We missed our mini series yesterday, but we are back and ready to share more behind the scenes tidbits on our production of Sweeney Todd that opens next Thursday, May 20!!! Today's mini series focuses on the rehearsal process, which is a fundamental part of any theatrical production. The average musical will require around 150 hours of rehearsing in the theater itself, but that does NOT include the hours that performers put into the production on their own doing research, studying lines, memorizing, rehearsing their music, practicing their choreography, running lines and just getting to know their character. Basically, anytime a performer or technician becomes a part of a production, it's like prepping for a state championship or the Olympics every time! It becomes a daily, multiple hour commitment every day from the moment you are cast until the last moment you step off the stage for your last performance! The rehearsal process begins after a show is cast. The very first thing that happens is that the cast and oftentimes the crew, get together to do a “read through”. This is a moment when they literally sit together and read through the script. This provides everyone with a much clearer picture of the story itself, and also what their role in the story will be.
From there, rehearsals begin regularly. In our case, we rehearse at least 3 times a week for three hours at a time and sometimes one additional day for choreography or music. We also have performers who come in on Saturdays to pitch in with our technical days. Rehearsals vary and often have multiple things happening at one time. We may have small groups or large groups- everyone or just some characters- it depends on what the focus is. We often have one group rehearsing music, while another group is working choreography, another is running scene work and another may be doing a character study. Multi tasking is key!!!! All the while, actors are continuing to work on their own and independently to accomplish their goal of memorization and familiarity with everything they must do! Once the rehearsal process is complete, they begin the process of Run Throughs. During this time, the goal is to begin the show and run through the entire thing without stopping for timing, sequence and flow of story. You begin adding sound and lighting, some costume pieces possibly (if they may hinder movement) and props. Scripts and music are gone at this point and memorization is fully expected. Usually, notes are provided for cast and crew after the run through to help the entire show move forward.
Finally, dress rehearsals begin!! During these last few rehearsals, all costumes, props, set pieces and other technical elements are fully added. If there is a live band, the musicians join the process and any other special effects are added such as fog, snow, rain, projections or more (we’ve used them all!)! Notes are given and praises are shared so actors and crew members know what to fix and also what to keep! At this point, it is expected that everyone stick to the process that has been put into place and rehearsed. This provides safety for all involved because if one person goes off on a tangent, taking anyone by surprise, things can happen. Rehearsals not only provide the process to get everyone ready to perform, but they also provide structure and safety for everyone in the production! This is the process that prepares us all to be ready to share our work with a live audience and we hope you are a part of it next weekend!
Our final mini series will focus on lighting, our volunteers and our performers!!
Enjoy these photos of our rehearsal process!!!
RJ and Nick rehearsing Sapphira trying out her wig! Madi and Sapphira
Tommi rehearsing his Pirelli number!
RJ and Madi in By the Sea RJ and Riley as Sweeney Todd and Anthony
Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett- RJ and Madison
