{"id":6316,"date":"2018-09-17T20:54:59","date_gmt":"2018-09-17T20:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=6316"},"modified":"2018-09-17T20:54:59","modified_gmt":"2018-09-17T20:54:59","slug":"how-to-make-rehearsals-a-warm-and-welcoming-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/how-to-make-rehearsals-a-warm-and-welcoming-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Rehearsals A Warm and Welcoming Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Make Rehearsals A Warm and Welcoming Environment<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by\u00a0Ashleigh Gardner<\/p>\n

September 14, 2018<\/p>\n<\/font>

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We know that rehearsals can be an anxiety-filled process with dance combos, line-learning, difficult scene work, and so many other things that make the life of a performer a little more stressful. If you\u2019re a director interested in making their rehearsals a little more warm and welcoming, review these top five ways you can make a difference in the lives of your fellow artists.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Bring snacks!<\/h4>\n
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This is a given. Fed actors and techs are happy actors and techs. Plus, you get to have some snacks yourself. It\u2019s a win-win situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Start each rehearsal with a \u201cCircle Time\u201d.<\/h4>\n
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A lot of educational theatre camps and organizations use Circle Time as a way to get theatre learners to open up to their peers. (Sometimes teens and young adults are afraid of being vulnerable in front of others, and this serves as a get-to-know-me exercise.) Even though your theatre may be professional or adult community theatre, Circle Time is a great way to assess where every person stands that day emotionally and physically. (If someone is awaiting a call from the doctor or experienced the death of a loved one that morning, this may be important to know in case they need to take a break.). Usually, Circle Time starts with the person\u2019s name, how they feel in that moment (words like \u201cfine\u201d and \u201ctired\u201d don\u2019t count), and another shareable factoid about them that is personal to them (favorite album, favorite movie, favorite dessert, etc. Get creative!) Everyone in the cast\/crew participates until every person has shared. Then rehearsal can begin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. For directors, include at least one positive note for each actor.<\/h4>\n
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It\u2019s <\/span>so <\/span><\/i>easy to repeatedly give corrective notes to a performer (because when we see something we don\u2019t like, it stick out like a sore thumb). In addition to these critiques, find at least one positive note from that day\u2019s rehearsal. Give each performer a positive \u201ckeep this!\u201d or \u201cthat was amazing\u201d or \u201cI loved it when you did that thing with the box\u201d. Ending critiques with a compliment isn\u2019t just an important leadership strategy when it comes to actors; it\u2019s applied in every field.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Discourage people getting down on themselves. Encourage positive thinking.<\/h4>\n
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If someone makes a mistake and says something like, \u201cUgh, I\u2019m so stupid,\u201d or “I’m terrible at this,” stop them immediately and let them know they <\/span>aren\u2019t stupid. <\/span><\/i>Everyone makes mistakes. This can be done by the director, stage managers, or fellow actors. Then, encourage them to move on with the task at hand. This shows that you\u2019re confident in their abilities to move forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Be a positive leader.<\/h4>\n
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There\u2019s nothing more frightening than having a director who doesn\u2019t believe that the play will be a success. To counter this, throughout the rehearsal process, point out positive aspects of the show so far, and keep a positive outlook on your show. Give actors and technicians updates about how far along the set, costumes, lighting, and sound design are. This helps other artists feel appreciated and informed. However, if there are areas that need some major TLC (lines, blocking, etc.), mention it individually to each performer and then offer them some words of encouragement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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6. End each rehearsal with goals for next rehearsal.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Sometimes it\u2019s <\/span>super <\/span><\/i>easy to end rehearsal with notes and then <\/span>get outta there<\/span><\/i>. HOLD UP! Before you dismiss rehearsal, ask what each performer felt good about during <\/span>this <\/span><\/i>rehearsal and what their goal is for the <\/span>next<\/span><\/i> rehearsal. This helps close out the rehearsal on a positive and forward-thinking note.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n