Precision And Order, That’s All That I Ask

It’s important to have rules and guidelines for yourself when diving into a creative project. Over the years I’ve established a lot of rules and guidelines for myself when directing shows and they’ve always done me well. The number one rule I try to abide by when directing a show is this: Always answer questions before they can be asked. Certainly every now and then someone will think of something I didn’t, but I try to provide the information people need when or even before they need it, or have a confident answer for them when they do ask a question. This can greatly help establish their trust in you as a leader. You can also never OVER communicate to your company enough. As chaotic as my thoughts and organization can sometimes be in life, I take great pride and care in my organizational skills when directing a show.

My least favorite feeling when directing are the times I’ve had to say “I don’t know”. This is a very close second rule I always try to follow: avoid saying that. At times I have been at the mercy of other designers, collaborators, or other conditions that forced me to tell someone “I don’t know” and I hated it. Sometimes it was even due to shortsightedness in my own preparation. I hate saying “I don’t know” in these scenarios as it makes me feel like I’m failing as a leader. Even if you don’t know something, or don’t have a way to direct the question towards someone who does (that still counts as knowing in my book), having to admit and say “I don’t know” when you feel as if you should know can be difficult.

The reason I bring it up is this: if you have been following this process or plan to audition for Mary Poppins, you have probably noticed that auditions are set for May 16, 17, and 18th, but our (slightly modified) shelter in place order has been extended through May. "Ohmygosh what does this mean for Mary Poppins auditions?!"

Well, I’m very happy to NOT say “I don’t know” this time. A plan is currently being put into place that, while not our original plan, is one I am content with and in some ways, even excited about. That’s another part of effective directing: being flexible. I wish I could share more of the plan at this time, but details are still falling into place and part of effectively communicating is sharing ALL of your information, not just parts of it. That only raises more questions, and remember, you want to answer questions before they can be asked. Rest assured though, soon everyone will know what they need to know regarding Mary Poppins auditions. You must admit, even this vague explanation is a better explanation than you would probably get from Mary Poppins herself, who proudly “never explains anything!”

Thank you all for reading, more to come soon!