Here are some thoughts I think are helpful for directors and actors.

Let me start with one that may be hard to adjust to, but I feel one of the most important things. As a director, during rehearsal, pick a spot in the audience or near the stage and remain there the entire rehearsal. In other words, don't invade the actors space by going on stage. The directors place is off stage, the actors space is on stage. If the director keeps out of the actors space, then it forces the director to direct and leave the creative aspect to the actors. Directors that walk on the stage tend to show the actors what to do. As a director NEVER show an actor what to do - TELL them. Directors tell an actor where to go, how they get there is up to them.

Guide the actors by words, phrases, pictures - NEVER demonstrate! I cannot emphasize this enough. Whenever a director shows an actor what to do, either movement or giving line readings, then the actor feels like they have to copy what the director does. Creativity goes out the window. The actor feels threatened, feels that the director doesn't trust them to come up with their own character. If a directors shows actors what to do, then they get a bunch of imitations of them on stage. Does not make for riviting theater!

To learn this concept of non-interference, practice directing without moving your arms. Keep them behind your back - sit on your hands - anything that forces you to talk to the actors and guide them with words.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the first read through. A lot of actors feel like they need to perform at the first reading. Encourage the first reading to be that - just a reading. Don't let the actors get locked in to any type of reading or character sitting in their chair. Especially if this is the first time they've read the script as a whole. Let characters emerge over the entire rehearsal process. Not expecting a performance also tells the actor that the director trusts them to come up with a good character when the time is right!

To keep rehearsals running smoothly try blocking the show before the first blocking rehearsal. Draw a diagram of the stage, make copies for each page of the script and draw out all the blocking. None of this is set in stone, but by doing this keeps rehearsal on track and provides parameters to work within. Actors appreciate directors who have focus during rehearsals and keep it moving on track.