Notes, Part One

Once you start running through the whole show (or perhaps a little earlier than that) the director will start to give notes.

Basically, what this means is that he'll watch the show, decide what he or she thinks is good or bad (these will generally be very specific, like "I want you standing a little more to the left than you are in this scene").  Notes are, I think, fairly self-explanatory, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

 Have a notebook in your hand when the director starts notes.  Write down any notes for you in a way a that you will be able to read the next day.

Also, it's a good idea to write down any notes for the whole cast.  A common one is, "Project more" or, "Be louder."  A director once told me that it was best to be as loud as possible, and that he would love to, one day, be able to give the note, "Be Quieter."

This may seem obvious, but implement the note he gives you.  I've seen people pretend the note never happened, more or less, and the director had to give it again and again.

Next, I was taught that it is correct to say, "Thank you," after you receive a note.  It doesn't matter if the note is flattery, this isn't a normal thank you.  It's just the way you acknowledge that you heard and understood the note that you just received.

Plenty of people don't do this, but I've done it long enough that it's become second nature, and I think it's a good idea.

Finally, pay attention even if you have a small part.  Sometimes you won't get a note, but just keeping working.