What do you do if conflicts arise during a theatrical production and threaten to derail the show?

1 Communication is key

The first step to resolving any conflict is to communicate openly and respectfully. Listen to the other person's perspective and try to understand their needs and feelings. Express your own point of view without blaming or attacking. Use "I" statements instead of "you" statements to avoid defensiveness. For example, say "I feel frustrated when you change your lines without telling me" instead of "You are always messing up the script". Try to find common ground and a mutually acceptable solution.

2 Respect the roles and boundaries

Theatrical production involves a lot of collaboration and coordination among different roles and departments. It's important to respect the authority and expertise of each role and not overstep your boundaries. For example, if you are an actor, don't try to tell the director how to stage a scene or the designer how to light it. If you are a director, don't micromanage the actors or the crew. If you are a designer, don't interfere with the other designers' work. Trust that everyone is doing their best to contribute to the show and respect their artistic choices.

4 Seek help when needed

Sometimes, conflicts can escalate or become too difficult to handle on your own. In that case, you may need to seek help from a third party, such as a stage manager, a producer, or a mediator. They can help you facilitate a dialogue, clarify the issues, and find a resolution. They can also provide support, guidance, and feedback. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It's better to address the conflict sooner than later, before it affects the quality of the show or the morale of the cast and crew.

5 Learn and grow from the experience

Finally, conflicts can be an opportunity to learn and grow as a theater professional and as a person. You can gain new insights, skills, and perspectives from the experience. You can also improve your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. You can also strengthen your relationships and trust with your colleagues. Try to see the positive aspects of the conflict and use them to enhance your theatrical production and your personal development.