Brigantine
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Ever done both?I have the opportunity to AD for a show coming up this spring, and the director would like me to audition as well (told me I would be in the show if I auditioned).
Has anyone else ever been on the production staff and also been on stage in the show?
I was in a show once where the director was also the lead- tacky!- but... he claimed it was because no one showed up at auditions who was able to play the part. I digress...
I would like to get on the directing side of things, if I AD this show, I may have a chance at directing or co-directing something next season at this theater, but I would also really like a large role in the show (a favorite).
What do you think?: Take the blessings and run, or choose one or the other?
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what_the_heck013
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Take both. Why not? My friend played the lead and ADed in our last show.
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cabaretfreak
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Do both. I have done the backstage stuff and then been in the show, but it was when I was in 6th/7th grade* and I made the stuff for the show and then I was a card. We did Alice in Wonderland.
*summer school
I say do both. It shows how well you can AD and act at the same time.
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QuaxoCoricopat
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I'm going to say you're probably have to choose. Playing a lead is a considerable draw on your time, and AD is even more of one. It sounds like a good way to get burnt out to me. You'll get more out of either experience if you get to focus on it solely. Trying to memorize lines, music, movement, on top of assisting the director, attending meetings, gophering, and giving your opinion is going to be very difficult. Not impossible, granted, but it isn't something to jump into lightly. Are you still attending school? You'll need to take homework and extra-cirriculars into account too.
It also is a little odd that he's guaranteed you a spot if you auditioned. No offense, you may be very very talented, but I've never known a director to promise positions to anyone.
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cabaretfreak
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| QuaxoCoricopat wrote: | I'm going to say you're probably have to choose. Playing a lead is a considerable draw on your time, and AD is even more of one. It sounds like a good way to get burnt out to me. You'll get more out of either experience if you get to focus on it solely. Trying to memorize lines, music, movement, on top of assisting the director, attending meetings, gophering, and giving your opinion is going to be very difficult. Not impossible, granted, but it isn't something to jump into lightly. Are you still attending school? You'll need to take homework and extra-cirriculars into account too.
It also is a little odd that he's guaranteed you a spot if you auditioned. No offense, you may be very very talented, but I've never known a director to promise positions to anyone. |
Yeah, good point because I got burnt out from just doing a prop heavy show.
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ShadowInTheWings
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I truly think you need to do one or the other. You're not going to be much use to the director if you're also concentrating on acting.
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Aimee
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I do both drecting and the lead for a small touring company that I help run. We were originally a 6 person concert group but moved to doing full shows a few years back. As the only soprano I look the leads and always had done the directing so it was just natural that I carried on doing both things.
I don't ever cast myself if I'm directing for bigger groups, but I don't see why you shouldn't if you think a] people wont mind b] you can do both jobs eqully well and c] if you are the best person for the role to audition.
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LisaKitty
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I have directed and/or musical directed shows where I have also played a lead role, but to be perfectly honest, I don't recommend it. It is very difficult to focus on both in a single production. If I were you, I would recommend you take a smaller role or chorus if you decide to AD, assuming the director really wants you to be in the show as well.
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LaurelDP
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I've done both.
When I did West Side Story, I designed, built, and painted all the sets, did the lighting designs, and then about 3 weeks to opening I had to take over as Anita, which my director wanted me to play in the first place, but didn't cast me because I was doing all the tech.
Big run on sentence right there.
But it was difficult. If you think you can manage your time correctly, then I say go for it. But don't take on more than you can handle.
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cabaretfreak
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| LaurelDP wrote: | I've done both.
When I did West Side Story, I designed, built, and painted all the sets, did the lighting designs, and then about 3 weeks to opening I had to take over as Anita, which my director wanted me to play in the first place, but didn't cast me because I was doing all the tech.
Big run on sentence right there.
But it was difficult. If you think you can manage your time correctly, then I say go for it. But don't take on more than you can handle. |
Your lucky!! You get to design. My teacher takes the reigns on that right away so I help with dressing and then she gets mad at me because it isn't part of props.
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LaurelDP
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| cabaretfreak wrote: | | LaurelDP wrote: | I've done both.
When I did West Side Story, I designed, built, and painted all the sets, did the lighting designs, and then about 3 weeks to opening I had to take over as Anita, which my director wanted me to play in the first place, but didn't cast me because I was doing all the tech.
