech rehearsals comes with a standard note from me- anyone can stop the rehearsal if they feel unsafe. I have had members of my crews and my casts stop rehearsals for this reason. Sometimes they need more light in a backstage area, maybe more glow tape on a set piece. Never have I ever had a director or a producer push me to continue rehearsal on a stage that is unsafe. Every stage manager I know feels as I do. A cast and a crew should look to their stage manager at any time if they feel their safety is being compromised. The stage manager should then address the problem.

Comment on Safety First by Dave Bayles

Dave Bayles — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:37:43 +0000

Theater is inheritly dangerous. I so agree that if a director or anyone wants you to do something that you think is dangerous, don’t do it. As you say Ty, there will be other shows and other roles. However, I have found that it is the “little” things that present as hazardous and dangerous to ones safety. Cables, cords, nails, screws, props, set pieces, and anything and everything back stage. Everytime I direct a show I remind my cast and crew that theater is inheritly dangerous, keep your head up, be aware of everything. I remind them that rehearsal is not only for learning lines, your blocking and movements, but also to become aware of your suroundings. From dressing & green rooms to center stage, and in between. Spending time knowing your surounding can save you a bump on the head, a cut, a scrape or any one of assorted mishaps. Theater IS inheritly dangerous.