Rehearsal Etiquette and Rehearsal Technique

I asked my Twitterverse and Facebook community for some thoughts on rehearsal etiquette as well as some tips and tricks for their rehearsal technique. 

  
Here’s what they had to say:

“Don’t talk while a director or choreographer is talking or teaching. Don’t use your cell phones during rehearsals. And don’t be late. Oh, and actors giving other actors notes. Don’t do that either.”

“Actors who act as if they have nothing new to learn. Don’t forget, there’s a reason you’re in rehearsal.”

Don’t be that guy. 

“When people walk in late with food or a drink from a drive-through. It means they had time to recognize they would be late, yet still stopped for a drink or food.”

“When a director assumes everyone knows his personal style/rules/expectations. That should be explained on day one.”

“Leadership should set clear structure and agenda and address variances immediately but respectfully.”

“Dislikes: Anyone who isn’t present. Directors who use actors as emotional punching bags. Disrespecting others’ craft. Actors treating crew with disregard and vice versa.

Likes: directors with a vision (really, it’s your job!) Actors who come prepared. Cast/crews who create a safe place for experimentation.”

“Pet peeve: When the rehearsals aren’t well planned. Is it possible to work on one scene without having everyone from another scene sitting there doing nothing? Schedule the rehearsals to respect people’s time.”

“As a performer, you are just that, a performer. Keep your mouth shut. It is not your place to tell others how they are doing, or what they should BE doing. Be supportive of each other. Let the director find the flaws.”

“One of my favorite directors from down south swears by ‘start five minutes late, let actors leave five minutes early.’ And truly, due to this, one is never waiting around at that theatre for an actor to arrive. That flexibility has always worked for the better.”

“Take the note. In very few instances will you need to explain your reasoning for doing it the way you did it. There are a lot of notes to be given; just take the note.”

***

I know I’ve been guilty of a few of these, both on the positive and negative, and both as an actor and director. 

While what we do is an art, there is definitely a science to being professional. 

Show up. Be prepared. Do the work. Maintain a good attitude. 

It’s as easy as that.