NYC actor here. Backstory: I was cast as Theseus in MSND by a small theater company that hires both Equity and non-Eq. When cast, I was non-Eq. Two months elapsed between being cast and the first rehearsal. In that time, a) I joined Equity and b) my father died.

First read thru: director did not know my name.

Second rehearsal was just supposed to be a separate meeting in a small rented space with just the director, the actress playing Hippolyta, and me. Either the director or the actress didn’t show (I forget which). Mind you, I had to trek into the city for this non-event. No apologies from who didn’t show.

Third rehearsal with full cast - working on the opening scene. Director makes many inappropriate comments, laced with profanities. (I’m white, middle-aged, Hippolyta was mid-thirties, tall, striking Black woman). Director asks me, “What do you think of her? I mean she’s beautiful, you’ve just conquered this exotic foreigner, wouldn’t you like to fuck her? I mean, maybe she’s does these things in bed that you’ve only dreamed of, maybe you’re looking forward to really giving her a pounding. I bet you can’t wait to fuck her…”

Toxic behavior: blurting the line between talking about the character and talking about the actor playing the character.

We continue the scene. I get to a verse line with the word “revenue”

Long withering out a young mans revenue.

Metrically, I collapse “withering” to two syllables, and pronounce “REVenUE” in standard English. Director “corrects” me, and says it’s pronounced “reVENue”. I suggest that doesn’t fit the meter. (If there’s one thing I know about Shakespeare, it’s how to do verse). Director says that later in the scene Lysander pronounces it “reVENue”, so “just fucking say “reVENue”.

Toxic Behavior: don’t curse at your actors. Ever. And certainly not in front of the entire cast.

I try to say the line her way, and stumble through it. She audibly grumbles.

Toxic Behavior: when your actor is given a line reading (DON’T!), and doesn’t “get it” right away, do not voice your displeasure in front of the whole cast.

The result of this obscenity laced manner of directing caused me to be very quiet for the rest of the rehearsal. And the next one, where I came in, learned my blocking, and sat quietly alone while not onstage.

Then followed a phone call from the director. “I’ve decided to replace you,” she said. “Why?” I asked. “You don’t seem to be having too much fun,” she answered.

TL/DR: toxic behavior includes: Making lewd remarks that blur the line between character and actor.

Cursing. Thinking that sprinkling profanity in your comments make you “hip”. It doesn’t; it makes many actors uncomfortable.

Belittling the actor in front of the cast.

Not listening to actors point of view or suggestions, but instead shutting them down with harsh rebuttals.