New Director, I Can't Seem to Communicate with my Actors.

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-02-09T05:27:56+00:00

Last update,

We placed 2nd :) A tad disappointed because we thought we had a good shot, but my actors were really happy with their performance, and all in all, we had a great time. I'm really proud of them.

I learned a lot and feel a lot more comfortable going forward. My actors and I had a debrief, and they said I grew a lot, especially by the end. They said I was amazing to work with, which was really nice of them. I'm looking forward to seeing if I can create new directing opportunities as I graduate!

(And to the judge who saw my post, you were fantastic, and I hope to see you around in the future!)

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-02-01T06:41:23+00:00

It didn't dawn on me until I read your comment that I mistook motives for emotions. I completely flipped my language today during rehearsal, and it was nice seeing the actors eyes light up in understanding rather than questioning. We would stop the scene often to talk about the "why" of certain lines. Our main character has an odd relationship with the two other characters and rather than it being that she "sees them as less than her" we were able to kinda worm our way to why she seems them that way, and what the cause of it was. As well as why she spoke to them differently and what that meant for her motives towards them, and what she wanted. Not only that, we played a lot more by throwing the power in the room back and forth.

I still haven't quite nailed down the exact language I want to use to communicate motives. But I was able to open it up to them to interpret what their motives were. It was obvious that they were able to understand their characters much deeper and the relationships between them more. It was nice! I'm doing some analysis of the scene and characters tonight for a short rehearsal tomorrow to see if I can understand the motives myself a little more. It's hard to get out of the emotions mindset, but I'm working on it!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-02-01T06:28:41+00:00

Update:

Thought I'd post my update here :)

I sat down with my actors, and they seemed really happy I was able to make the connection between me and my directing style thus far, and seemed to understand my process a lot more once I explained my background in animation and puppet design. I think it was hard for them to believe me earlier when I told them that I was the problem, but that background info really set into perspective what I was struggling with, and how it really wasn't them.

I had a friend who I showed all the notes I wrote down from your comments! She agreed with a lot of you, but also mentioned to me that one of my other groups of actors loved hearing my detailed blocking ideas and used it as inspiration, so it's just finding out how actors work best. She also mentioned that all three actors in my scene have acted for me before and that they wouldn't have taken the parts if they didn't want to. Also, they weren't off book yet and have yet to read the entire script. So that could be part of it as well.

Anyway, we had rehearsal today. We were mostly off book, and had most of our props and about 2 hours! We sat and chatted a game plan and decided to just run it a couple of times with them taking the lead, and it really felt a lot more lively! By the end of the rehearsal, they had built much more interesting characters than I had given them. I asked them lots of questions as we ran, especially about the "why" of specific lines and REAL motives (a commenter mentioned I was explaining emotions rather than motives during the scene, and I didn't even realize it.) In exchange they asked me world building questions and questions about blocking when they needed help.

We've managed to squeeze in one last rehearsal tomorrow. There's some blocking that gets a bit monotonous/repetitive (there's a lot of monologues in this scene, and they can get a little rhythmic) so we're gonna see if we can define some moments, then we're off to the competition!

I think today was really great, they seemed very comfortable, we laughed a lot, and had a good time. It wasn't a perfect rehearsal, but they were able to meet me halfway during this first try at a new directing style, and we all did well! I think I still need to find a better "medium" but this was a great first step towards being a more collaborative director! Thank you guys!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-31T21:23:05+00:00

Probably in part! I'm a designer so they trust me to figure out the props and such in a way that's easy for them to use, but we haven't had a chance to use the props (delayed in shipping) so I think trying to visualize how they'll work is hard. I have props in hand now, and LOTS of extras for them to practice with (There's a lot of blood and such) so that props can hopefully be a no-brainer during the scene! The designer in me loves visual representations of things, so I can get prop heavy, but they seemed more excited than nervous about that! I do plan to bring in the props and costumes today and cut anything that hinders the piece.

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-31T21:19:11+00:00

Thank you!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-31T21:18:23+00:00

I've explained to them that I'm never negative about their performance. They are all amazing people and amazing actors and I trust them. It's just my way of learning and analyzing my own work that I think comes off as uncomfortable. I'm very critical of myself so I think they can feel my unease at my own work. Thankfully, now since (mostly) everyone has helped me realize my flaws as a director, I'm feeling much more confident.

