10 Things That Make You Stand Out to a Director

Written by Ashleigh Gardner

January 2, 2017

You’re familiar with some tips and tricks for looking and behaving your best at auditions, but what about when you’ve got the role? What do you do when you want to stand out to a director? We’ve got 10 tips for showing directors you’re ready to continue your work with them.

1. Be on time to rehearsals.

Being on time to rehearsals shows your director (and your stage manager and cast mates) that you respect their time and the project you are working on with them. If you can’t make it on time, always call the stage manager and let them know.

2. Pay attention during rehearsals (even if it’s not your scene).

It’s imperative that you listen to your director when you’re in rehearsals. They may give you an important piece of information about your character or the plot. Their vision for the show may help you understand your role a bit better. But if you aren’t listening, you’ll miss all of it. Even when you’re not in the scene, pay attention to what the director is saying to other actors about the show.

3. Be quiet and respectful.

Stay quiet during scenes in which you are not acting. This shows respect for your fellow cast mates and the director. By sitting quietly on the sidelines, you’re showing everyone that you are a mature actor who is capable of silent study while other actors are up and about.

4. Have your lines memorized.

Nothing else says, “I’m ready to go,” than having your lines memorized, either before rehearsals start or early on in the rehearsal process. (For some actors, lines are associated with blocking, so if you aren’t memorized before rehearsals start, try to have them memorized immediately after you receive blocking from the director.)

5. Write down your blocking.

When you record your blocking in your script, it shows that you’re attentive and that the rehearsal process is important to you. The director will see this and recognize that you’re serious about your role.

6. Learn to take direction well.

Sometimes what you give a director isn’t exactly what they’re looking for, so they’ll ask you for something different. When you learn to take their direction and apply it to your performance, you’ll show them that you’re capable of listening, learning, and adapting to their vision.

7. Actively work on your character’s choices and motivation.

Do your homework during rehearsal and when you leave. Keep a notebook with you and write down your character’s motivations and desires. When your performances during rehearsal reflect your study, your director will see that you’ve actively been working on your character.

8. Be responsible with your props and costumes.

When you respect the labors of other theatre professionals, it shows the people who surround you, the director included, that you are trustworthy and responsible.

9. Take notes.

After rehearsal, when you sit down for notes, don’t just listen: listen and write them down. You’ll be more likely to remember them and your attention will show that you’re intent on remembering what your director has to say.

10. Always say, “Thank you.”

You’ll always say, “Thank you,” if your director gives you a positive note. And if your director gives you a criticism instead of a reinforcement, say, “Thank you,” then too. When you’re given notes, it shows that the director cares about your performance. In return, tell them you appreciate their notes.



Need some advice? We’ve got you covered.

Ashleigh Gardner received her AA in Theatre/Drama/Dramatic Arts from Valencia College and her Bachelors Degree in English Literature and Masters Degree in Literary, Cultural, and Textual Studies from the University of Central Florida. She is a playwright, an actor, and PerformerStuff.com’s Editor.