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solarcirclegirl
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Posted: Wed Aug 20th, 2008 01:00 am |
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My first outside-of-college reading of a play is happening in a couple weeks. I'm going back to my hometown for it. The theatre is a pretty nice up and coming theatre and I know all the actors by reputation, and all of them are good.
except one i have a personal background with. this actor actually had me scared for my life at one point in time, and is psychotic. This actor moved away from town around the same time i did but this actor moved back about a month ago and has re-integrated into the theatre scene back home. the problem is that this person and i have such a drama filled backgorund and this actor is so two-faced and unpredictable, that i am not certain how i am going to handle things.
obviously, i will handle it with grace and dignity, but i am just afraid this actor might, in the end, do something extremely stupid and mess things up in the reading. this actor is playing a small role, but still. when i say this person had me fearing for my life at one point, i am not exagerrating. the strange thing is, only a couple of my friends back home can see through this actor's thinly veiled attempt at being 'normal'. everyone else seems to think this actor is fine. i am just wary of the whole thing.
argh. anyone else have this problem? i know there's nothing i can do short of being like, hey, i don't want this person in my play, but i won't do that, because it's not my call. help!
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in media res
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 05:01 pm |
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I, of course, don't know the whole story or the other person's version...but...
I'd get rid of him/her if it were me. Do it now. Today. Don't wait.
Why deal with that if you don't have to? You want to keep the drama on the stage, not off the stage.
I can't believe someone would cast this actor if they knew what had gone on between you two. I assume no one does. Otherwise that is a pretty cruel stroke.
And, what do you mean it is not your call?!!!! It is your play! Ever read the Dramatists Guild contract? If you don't take charge of this obviously uncomfortable - and as you said life threatening situation - no one can help you. Learn this now, while you are young. It is easier to do than you think.
in media resLast edited on Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 05:03 pm by in media res
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katoagogo
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 06:44 pm |
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IMR is absolutely correct. Get rid of that actor. The director of your play cares about your experience -- so tell the director. As a director I would want to know that one of actors has a history of being unpredictable. Also as a director, I want to provide a fantastic and safe environment for my playwright.
As IMR says, don't wait. Do it now.
--Kato
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dramamama
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 07:22 pm |
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| You've received excellent advice. Good luck!
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uglyones
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 12:00 am |
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Yes, the director, or whoever handles such things, must be made aware. It's your play and your career. Never let a misfit dictate terms.
And a side note: You must always capitalize yourself. My grandkids use i for themselves. Proper English demands it.
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solarcirclegirl
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 02:08 am |
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Thank you all for your advice. I just send the director an email to speak about this on the phone regarding the situation.
I have looked at the play again this weekend and if, for some reason, this actor does have to remain in the play, this person is only in one scene for three pages. At the risk of jinxing myself, how much damage could this person do?
But you are right. This is my play and my experience. If I knew the director better, I might not be so worried about voicing my concern. Hopefully he and I will speak in the next day or so and figure things out.
I appreciate it very much. I'll be sure to let you know how things go.
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solarcirclegirl
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Posted: Thu Aug 28th, 2008 04:14 am |
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Update for y'all:
I finally got the director on the phone.
Actor in question dropped out.
Problem solved.
However, the director did say he was happy i brought it up because it was important to him to know these things.
So you guys were totally right (not that i doubted it). I will let you guys know how it goes.
Thanks again.
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in media res
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Posted: Thu Aug 28th, 2008 04:34 am |
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Great news. Now you can enjoy yourself.
We look forward to hearing how it goes and wish you the best of success.
best,
in media res
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dramamama
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Posted: Thu Aug 28th, 2008 11:42 am |
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| That's great news!
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in media res
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Posted: Tue Sep 23rd, 2008 03:15 pm |
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For some reason I re-read this post and I thank "uglyones" above for this wise, succinct counsel that is a good rule for any situation, not just in theatre.
"Never let a misfit dictate terms."
This a great advice. Now that does not mean someone you disagree with can be labeled a ''misfit." I have had wild disagreements that have resulted in wonderful resolutions because both parties were totally sane - well on my part half sane!
But when you are starting out with a horrible situation, nip it right in the bud. It will never get better, and will go downhill from the start.
in media resLast edited on Tue Sep 23rd, 2008 03:16 pm by in media res
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solarcirclegirl
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Posted: Tue Sep 23rd, 2008 03:33 pm |
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Yes, I completely agree.
I've been working on getting better about confrontation--usually i build it up in my mind so big that it's going to be the worst thing ever. However, it usually doesn't end up being a big deal. So I have to keep this particular situation in mind when i have problems like this.
Again, thanks to all of you for your advice. It was quite helpful. :)
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