The 3 Biggest Mistakes of a Beginning Director

Beginning directors will make mistakes. But that is to be expected in a medium like stage productions. Any live performance will have its share of issues but it will also be unique each time. Unlike television, where things can be edited, the stage is not as forgiving. So for those who find themselves in this new role, here are a few of the biggest mistakes first time (or even second, third or more times!) directors can make and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1- Removing the Mystery

The worst thing a director can do, in my opinion, is to take away the mystery of the stage. Have you heard the phrase, "smoke and mirrors"? It is a theatrical term used in regards to magicians who used mirrors to create illusions and smoke to distract your attention. The cleverness in the handling of it created such a mystery that people today are still amazed.

The idea is the same for the stage. No one wants to see Santa out for cigarette or King Henry the VIII playing his video game prior to a performance. The rule in my theater was that if you were in costume or makeup, you were not allowed outside the green room (or waiting area closed to audience members) unless you were headed to the stage.

Walt Disney World has the market cornered on characters, I believe. When visiting this past fall, my daughter was in awe of all the princesses and characters walking around. We stood in long lines to "meet" them. I was amazed myself, even though I knew these were actors. Belle never broke character when a child threw himself headlong into her arms. Pocahontas chatted about her woodland friends. Even Minnie Mouse sashayed to the gate as only Minnie Mouse can. Ask Captain Hook directions...he will do it in character!

Do not take the mystery or the enjoyment of the characters away from your audience by letting them see your actors dressed up but not "in" character.

Mistake #2- Overuse of Non-Essentials

In theater, the non-essentials are costumes, make-up, props, special effects, microphones and sets. These are incredibly useful items but are secondary to the script and the acting. You must make sure your actors are comfortable not only with their lines but with movement before you give them the extras. If they are not ready with lines or movement, then the props become crutches to hide behind.

Another mistake with the non-essentials is to focus on the sets and scenery rather than the acting. Do not let music or special effects take the place of solid acting. No one will care about the smoke machine if the actors are stumbling over lines.

Also be careful with using technical things like microphones. In large auditorium spaces, you will need to use amplification but practice and prepare. Microphones that are improperly placed on the actor can be more distracting especially if the costume hinders it. Practice with the microphones and full costume well in advance of opening night. Also be sure to have a technical expert on hand to deal with potential issues during performance and make your actor aware that if a microphone gives out, it will be up to him to make himself heard.

This brings me to another point. If you have a small auditorium or one with good acoustics, skip the microphone. A good actor should know how to project his or her voice to a full room. And if you can avoid using microphones, you will eliminate a lot of potential issues.

Mistake #3- Thinking Like an Actor

A director must have a big picture mentality going into a production. One of the biggest problems beginning directors make is to continue thinking like an actor. The adjustment from onstage to off-stage can be a challenge.

Start by conducting rehearsals from the audience. Listen and watch from many different places in the room. When I conducted rehearsals, I sat in a different seat each night. This will give you some audience perspective. Have your assistant sit in the row in front of you. Again, it will help with perspective. If you have chairs to set up (rather than a set auditorium style seating), be sure to stagger the chairs so no one has someone directly in front of him. Try to angle the chairs toward the stage rather than facing directly. You will not only get more seats into the room by angling but you will also offer your audience easier viewing.

Try to watch with fresh, objective eyes and listen closely. Can you understand the words the actors are saying, even if you did not know the script? Can you see their faces as they act? Do their actions sync with the words they are saying? Do props hinder or help? Are all spaces on stage used well? Does the production drag or does it move along at an appropriate pace? As an actor, we want all the lines and scenes but as a director, you may have to cut lines or scenes if the play begins to drag or go too long.

Lastly, avoid going onstage yourself. The temptation is strong but stay where you belong: behind the scenes. Sometimes you may have to give a welcome or introduction to your audience, but do not overdo it. Speak briefly, no more than a couple of minutes, and let the show start on time. If you must give an introduction, do not apologize in advance for anything. It sets the tone that you have not prepared well. Welcome your audience, give the needed information, and ask them to enjoy the show. Leave it at that and they will be expectant of a good show.

If you can avoid some of these mistakes, you will be off to a great start with your first production. Break a leg!