How Do You Manage All Of Those Pieces Parts?
Directing a show... it intimidates a lot of people.
"How can you possibly manage all of those cues, talent, time..?" "It's just like leading an orchestra..."
I know absolutely nothing about leading an orchestra, and PS - it looks really, really difficult.
However, I do know how to direct a show and I learn something new each and every time I put on that headset.
The concepts are simple really.
1. TRUST
Surround yourself with people you trust. They know your expectations and you know what they can accomplish.
People joke about my "circle of trust". I work with the same people on the majority of my productions. After many shows, or in some cases, many years of working together, my high expectations are now the baseline and we push ourselves further with each show.
2. EMPOWER
You can't possibly make every decision. You can guide. You can consult. But if you micro-manage and try to control every aspect, every decision, there won't be anyone on the other end of your headset.
No one wants to work for a controlling maniac. People want to contribute. You can't possibly know everything. Consider where others have been. They probably know a better way.
3. LEAD
This one seems obvious but not many people are good at leading. Maybe they're good at managing and are confusing that with leadership.
Start here - You lead people, not things. People want to feel appreciated. This is not rocket science.
We work long, ridiculous hours and sometimes it's tough stuff. Show your team that you care.
I attend almost every load-in and lots of strikes. I don't expect anyone to work longer or harder than me.
Take care of your team and they will take care of you. It's a two-way street.
