more from Willam Ball's "A Sense of Direction"
It is important for a director to practice praising. Begin the rehearsal with praise. "It is an honor to work with such fine artists." "This is one of the most beautiful plays ever written." "Look at the beautiful sunshine." "Aren't these words exciting. Let's begin." Your praise evokes enthusiasm, and the actor thinks, "Maybe he will praise me some day." He works in hope of being praised. Praise is the musculature of directing. All the theories and concepts can be thrown out the window; they are a dime a dozen. Any director who has a long career is a good praiser. You can practically measure a director's career by his enthusiasm for what he witnesses.
