11.1 Managing technical rehearsals

Technical rehearsals are the crucial phase where all production elements come together. They integrate technical aspects with performers, refining and coordinating everything from lighting to set changes. This process identifies and resolves issues, allowing performers to adjust to the technical elements.

Key personnel in tech rehearsals include the stage manager, director, technical director, designers, and crew members. Each plays a vital role in bringing the production to life, from coordinating cues to implementing artistic vision and executing technical aspects during the performance.

Technical Rehearsal Management

Define technical rehearsals and their purpose in the production process

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• Technical rehearsals (tech rehearsals) integrate technical elements with performers typically occur after regular rehearsals and before dress rehearsals
• Purpose refines and coordinates all technical aspects of the production ensuring seamless integration of technical elements with performers
• Identifies and resolves technical issues allowing performers to adjust to technical elements (lighting, sound, set changes)

Identify key personnel involved in technical rehearsals

• Stage manager coordinates all aspects of the rehearsal calls cues and manages communication between departments
• Director provides artistic vision and final approval collaborates with technical teams to ensure cohesive production
• Technical director oversees all technical aspects ensures safety and feasibility of technical elements (rigging, special effects)
• Designers (lighting, sound, set, costume) implement artistic vision through their respective mediums
• Crew members (light board operator, sound board operator, stage hands, wardrobe crew) execute technical aspects during performance
• Performers (actors, dancers, musicians) adapt to and interact with technical elements

Technical Rehearsal Process

Outline the typical sequence of events in a technical rehearsal

• Pre-tech meeting reviews schedule and goals discusses potential challenges (complex scene changes, costume quick changes)
• Paper tech conducts preliminary cue placement reviews technical requirements for each scene
• Dry tech runs through technical elements without performers focuses on timing and coordination
• Cue-to-cue rehearsal focuses on specific technical moments performers present for relevant sections
• Stop/start full run completes run-through with stops for adjustments fine-tunes timing and transitions
• Full run-through executes uninterrupted run of the entire show simulates performance conditions

Describe common challenges faced during technical rehearsals

• Time management balances needs of different departments adheres to union regulations and work hours
• Communication issues arise from miscommunication between departments or unclear instructions
• Technical malfunctions occur due to equipment failures or software glitches (lighting console crashes, sound playback issues)
• Safety concerns involve rigging and set piece movements special effects and pyrotechnics
• Performer adaptation requires adjusting to costume changes navigating set pieces and lighting cues
• Last-minute changes include script revisions or design alterations impacting multiple departments

Explain strategies for efficient and effective technical rehearsals

• Detailed scheduling prioritizes complex scenes allows buffer time for unexpected issues
• Clear communication protocols establish chain of command use headsets and proper terminology
• Preparation and organization involves pre-rigging and pre-focusing lighting pre-programming sound and projection cues
• Problem-solving approach identifies issues quickly implements temporary solutions to keep rehearsal moving
• Documentation maintains detailed notes and cue sheets updates promptbook regularly
• Flexibility and adaptability adjusts plans as needed remains open to creative solutions (alternative staging, simplified effects)

Discuss the role of the director during technical rehearsals

• Artistic oversight ensures technical elements support the overall vision makes final decisions on artistic choices
• Collaboration with technical team communicates vision clearly to designers and crew remains open to suggestions and limitations
• Focus on performers helps actors adapt to technical elements provides notes on timing and interaction with tech
• Time management prioritizes issues needing immediate attention delegates tasks to appropriate team members
• Maintaining morale encourages and supports the entire team manages stress and tension during long rehearsals