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If
you're going to act, you're going to be directed. This could be a good
thing or a bad thing. There are many directors in Delaware and I would
love to give you the lowdown on them, but it would border on slander. You
will find out soon enough by working with them. If another actor
gives you the lowdown on a director, remember it could be because they
weren't cast for something they wanted. No one gets paid in community theater;
the people with the longest resumes are not necessarily the best. Some
theaters reward hard work in the office or backstage with a chance to direct.
Some of it is political. Sometimes there is only a small pool of talent
to choose from. Lets just say, with a few notable exceptions all directors
are failed actors. They see not you on stage but themselves and can think
no further than “how would I do it.” Basically, directors are a stumbling
block to good theater.
With that said, the best directors I have worked with are ones who make
me do things that challenge me as an actor.
I have walked into a part with
only three weeks until curtain, and the only way I could do that is by
trusting the director completely.
You will also have to navigate your way around the stage with other actors.
It's harder than it sounds. In community theater most actors have day jobs.
The problems of the day come with them into rehearsal. Theater has a tendency
to attract people who are self-important. New actors have to wade through
all the crap that people can bring with them. Some theaters in Delaware
have a tendency to cast the same people over and over. This is a small
state and there are only so many actors to go around. Don't confuse this
with talent. Once you've been noticed on stage, you could easily become
the newest “flavor of the month.” If this happens to you, enjoy it while
it lasts. You'll be cast in lots of shows that you aren't qualified for,
and it'll be the best thing to happen to you artistically. Just don't take
it too hard when you cool off. It happens to everybody! Some actors feel
that they need to open their own theaters when they stop getting cast.
Resist the temptation — it never turns out for the good.
Raymond Harrington (local problem actor) back