Big run on sentence right there.
But it was difficult. If you think you can manage your time correctly, then I say go for it. But don't take on more than you can handle. |
Your lucky!! You get to design. My teacher takes the reigns on that right away so I help with dressing and then she gets mad at me because it isn't part of props. |
In highschool theatre, one of the art teachers and his set design class get to design, and the techs and their adult leader build it.
This West Side Story incident was when I was in 8th grade, where we had no school budget or support at all, so we all just put our efforts where they were needed. Because I was the most 'artistic', I got to do set and light design.
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Brigantine
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Wow!! Thanks for the feedback, everyone!!
To answer a few questions about my particular case, it is a small community theater (usually seats 160 or so) and I am out of school (26 years old). My job should allow for adequate time (only work during the day). The director probably said I would be in the show if I audition because I've been in many shows with her (mostly as a lead) and she knows I am hard-working and responsible. Whether I would be chorus or lead she did not say, but if it is a bigger part, I already know all the music (favorite show, remember?)  There is also the possibility there would be another AD, who knows. it is a BIG show (lots of people, set, costumes, etc.)
I just e-mailed the director tonight with a couple questions, but I think I will AD, and take whatever role she chooses to give me. I DO think I could handle a large role and AD, but if that ends up happening, I will just have to wait and see if I'm as hardy as I think I am! 
Thanks again...
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snowie86
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I was AD, SM, and the Janitor for H2$
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DaddyDiesel
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| Brigantine wrote: | Wow!! Thanks for the feedback, everyone!!
To answer a few questions about my particular case, it is a small community theater (usually seats 160 or so) and I am out of school (26 years old). My job should allow for adequate time (only work during the day). The director probably said I would be in the show if I audition because I've been in many shows with her (mostly as a lead) and she knows I am hard-working and responsible. Whether I would be chorus or lead she did not say, but if it is a bigger part, I already know all the music (favorite show, remember?) There is also the possibility there would be another AD, who knows. it is a BIG show (lots of people, set, costumes, etc.)
I just e-mailed the director tonight with a couple questions, but I think I will AD, and take whatever role she chooses to give me. I DO think I could handle a large role and AD, but if that ends up happening, I will just have to wait and see if I'm as hardy as I think I am!
Thanks again... |
To be honest I think it is a great idea if you can handle the work load. Its kind of like having a team captain with an AD on the cast. I directed a show 2 years a go where I had one of my leads be an AD. It was great to have that voice from the cast. Espiecially if they thought I was pushing to hard or I was being to demaning for some people. It was also nce a s a director to have someone speak only positive of the ideas that director uses. Because lets face it when it comes to theatre everybody has good ideas but somtimes when you dont go the way the director goes with the scheme then it doesnt work. Its also nice for someone that was a good leader and somone that the other actors could turn to when they feel uncomfortable talking to the director. Because lets be honest somtimes it can be tough as an actor to approach a director when you have a problem with someone or something.
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cabaretfreak
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| LaurelDP wrote: | | cabaretfreak wrote: | | LaurelDP wrote: | I've done both.
When I did West Side Story, I designed, built, and painted all the sets, did the lighting designs, and then about 3 weeks to opening I had to take over as Anita, which my director wanted me to play in the first place, but didn't cast me because I was doing all the tech.
Big run on sentence right there.
But it was difficult. If you think you can manage your time correctly, then I say go for it. But don't take on more than you can handle. |
Your lucky!! You get to design. My teacher takes the reigns on that right away so I help with dressing and then she gets mad at me because it isn't part of props. |
In highschool theatre, one of the art teachers and his set design class get to design, and the techs and their adult leader build it.
This West Side Story incident was when I was in 8th grade, where we had no school budget or support at all, so we all just put our efforts where they were needed. Because I was the most 'artistic', I got to do set and light design. |
I want to go to your school!! I want to take a set design class!!