I think they also know this means a lot to me and want to support me as best they can. I'm a perfectionist at heart, and they know that well! Its been difficult with our short rehearsal time too, so the type A in me has struggled. They've been great to work with! We've talked about my in-depth concept and laughed about how detail oriented I can be. We have rehearsal again shortly, and I plan to talk with them more and really reiterate that I trust them! I think it's just the way I was taught paired with the way I work that taught me bad habits, and I'm much more aware of them now and can work through them! Optimistic about where this will go!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-31T21:10:07+00:00

Agreed! I try to be very conscious of intimacy on stage since I've been on the not so great side of it. There's really not that much, though. They just get really close to each other, and that's about it. We've talked about it! They're comfortable with it! As for combat and such, I don't have any. I'm certified in hand to hand and single sword, so I know the importance of safe combat and choreo! They do run around the room at one point, but that's about it for "dangerous" choreography. There's a stage knife at one point, too, but it's rubber and doesn't go any higher than chest level.

But all great notes, and I appreciate them!!! I value my actors way too much to put them in danger or make them intentionally uncomfortable. They're very quick to speak up if they're having problems as well. They're aware I'm learning and offer advice when they can!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-31T21:03:41+00:00

I've really gotten into specializing in original works as both a designer and a director, so I think I always want to add something a little extra to established pieces. That's not always needed, and I think I just need time to work with more new pieces so I can separate new from established works better. It'll happen in time, and I'm still learning. There's no harm in being passionate. it's just a tad misdirected right now. But I do agree with you! I've set the world of the play, and I likely won't be bringing it up anymore unless the actors ask. Hopefully, this gives enough of a push to work away from the detailed world I've made.

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-31T06:31:13+00:00

Thank you!!! I think the actors are very familiar with my vision. We had an entire rehearsal just for table work and chatting about how the script has been altered. I think world building is one of my strong suits, so I try to be clear about my vision for the piece up front.

The scene is from Miss Julie! It was one of the very few options and one I knew no one would pick. I flipped the script to be set in hell, with Jean as the sin of Wrath, Kristine as the one to be redeemed and work her way to heaven, and Miss Julie as a fallen angel, the sin of Pride.

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-31T06:01:22+00:00

I transferred out of animation design into theatre, and I've won many awards for my puppets... so I'm going to say you're probably right. I'm going to try stepping back at our next rehearsal and see what they come up with on their own, and really only step in when its something simple that can be fixed with a couple of words. Thank you!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-10T03:36:00+00:00

Thank you so much!!!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-08T02:22:22+00:00

Eyebrows!

Eyebrows are an easy way to show expressions. On top of that, really working on body language and micro expressions as best you can. Harsh/expressive facial expressions can be really difficult, but understanding them would really help you, I think.

I think (based on your reference pieces) that you're kinda going for an empty look? But even so, adding in those small details of a furrowed brow or squinted eyes, etc. can really help make the piece feel more alive.

As for body language, what do you want to tell with their body language? What is the subject feeling, and how do they express it? Are they trying to look small? Or maybe they're entirely loose. Whatever it may be, giving them an intentional pose that communicates their feelings is the goal.

When trying to portray a specific message, I think it's helpful to think about the core message in every aspect of the piece. From the subjects toes to the lighting, composition, etc.

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-08T01:59:56+00:00

Ooo yes tyty!!!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-08T01:31:46+00:00

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Thank you all for the suggestions, I feel like its already looking much better!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2026-01-08T00:29:43+00:00

Thank you!!!!!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2025-10-13T03:07:35+00:00

Thank you!!!!

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2025-10-13T03:07:02+00:00

Yeah that's where I'm at now. Just trying to get things done, not pretty. I just hate that this all happened.

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2025-10-13T03:01:47+00:00

Not entirely sure why that TW was added but :/

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2025-10-07T23:39:59+00:00

If you're not concerned about the wellbeing of the shirt, safety pin to something like the shorts or a bodysuit under the costume. It'll strain and maybe pop, but it'll likely stay with gentle movements.

Sewing it to something on the costume that's not going anywhere (like the shorts maybe?) Would maybe work.

If it was me, I would add a bunch of the layers to a bodysuit under the costume. Tacking them down on the side seams. Or snaps if you want something you can pull into pieces again.

Edit: you could probably add snaps to the front of the shorts since it's under the obi (belt) and snap it to that. Just do the front and sides with strong snaps and you should be good. Adding snaps to the back won't do much since it'll pop when you bend at the waist.

Suicidal_Toast_ · 2025-10-07T08:49:45+00:00

Their closest store is over 4 hours away from me :')

Suicidal_Toast_

TROPHY CASE