The Great Acting Blog: “When Direction Is Futile”
On the few occasions I have had to direct other actors, I have found the most exhausting aspect to be the articulation of my ideas for how I think the scene should be approached. It requires absolute precision of articulation and must be said in such a way that it is useful to the actor practically (this is the weakness of some directors: their direction is interesting but useless). I look for cause and effect, to see if my words have the desired effect on the actor when they play the scene. If they have had the desired effect, then the heart leaps, if they have not however, it can be harrowing.
Nothing destroys the soul more than working with someone who ignores what you say or doesn’t understand what you say. It’s worse when they pretend to agree with you then completely ignore what you have said when actually doing the scene. The instinct here is to explain again, and keep explaining until the penny drops. But it is draining. With some actors it seems that no matter what you say, no matter what tools you use, they just don’t respond, they nod and agree with you but then their efforts in the scene bear little resemblance to what you just talked about. And you can go over and over it without making any progress.
Perhaps the problem is not them, perhaps it is you. Perhaps, despite everything, you failed to explain clearly what it is you want (even if it may be crystal clear to you). Perhaps you haven’t sold it to them, ie – they don’t believe in what you’re saying, or don’t believe that acting out what you say is in their own best interests, they don’t trust it.
Or perhaps they’re just not very good and you need to find a different actor.
Camelia Flye/ 24.07.2013
Or maybe the actor/actress is trying to feel the character, to get a handle on why the person is doing and saying what they are saying. Then again the actor/actress may just find the character extremely difficult.
James Devereaux actor/ 24.07.2013
There is no shame in struggling, we all do that from time to time, indeed, it is the sign that we are engaged in something worthwhile. But there must be some evidence of the struggle, or their must be some communication from actor to director. Otherwise it looks very strange.
Sharmini Tharmaratnam/ 30.07.2013
I do acting work and dance works, they are very similar. I direct and am directed. I can say that it is really soul destroying when a director doesn´t get you, doesn´t know how to use your potential or from start we feel the director has a pre-convieved idea about you. From both sides we are sometimes doomed to work together, as nowadays “work is work”, freedom in choice is not always possible.
In any kind of relationship, it is a choice till what extend we are “going to sit” in the other persons mind. We can never know what the other person really thinks, but when it flows, there is no verbal need..it all just flows. It doesn´t mean we only have to choose people with whom we “flow”. as it can be a challenge to work with opposite kind of characters. totally different people. We actually learn a lot with those situations, we learn more about ourselves too.These situations are the most dangerous situations too, as misunderstandings can slip in so easily and the fire can be on. Again this is about who is sitting more in the head of the other to be able to follow the other person. When 2 people don´t understand each other, BOTH the people have to find a “middleway” or a point where they connect. These “sollutions” can be more accurate, more beautiful than your initial idea, because the situation has forced yourself to surprise yourself. as thus can also surprise the audience, eventhough you don´t feel going on holiday with this same person…
Greg Melvill-Smith/ 30.07.2013
Maybe it is about asking instead of telling. Maybe it’s about unlocking what the actor thinks, feels and sees and then aligning that to the vision that you have. It’s not an easy step, but it is possibly the step that allows the actor to express their vision. The process of creating is a collaborative process, and the actor should be part of it, not just the subject of direction – the actor is and should be a co-creator within the director’s vision. This suggests that the director not only needs to be clear about their vision, but that they also need to be flexible and supportive, so as to allow the actors the space to explore, find and cement their visions- within the bigger picture of the directors. Most importantly the director needs to express and clarify their vision, and then to do that over and over and over – as the actor is subjective – seeing their character within the process – and the director is objective – seeing their bigger picture come to beautiful realisation. The actor needs and values the director’s support, encouragement, clarity and above all vision for the production. I wish you every success in the collaborative process of creating compelling theatre – that process which includes everyone from the box office staff to the night-watchman and all the creative souls that bring life to theatre in-between.
James Devereaux actor/ 30.07.2013
@Sharmini Great comment, many thanks. I think perhaps that the director-actor relationship has just become over-complicated. The director should come in and give simple directions as to the actions he thinks are required for the scene, and the actor should bear in mind the words of the director. But the actor should just get on with his work. The complication has arisen because neither actor nor director are entirely sure how the relationship is supposed work anymore.
James Devereaux actor/ 30.07.2013
@Greg I totally agree about the director being clear about their vision – I think their number one skill needs to be communication and articulation – yet few directors really master it.
I think it’s simpler than you suggest. Actors should come in and just get on with their work, while directors only need to issue very basic, essential direction.
Whenever I direct, I prefer self-reliant actors, who don’t need to be spoon fed but can look after themselves. If an actor does have a problem with my direction, for whatever reason, then they need to say something, not act as though nothing has happened.