... Rehearse, refine, repeat...

by Elliot Montgomery, Artistic/Education Director

This delicate interplay, akin to a symphony conductor guiding a talented orchestra, holds the power to transform scripts into living, breathing performances that resonate with audiences. The director's role in this intricate process is multi-faceted, involving a fine-tuned balance of communication, trust-building and creative exploration.

Here at TiE it Up, we first and foremost believe that effective communication is the backbone of any successful collaboration. The creative team is led by myself and Producer David Chafer, who both believe that a director must establish an open dialogue with the cast, creating a safe space for actors to express their ideas and concerns. Through discussions about character motivations, plot nuances, and thematic elements, a shared understanding of the play's essence emerges. This dialogue isn't a one-way street: we believe that the director needs to carefully listen to the actors' insights, embracing a democratic approach that nurtures a sense of ownership among the cast.

Trust and team building is another vital component during the rehearsal process. We believe in making our rehearsal spaces fun, with games, plenty of tea/coffee and most importantly cake and biscuits! Why? To make everyone feel relaxed, at home and part of a supportive group to ensure everyone has a voice in a TiU team. This way, actors feel free to make offers, suggestions and create the work within the overall artistic framework set out by the director. We start with the premise that there are no 'bad' ideas - only ones we haven't tried yet. All of our work to-date has been made collaboratively with each cast.

Trust isn't built overnight, it evolves through consistent encouragement, constructive feedback and a genuine belief in the actors' abilities. When our performers feel secure in knowing their voice will be heard and their ideas explored, the rehearsal room becomes a playground for innovation.

We love to explore! We guide the cast through the intricate process of character development, blocking and scene analysis. During script readings, these processes help the actors decipher the subtext, encouraging them to read between the lines and breathe life into their characters. Through improvisation exercises, the cast explores different facets of their roles, uncovering unexpected layers that add depth to the performance. This collaborative exploration extends to the physical realm, with blocking sessions aimed at making the way actors' inhabit the space feel as natural as possible, enhancing the visual storytelling.

Group exercises and team-building activities knit the cast into a cohesive unit, fostering a sense of camaraderie essential for a touring theatre company to have both harmonious on- and off-stage chemistry.

Rehearsals are also a forum for problem-solving and overcoming challenges, whether they be logistical hiccups, or script revisions. This adaptive approach requires quick thinking and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of live theatre. In these moments, the director must act as a facilitator to allow the whole team to find solutions to overcome obstacles.

Technical aspects - such as costume, lighting, sound, and set design - add another layer to the director's responsibilities. Co-ordinating with Producer David, we ensure these elements harmonise with the actors' performances. 

In conclusion, the director-cast relationship is the heartbeat of what we do here at TiU. Through effective communication, trust-building, and creative exploration, our creative team shapes the raw material of a script into a vibrant, engaging performance.

Read on: Art of Engagement...