Technicals Wainstein, Chapter 20

Technical Rehearsals

“Even in the most congenial of atmospheres, technical rehearsals can unleash the monster in people.” (211)

From experience…1. Stay Calm2. Keep your eye on the prize3. The show will come together4. The show must go on

Director’s role• Empower and trust your collaborators• Be patient• Stay calm• Follow the plan

Spacing rehearsal• Generally should occur before the crew comes in• Use time and space efficiently• Acting coaching doesn’t end…just a different focus

Prepping for Tech1. Coordinate between PSM and TD2. Walk the stage with designer, TD,

PSM3. Walk the stage with the cast4. If possible set glow tape before tech

begins5. Review the rehearsal rules (see next

slide)6. If needed have speed-throughs away

from stage

Rehearsal rules (p 213)

• Arrive on time• Be respectful of the crew• Ask, don’t demand• If a problem arises, tell the PSM• Don’t touch anything!• Don’t change anything!• Put things away after you use them• Wear costumes as instructed• Don’t talk onstage during tech work• Don’t leave without informing the PSM

Rehearsal rules (cont.)

• Bring food and water for long rehearsals• Eat only in assigned spaces and never in costume• Don’t use cellphones during rehearsal• Be prepared to sit around, bring work, crosswords,

books, etc.• Bring pencil and paper (ALWAYS!!)• Don’t wear white, yellow or other bright colors

Paper Tech

Dress Parade

Not all companyshave a dress parade.They do save time(and notes) at thefirst dress rehearsal.

Spacing non-musicals• Run fights• Go through scenes to set blocking• Adjust compositions and stage pictures• Work traffic patterns onstage and off

Spacing musicals• Set dances onstage first• Run fights• Review blocking• Set group pictures• Work out mass

entrances and exits• Work out traffic

patterns

Tech rehearsals with crew

• Dry Tech• Cue to cue• Tech run• First dress• Dress rehearsal

Musical Orchestra Rehearsals

• Sitzprobe (to sit and rehearse)• Wanderprobe (to move and rehearse)• Piano runs

Adding in elements• Scenery• Lighting• Costumes• Props• Sound

Choosing music• Recorded cues• Live cues• Recorded music

o Pre showo Intermissiono Internalo Post show

• Choosing musico The right music can helpo The wrong music detracts