Sharing the Load

Kobe Bryant once took over a game and scored 80 points. Wilt Chamberlain scored 100. One person can take over a basketball game. Try pulling off the same feat in a football game, and you're liable to fail. True, there are guys who appear to take over a game at times (i.e. Brett Favre), but it takes a team effort - 11 on offense, 11 on defense - working in coordination to win a football game.

Theater is very much like football in this regard. One director can not "will" a play to happen. You have to get actors and crew to buy into what you are doing. This is true with any age group, be they students or adults.

From the very beginning, when you hold auditions, sell the show to your actors. Get them to take ownership of their roles and the play. Get them involved creatively, and give them some freedom in developing their characters.

Same goes for the crew. Be open to creative ideas from them as well as your actors. The more they feel they have a part in the creative process, the harder they will work toward your common goal.

When you're working with students, get the parents involved as well. Find out who can help you with preparing meals in between shows, tech work, sewing costumes, making props, applying makeup, marketing, and put them to work.

Empower your students and parents. Share the show with them, and together you will achieve so much more.