Appendix 3 - The Director’s Mentor Role

Inexperienced directors will be required to have a mentor; any director may request one (usually a Prod. Comm. member). Scope is agreed between mentor and director.

Before Rehearsals (Discuss/Advise)

• Concept practicality (set, staging, costume, sound, lights, budget).
• How to work with Prod. Comm.
• Auditions and follow-up.
• Sectioning/pre-planning/text analysis/schedule; books-down timing; integrating tech into schedule.
• Contacts for essentials (VM for weekend/extra rehearsals, etc.).
• Building the tech team; planning the tech meeting.
• Info to supply to tech: props list, wardrobe schedule, LX/SFX plots; when/how to meet individuals.
• Pre-planning with Designer/Builder; stage access in later rehearsals.
• Budgeting.
• Planning the first rehearsal.

During Rehearsals

• Be a listening ear; keep weekly contact; be available for panics.
• Visit rehearsals (at director’s invitation).
• Help with difficult situations.
• Help plan post-show feedback to Prod. Comm.