Directing: First Rehearsal Read-through

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First Rehearsal Read-through

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Directing
Forum Discription: For questions about handling shows, actors, crew, board members, children ...or do we repeat ourselves?
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3463
Printed Date: 10/30/25 at 9:46pm
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Topic: First Rehearsal Read-through

Posted By: canadapanto
Subject: First Rehearsal Read-through
Date Posted: 9/15/08 at 5:12pm

Question: what do the experienced directors try to accomplish on a first rehearsal? In the case of my pantomime, the parts will all be cast only a day or two before the rehearsal. My plan was to do a table read, and focus on explaining any lines people don't get, answer logistical questions, maybe the start of some character development ideas.

I plan to start blocking on the next rehearsal.

What do the other directors do on the first rehearsal?

Replies:

Posted By: chelserin
Date Posted: 9/15/08 at 7:29pm

We too only have a day or two between casting a show and starting rehearsals. What you have said sounds very much like how we've done it in the past. The first read through is a chance for the cast to hear the whole show and get a sense for their character, and for the director to explain more about their concept for the show before blocking.

Posted By: SweeneyBob
Date Posted: 9/16/08 at 3:09am

Yeah, what you do sounds pretty average. Usually, I first will describe my vision for the show and introduce the main theme(s). Then we read through and usually I have the actors make note of their questions and then I answer them after each act or at the end. If it is a musical that opens with a song (rather than a dialogue scene), I will teach them that opening song if time permits. This way, I can start by blocking/choreographing the opening of the show at the first rehearsal (I like to go from beginning to end as much as possible). Also, when I direct musicals, I play a recording of the music when we come to it in the reading. And usually I let the actors sing along so they can get a feel for the music.

I included those tips just because I know that some pantomimes have songs.

Posted By: DWolfman
Date Posted: 9/16/08 at 10:18am

Sounds like you've got the basics down. My first read through is usually when the entire cast finds out who got the other parts and start to build community. It's also when most of them get introduced to the entire play, having only heard pieces during auditions.

I try to have a diagram of the set for them and hopefully a time schedule for rehearsals with the focus of each meeting specified. It's also a good time to verify personal and contact information.

Once I take care of the business aspects, however, I generally let the play and the characters speak for themselves. As others here have said, answering questions and clarifying goals is what I consider director's priority.

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Even a man who is pure of heart...

Posted By: KEB54
Date Posted: 9/16/08 at 5:17pm

Ditto what everone else has said. In addition, I use this as a time for introductions and to put everyone at ease. Have some refreshments. Explain expectations and procedures (who to call if you're going to be late, etc), and other logistics.

Introduce the production staff and what their duties are. Have them speak and tell the actors what they do and how the actors can best work with them.

It can be a long night, but it should be stress-free. It's kind of a vamp up for the hard work. Let the actors get to know each other a bit on a personal level.

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KEB