Survive and thrive during tech week with these insider tips on for stage play success! We are on the home stretch with Part 3 (the conclusion) of this Tech Week series; get ready as we outline the final steps.
[0:00] Intro
[0:26] Tech Rehearsal
*Run through the entire show, start to finish, 'stop and go', meaning you only stop if there is a technical problem (including lighting, sound, costume change or set change), nothing acting related
*Give actors the option to save their energy if they can do 50% emotion/intensity with 100% speed and volume
*Try to do 1 or 2 (or more) technical rehearsals
*Actors should be in full costumes, but not make-up and hair unless there is a quick change, or you (as the director) decide you want to see it
[2:02] Dress Rehearsal
*Run the entire show, start to finish, as if it were a performance with a live audience, not stopping unless something catastrophic happens
[3:06] Open/Invited Dress Rehearsal / Preview
*An optional dress rehearsal with an invited audience of press, influencers, or anyone with a following with the hopes they will promote your show on their platform
*This be your second or third dress rehearsal (not your first dress rehearsal)
[3:54] Performance
*Assign a FOH (From of House Manager) & ushers
*FOH manages whoever is in charge of selling tickets at the door, selling concession or show memorabilia, handing out programs, etc., as well as all customer complaints
*FOH communicated with SM (stage manager) when to open the house at the top of the show as well as when intermission is over
[5:30] Strike
*Pack up and remove everything you brought to the performance location
*Don't forget to pack any rented pieces secretly, so you can easily find them to return them
*Actors can help with strike, although they often don’t because they are out celebrating or networking
*Call in favours from family and friends to help with strike
*Have moving vans ready to take everything away from the theatre
*Leave the theatre clean so the venue will rent to you again in the future
[6:46] Post Mortem
*Meet with your technical team and crew and make notes of all things you did correctly and should repeat next time, and things to improve on next time
*Actors do not usually attend post mortem, but getting their feedback is crucial
*Send an email, Google form, or survey to your cast asking them for honest feedback on every aspect of the production experience (including auditions, rehearsals, tech week, performance, rehearsal and performance venues, scheduling and communications, interpersonal clashes, and overall experience with the company.)
*Make notes on important contacts/phone numbers, volunteers, and other data you can use for your next production
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CONTACT ME TO HELP WITH YOUR STAGE PLAY or PRODUCTION:
https://www.fiverr.com/juelbrown?up_rollout=true
10 JOBS TO FILL TO PUT ON A PLAY (Part 1 & 2):
https://youtu.be/2qcjPctldGw
https://youtu.be/iTTeG6BMyDg
EXAMPLE CUE SHEETS:
https://linktr.ee/juelbrown
SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.instagram.com/juelbrown1/
Juel has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and a 4-year conservatory acting diploma from Sheridan College. Since graduating in 2010, Juel has been writing, producing, acting in, stage managing, directing, and coaching in her hometown of Toronto and Los Angeles. Juel has worked with such names as Trey & Darren Anthony, Rachael-Lea Rickards, and Marion J. Caffey. She's currently working freelance with several theatre companies, directors, and playwrights.
Juel Brown has been helping new (and experienced) directors for over 10 years, from choosing their script to polishing their blocking.
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Juel is also the author of the New Adult Contemporary Fiction novel THE REFINING. https://www.amazon.com/dp/177733070X
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