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 Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Other Topics |
 Topic: Length of Practice( Topic Closed) |
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luvthekids417
Walk-On 
Joined: 4/26/06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0 |
 Topic: Length of PracticePosted: 4/27/06 at 2:12pm |
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How long does it take to prepare for a good stage production?
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75director
Celebrity 
Joined: 8/19/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 122 |
Posted: 4/27/06 at 3:23pm |
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There are several answers to that question. A lot depends on the type of show you're doing, the experience of your cast/crew and things like that. The rule of thumb I generally apply is 6 weeks to rehearse a play and 8 weeks to rehearse a musical. That's with 3 hours of rehearsals 5 nights a week, and not counting tech week. But like I said it all depends on your group and the show. |
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Topper
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Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543 |
Posted: 4/27/06 at 4:20pm |
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That's a million-dollar question! I've seen plenty of BAD stage productions that no amount of rehearsal could improve.
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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
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Playwright
Celebrity
Joined: 4/01/06 Location: Canada Online Status: Offline Posts: 126 |
Posted: 4/27/06 at 4:34pm |
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Hi, I go with a 7 or 8 week schedule (not counting tech week). 3 times a week- two and half hours per rehearsal. I find the 6 week too limiting because there is always rehearsals that your actors miss. I always make the second to last week before tech as my 'make-up missed rehearsals or fix trouble spots'. This has always worked quite well with all the shows I've directed. Do any of you use 'play polishers'. Someone who comes into one of the runs prior to tech week. You know, not to point out major changes but just to point out any blocking problems or other minor things that are easy to change. Smooth out any rough spots with pace, smooth entrances or exits etc.
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POB14
Celebrity
Joined: 7/01/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 349 |
Posted: 4/27/06 at 4:57pm |
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About 44 years, so far. 6 weeks straight, 8 weeks musical is about standard. The "polisher" is a great idea. Some productions I've been involved with have used their "producer" or "board buddy" in this capacity. |
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POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard |
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Guests
Guest 
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Posted: 4/27/06 at 7:58pm |
I have a friend who used to direct at the place I'm at now. His family and work constraints have forced him to give it up, but he comes in every show to "guest direct." Usually, it's just telling the cast the things I've been telling them for weeks (but, miraculously, they actually listen to someone else); but he usually has a few creative things to add as well. In response to how long for rehearsals: 6 weeks of 3 days per week for 3 hours per day (1/2 hour is acting games and warmups, and another 1/2 hour is set up and put back) PLUS 2 weeks of 4 days per week for 4 hours per day PLUS TECH WEEK/PERFORMANCE WEEK THAT CAN RUN 14 HOURS A DAY FOR 6 DAYS A WEEK. |
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dougb
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Joined: 3/30/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 148 |
Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:23am |
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We use an eight week rehearsal schedule - three a week to start while they are getting off book increasing to five a week - a total of around 35 rehearsals.
I always use a polisher but they give their notes to me and I decide which the cast will hear. I also bring in a comedy director to teach the actors how to make funny lines funny. It make a big difference. |
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B-M-D
Celebrity
Joined: 11/03/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 346 |
Posted: 4/29/06 at 5:04pm |
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That the question even needs to be asked speaks volumes. |
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BD
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard." |
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castMe
Celebrity
Joined: 11/02/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 206 |
Posted: 4/30/06 at 9:03am |
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I have gotten by with beginning rehearsals for straight shows 9 weeks
before we open. This works out to 8 weeks plus "up" or "tech"
week. We usually have three rehearsals the first week to get the
show blocked then settle in to two rehearsals a week. Of course,
I "own" the cast the week we open, although I rarely rehearse the night
before we open. I believe I may be the only director in the area
who gives his cast and crew the night before opening off, but I figure
if I have to rehearse
that night, the show is in enough trouble that no amount of practice is
gonna get us ready. If, two weeks before opening, things look
rocky, I lay on an extra rehearsal or two at that time. If a particular
scene needs a little work, I call the few actors involved in the scene,
and we may work 45 minutes ro so til it feels better. Giving them
that evening off seems to be good for moral and gives them a chance to
re-acquaint with their family, catch up on laundry (always a good thing
for the dressing room time) and generally relax. I have also
pretty much done away with a read-thru for the first rehearsal.
I'd rather jump right in and begin giving them their blocks. I don't
waste any time with acting games or back stories or "where has your
character come from". (An aside...I once did "Death of a Saleman" and
the director had the Loman family take a train ride with him so we
could get some understanding of how the constant traveling might affect
Willy. The actress playing Linda asked, "Why don't we just
rehearse?")
I keep rehearsals to two hours as after that I believe you reach a point of diminishing returns. Especially on week nights when your cast has worked I figure after two hours not much sinks in. So... I work about 20 hours of rehearsal plus "up" week's tech and two dress rehearsals for a two-hour comedy or drama. |
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Investigate. Imagine. Choose.
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POB14
Celebrity
Joined: 7/01/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 349 |
Posted: 5/01/06 at 9:32am |
Wow. Just . . . wow. I admit my total ignorance of professional theatre, which I assume this must be, but . . . I mean . . . wow. From the LORT rulebook ( http://www.actorsequity.org/docs/rulebooks/LORT_Rulebook_05- 08.pdf):
Don't things get a bit counterproductive after, oh, I don't know, the first ten hours or so? |
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POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard |
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