THINGS TO DON’T 

                                             

I came across the following whilst searching through the Internet Archive (Internet Archive: Digital Library  (archive.org)

                    

It’s from: HUMOROUS HOMESPUN DIALOGUES by Willis N. Bugbee (great name!) Published by T. S. DENNISON & COMPANY, CHICAGO (hence the American spelling), in 1913, and still relevant, I reckon! 

A DOZEN DON’TS 
REGARDING THE PRESENTATION OF DIALOGUES

Don’t select a dialogue or play without first considering whether your would-be performers have the ability to present it in a creditable manner.

Don’t assign important parts to those who cannot or will not attend all rehearsals, or to those who are extremely timid on the stage.

Don’t give an old man part to one who can do straight work better. In other words assign the parts to fit the players.

Don’t attempt to direct or coach a dialogue until you have studied it carefully and understand yourself, just how it should be presented – what expressions and gestures are needed to make it most effective.

Don’t stop rehearsing until every line is thoroughly memorized and every detail has been mastered. The first meeting should be for a reading of the play, the last one should be a full dress rehearsal.

Don’t think that the memorizing and reciting of the words alone will make your dialogue a success. There are many expressions, gestures, movements, etc. that are not given in the text, but are almost as essential as the words themselves.

Don’t allow unnecessary interruptions during rehearsals. Insist that all laughing, talking, joking, etc. be postponed until the rehearsal is over.

Don’t allow mumbling. Require that each and every one speak loud enough to be heard distinctly in all parts of the building.

Don’t be discouraged if the first few rehearsals do not seem to bring the results you expect. It takes considerable time and a great deal of patience before you may hope to attain the degree of perfection you desire.

Don’t fail to have all accessories (costumes, properties etc.) on hand at just the proper time and proper place. A failure to do so may spoil the whole performance.

Don’t depend too much on the prompter. Although he/she is quite necessary to a well conducted entertainment, yet the least he has to do apparently, the more successful the performance.

Don’t trust to luck unless hard work goes with it. If you have assigned the parts wisely, drilled thoroughly, and attended to all the little details of the play, your success is reasonably assured.