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Brigantine
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| DaddyDiesel wrote: | | To be honest I think it is a great idea if you can handle the work load. Its kind of like having a team captain with an AD on the cast. I directed a show 2 years a go where I had one of my leads be an AD. It was great to have that voice from the cast. Espiecially if they thought I was pushing to hard or I was being to demaning for some people. It was also nce a s a director to have someone speak only positive of the ideas that director uses. Because lets face it when it comes to theatre everybody has good ideas but somtimes when you dont go the way the director goes with the scheme then it doesnt work. Its also nice for someone that was a good leader and somone that the other actors could turn to when they feel uncomfortable talking to the director. Because lets be honest somtimes it can be tough as an actor to approach a director when you have a problem with someone or something. |
Very good points. This director is very easy to work with but we will probably have new people and it would be more comfortable for them to go to a fellow actor with a question or problem than the director.
Well, I talked ot the director again, and I will be AD and am still eligible for any role in the show; if there is a conflict of interest during the casting meeting, I will just leave the room, she said.
I'm very, very excited!!!
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LisaKitty
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Congratulations! This is your first time as an AD, right? Have a great time and enjoy the experience!
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dramaluvergurl92
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GO FOR IT!
The director of my school play which i have worked with a lot asked me to be the "assitant director"! The show is Beauty and the Beast and I'm in it too as Lefou (yes I know I play a guy). I was only ever a lead once before over the summer in a summer camp. And even though this role is only supporting, its still a big part to have plus being AD. Its real fun though.
I think he asked me because a mentioned to him once that I seriously saw myself directing my whole life. But anyway I know he did it for a learning expierence for me because he knows I want to pursue this carrer professionally wheather it be acting or directing, and I really do!
But I've already blocked a few scenes and 1 1/2 songs. Plus I'm double casted for the part of Lefou because he couldn't choose between me and my best friend. So I have to know Lefou's part and the ensemble part for when I'm not Lefou...and I'm at every rehearsal even if I'm not called because of the AD job.
I do all that, plus band, Odyssey of the Mind, soccer, and I'm about to start another show, Ugly Duckling, and some how for the first time in my life managed to get straight A's last quarter!
Trust me...if I can do it...you can do it!!!!!
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LesWickedPhantom
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oy... I'm the Head of House for my theatre program at school. The past fall (we did "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe"), the day of the show, anytime I wasn't onstage (I was the White Stag, and opened the show), I was off photocopying playbills to give to the ushers because the people in the playbill COMMITTEE couldn't bother to make NEARLY enough for 3 shows. We had enough for 1 show. oy...that day was crazy as hell.
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Descartes
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go for it, if you can handle it.
Des.
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Brigantine
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Well, we had the first night of auditions last night,. and one more tonight.
WE NEED MORE PEOPLE!!!!
I sure hope more show up. If not, we have to scrap the show and pick a different one we know we can cast.
Pooey....
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London_Mungojerrie
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My friend and her friend are both co-directing Little Shop. They are also playing Audrey and Seymore in it. I have no problem with it as they both were cast the parts before the auditions are being held. 
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katieanne
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I was in Bat Boy: the Musical as ensemble and Reverend Hightower as well as being the choreographer. I don't think I'll ever do it again. Being in charge of all the dances, and then having to worry about my part, with all the singing and blocking and line work... it was a heavy load, and I felt very overwhelmed. However, with something like AD (and is there a SM as well, or are you taking over SM duties?), it may be possible because it may not be as heavy a work load.
And I hate directors who cast themselves as the lead. How pretentious.
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ShadowInTheWings
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| katieanne wrote: |
And I hate directors who cast themselves as the lead. How pretentious. |
Agreed. Also, irresponsible. You can reasonably AD and play a supporting role. Directing and lead, that's taking on far too much, which leads to sub-par performances in both areas.
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katieanne
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| ShadowInTheWings wrote: | | katieanne wrote: |
And I hate directors who cast themselves as the lead. How pretentious. |
Agreed. Also, irresponsible. You can reasonably AD and play a supporting role. Directing and lead, that's taking on far too much, which leads to sub-par performances in both areas. |
totally. and you can't be objective about yourself, nor can you see yourself in theatre the way you could, say, in film. that leads to a conflict of interest, imho.
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Silver_Stag
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Do both! Our AD became a leading player in our last show about a month before our first performance due to some unfortunate circumstances, but she was brilliant.
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Valjean_Jean24601
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| Silver_Stag wrote: | | Do both! Our AD became a leading player in our last show about a month before our first performance due to some unfortunate circumstances, but she was brilliant. |
LMFAO. I know it's totally OT, but I love your avatar.
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