A Director - Someone Who Is To Lead in the Arts Part 2

Continuing on the idea that Directors are leaders....

This past week as a Director, I have been in evaluation mode. As a result, I have had conversations with several people who work in different capacities in the theatre - Producer, Actor, Stage Manager - and all of them have had very similar responses when I tell them that I am interested in their feedback about their work with me and the relationship we have had. They say, "Really? You want to know what I think? Really??? 'Cause I'm so used to not being heard or even asked."

There is a reason my asking is a surprise.  As it is the Director whose vision and leadership becomes the focal point of creation for a production, it has been my experience that in the theatre world many Directors do not ask what the people they work most closely with think of their leadership or their work.

Again, I want to reiterate that I struggle with both evaluation and also to not fall when I am leading.  Being a Director carries with it great challenges.  It is easy to see how someone in this role might make mistakes.  After all, we are front and center leading the vision into reality.  However, I believe, for the powerful communication through art, that it is imperative that Directors learn to not only be powerful creators but powerful leaders and people.

Obviously, there is a danger in asking anyone and everyone for an evaluation. You can, for one, become overwhelmed with all the information you are getting back. And, if you are not secure in your person, evaluation can knock you for a loop.

However, I have found that there is value in asking those who you know will be honest and open with you. It can provide you with great insights into things that you did not realize and it can assist you in growing in the places that you really do need to mature in rather than only the ones that you yourself are interested in.

It is never easy to hear feedback but it always bears fruit and improves my next project and my life.


Designing with you...

Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca