Something that worries me when I'm in a play
I get a little worried when people start calling for upending the conventions of theater when the director/playwright is a rookie. First of all, I have to wonder, what are these conventions you think you're breaking? And do you really think there hasn't been a million, potentially better, directors that haven't tried the same thing the past 1000 years, and probably failed? I understand wanting to break the rules, but something like being able to see your performers would seem to be a pretty fundamental rule. I'm just pulling this number out of my ass, but I'd say a good 90% of non-verbal communication comes from the face, and probably 10% comes from the rest of your body. Perhaps if the actor is really good at movement or dance, you can get that body communication to 25%, but even a good dancer is at peril when they ignore their face. I don't think you want to be deadpan when you're dancing around like a sugarplum fairy. I figure it's always better to play by the rules for a while, then you can really understand them, and the reason for them, then you can try bending or breaking them.