"At dramatic rehearsals, the only author that's better than an absent one is a dead one"

This quote by George S. Kaufman is a funny way of expressing the idea that it is better for an author to be missing or dead than present at a significant wedding rehearsal. This is since when an author exists, they can be overly crucial and nit-picky about the actors' performances, which can be distracting and disruptive to the practice session procedure. It likewise implies that the author's existence can be frightening to the actors, making them seem like they can't take risks or make errors. Kaufman's quote is a humorous way of expressing the concept that it is better for an author to be missing or dead than present at a remarkable wedding rehearsal, as their presence can be disruptive and intimidating.