How to direct a pantomime part 4 – Flexibility
Flexibilty is key.
I have discovered recently that if I am to achieve my goal of producing this panto the way I would like it to be done I am going to have to be flexible in my approach. I still know exactly what I want to achieve, and remain committed to my end goal, but I am willing to go with the flow and make some changes along the way.
There are so many variables involved in putting on a production that you can’t help but adapt if you are going to succeed. As I mentioned in my last blog, there are technical difficulties, creative problems and not least the human factor. With a cast and crew of twenty something, not a rehearsal goes by when someone doesn’t come up to me to let me know they can’t make a rehearsal or don’t want to do something or other. It would be very easy to get upset when this happens, but with a bit of space and time to think, most challenges can be overcome or worked around – providing everyone involved is just as willing to be flexible in their approach.
This week, my creative team and I made an executive decision on our opening number. We decided on our songs together (although I will hold my hands up to making the casting vote), and the cast, MD and chorographer have all been working hard on it but it is just not gelling. The energy is not there and the impact won’t be either, so we have decided to change the song all together. I told the cast our news last night and was pleased that they took it in good spirits and are all willing to learn a new song (and dance!) later on this week.
After having directed my first play, I was a little disappointed not to have achieved everything that was in my original vision, but I have since learned that is the way theatre (and indeed life) goes. The whole process brought to mind the goal of making a sculpture of something beautiful, but having chipped a bit away here and a bit away there, with nature and time getting in the way, the end product was different to how I had envisaged it – but hopefully no less beautiful.
I hope that my cast and crew will join me in this approach and rather than being a tree standing alone in the wind, we will be a forest swaying together (OK – you can throw up now).
In the meantime – I’d like to treat you to a sneak peek of our trolls…. No one is more flexible and open to change than the kids, and they are doing a great job.
Until next time!
