Help Theatre Teachers!!!!! Emergency!!!!

[luvdisney81]

OK so I am doing my internship right now at a high school, and I have to direct a play. I'm doing The Yellow Boat Touring Version. I have recently found out that my class/cast has started to band together against me because they feel the show is boring and they do not want to do it. I can't turn back now and we are opening Nov. 30th. We are now done with blocking. My teacher has told me to figure out what to do but I have no clue. I've never done this before. I have a million games but I don't think that is the right thing. So what do I say? What do I do? These are great kids. Theatre III and IV, please help I'm desperate and have to teach them tomorrow morning. They were their for the show in the beginning.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I minored in theatre and was in a lot of it, although I have never been able to teach it--did you say this is a class? Simple solution--don't participate, lower grade! If you are a teaching intern, lower the boom on them. And may I say your teacher should be a lot more helpful. They are there to supervise and help you, not sit and do the crossword puzzle while you work.
Robin M.

 

[kdibattista]

I have no experience in this whatsoever but I would say to call a meeting for all the kids and have them suggest ideas to how they would make it better.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

How is your relationship with the class? Do they respect you? Is there 1 or 2 kids who would stand with you? Evaluate all your options based on how you think they will respond. Is it really a bad play? Or are they just trying to see who's in charge?

If it is a bad play. You could be honest with them and say "I know this is a bit of a slow play, but I need you to do well with it because it is my grade too." Or How can WE work together to make this fun. Can you change it into a farse?

If they are trying to control, is there someone you can get on your side that you could talk with quietly? If not you may have to be a bit tougher. Grades do matter to Jr's and Sr's.

If all else fails you can try bribery! "If we finish the play and do a good job we will have a cast party."

Before you do anything .... think about what you want and how you can convince them that is what they want. Even a bad play can be more fun than say .... biology!

 

[CheshireVal]

Sounds as if this is a class? Make them do it or give them a lower grade.

Ask for suggestions for ways to make the play more exciting.

It's a tough situation, but, you're the teacher-- you're in control.

I don't teach acting during the regular school year, but have taught it for five years now at a summer camp. I had one class who just couldn't pull it together for various reasons (didn't seem to care much about the play) and I just pulled them out of the performance (there were several classes performing and mine just didn't participate). If that's an option, I wouldn't hesitate to do the same in your situation.

 

[liamandcaili]

Okay, I'm not a theater teacher, although I wouldn't mind being one. I have done lots of theater and even directed a couple plays. I've never heard of the show you're doing, but here are my suggestions:

Make the students more invested in the show...let them give ideas as to how scenes should play out.

If they think the show is boring, have them tell you how it could be better. Usually plays have copyright restrictions, so you can't delete things, but you could add some things like silent scenes, music, a silly dance...something. Like I said, I don't know the show, so I don't know what the possibilities are. This could be a joint discussion between you and your cast.

November 30 is still a long way away...have them switch parts. Even if just for one rehearsal. Maybe the cast members will get good ideas from each other.

Select a Director of the Day. If the blocking is done, a lot of the tedious, boring work is done. If one of the students is in charge of the rehearsal, maybe the fellow cast-members will be more forgiving. It might give your students an idea of what it is like to be behind the scenes.

Send out a school-wide invitation to see the play. They won't want to be embarassed in front of their friends in a bad production.

Good Luck!

 

[barkley]

i've got a degree in theatre, done paid and amature for over 30 years.

while there is always the "flake factor" among actors (drop out rate in plays always has to be factored in) the only mutiny i've experienced with an entire cast was when the director was a total flake, we were about to open and half of the show had not been blocked (the director was fired and the choreographer stepped in to do a phenominal job). but flaking because the show is "boring"? did they not read the script before they auditioned and made a commitment??

i say a big NO to the "director of the day" concept-there is one director of a theatre production and actors must follow that persons instructions. allowing actors this type of role in a production gives them a totaly unrealistic idea of what their role as an actor is all about (and believe me, theatre groups already have to retrain actors enuf to break them of bad habits they have aquired through many so called children's theatre groups-more like money making productions that teach nothing about the craft). i would schedual a meeting with the actors and have my teacher present, tell them that you understand that there are concerns among the cast and this is the opportunity to openly discuss these issues-but do not buckle and let them take over. listen to their concerns, address them if possible, but also make it clear that you will recast or cancel the production if necessary (i've stepped in last minute as have many actors i've know to take on a role-there is always someone in the wings that can help out), and the cancelation will not reflect badly on anyone other than a cast that has behaved in a very inappropriate manner.

your grade should reflect that you properly addressed the situation, if your teacher does not feel that way take the issue to the director of your theatre arts department (the grade should be about the entire process not just the final product).

 

[JulieWent]

I would ask your supervising teacher to be more supportive. Take a few of the great suggestions you've gotten here to him / her and then ask for guidance. That's what supervising teachers are supposed to do! If he or she still doesn't provide guidance, you really are going to have to dive right in and take all the responsibility. But if that happens, make sure your university coordinator knows so that he or she will be careful about placements in the future.

Julie

 

[luvdisney81]

So I talked to my old supervisor who has experience in this. I am going to have a discussion with the students. This is a class and everything for the play is done during class. The play is about a little boy who dies of AIDS in 1987. I can't say do it or else, they will still be a pain, making this a pain for all. So they are going to talk about their concerns, then tell them what I have learned and how I can help, but also explain what I need from them. Lead into pep talk then have a trust excercise. Rehearse something they are all confident so they feel strong in the end.

Thank you for all your help, it has given me many ideas!