What impact does team conflict have on the quality of a theatrical production?

Especially teaching and directing theater for student-actors, I find that student have a lot of difficulty taking leadership roles like directing. When we do our class plays, where it is student written, directed, casted, and performed, I find that a lot of creative differences arise and sometimes that means spending more time talking it out than rehearsing.

In my experience, ignoring conflict does more harm than good. Nobody will agree with everyone's opinion every single time, and that's okay! That's part of the beauty of our industry: we get to learn and grow through the perspectives of those we work with. However, when conflicts do arise, it is important to acknowledge the issue and work towards a solution or strategize a plan for success sooner, rather than later. Trying to shove the problems under the rug only causes tensions to rise higher and resentment to build between members of the crew and production, which will affect the outcome of the production negatively -- no matter how you spin it.

Conflict is uncomfortable but when managed well, it is a learning opportunity. It can broaden your perspective and force you into seeing something through someone else's eyes. It can cause you to reflect on your own behaviour and make necessary changes. It can be very grounding in that way. Conflict left unaddressed has a way of growing and distorting. It can manipulate others opinions and blow all manner of things out of proportion. Of course, 'All drama is conflict. Without conflict, you have no action; without action, you have no character; without character, you have no story; and without story, you have no screenplay' (Syd Field) - so it could also be an excellent opportunity for any observant writers in the team 😅

Try to consider all of the points of view being presented throughout the conflict as it arises. While it's unrealistic (and difficult) to find a solution that pleases/appeases everyone, it may be better to strategize a new solution entirely that takes everyone's questions, comments, or concerns into account. Sometimes the final iteration of the project you set out to start evolves into something else entirely (for the better), once you bring others' mindset and experiences into play!

Es clave para esto que quién dirija el proyecto sea una persona empática y con gran capacidad de escucha. Identificar cuando el conflicto está siendo "forzado", es decir: cuando una persona quizás por educación o costumbre busca activar problemas, que en el trasfondo son totalmente solucionables y cuando la problemática necesita intervención y decisiones. En mi amplia experiencia al trabajar con equipos (de 10 a 30 personas) he aprendido a leer ciertas actitudes que son "red flag" y pueden prevenirse causas mayores.

Conflict doesn't have to always carry a negative connotation! Sometimes the best ideas are sprouted from problems/conflicts that have needed solutions, and usually the final product is all the better for it.

Conflict is always inevitable, however when they are met head first and people are able to debate a bit further on what they want to happen, new ideas can arise and compromises form.

Leadership is responsible for navigating conflict. When the cast and crew respect leadership then major conflicts rarely manifest and the menial ones that do show up are easily mitigated. From day one the leader(s) of the production need to inspire confidence and respect. You achieve this by executing your vision with purposeful communication and patience. When a team of people believe in what they're creating and are proud of what the end result will be egos dissolve into a synergy of passion and commitment. When leadership demonstrates competence, humility, and resilience the cast and crew will follow.

I have no personal experience in this field, but I believe that these guidelines should be followed in general whenever effective and creative teamwork is required. By the way, has anyone read The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi?

Managing conflict is always best tackled with openness and empathy. Diffusing potentially volatile scenarios by recognising and labelling the feelings, addressing misconceptions and mistakes etc, is important before the next steps of problem solving and setting goals. Typically, I would expect every cast and crew to underpin all of the theatre making with kindness and mutual respect. It is a team effort and relies on everyone for success. However, whilst openness and empathy are a huge part of the process, you may occasionally have a player who is disrupting it so much, that it's best they leave. It's rare, but it happens.

Para prevenir conflictos humanos en un elenco, considero que hay que tener previamente resuelto: - Objetivos concretos. - Plazos precisos con flexibilidad ante circunstancias inesperadas. - Claridad en la comunicación. - Transparencia en el aspecto monetario. - Expectativas realistas consensuadas por todo el conjunto. - Liderazgo democrático y una clara repartición de roles. - Aceptar que no todos van a poner la misma energía al proyecto y que eso, no es necesariamente malo.