Countdown to a show
5 Months from the start of a show
Show Directors submit their application for a particular Show to Planning Committee, stating their preferred production month. At their meeting, Planning (which comprises all the back- stage Groups) invite the Directors along to discuss their applications. It is then the job of the committee to balance the artistic and technical aspects of the applications, the Director's ideas and the suitability of the preferred production month before finally passing a play for production.
4 Months from the start of a show
Open auditions are arranged and held. The casting committee comprises the Show Director, the leader of Drama and/or Music Groups and a back-stage representative. The show is then cast.
The back-stage Group Leaders find members of their groups who would like to staff the show - Scenic Designer, Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, Sound Technician, Wardrobe Mistress, Make-up person and Properties person.
3 Months from the start of a show
The Show Director meets with the various back-stage personnel at a PPU (Pre-Production Unit) to discuss and agree staging, stage plans, lighting ideas etc. and to sort out any early problems. Around this time, the Show Director will start rehearsals.
During the following weeks rehearsals will proceed, the back-stage personnel will attend them as and when necessary and further PPUs will be called as required. Cast may be measured up for costumes and costumes ordered, the set will be designed and building started. Items of properties will be sought and borrowed or hired. Publicity and promotions will be arranged.
1 Month from the start of a show
Once the previous show has finished its production run and has cleared the stage, the next show moves in to the Theatre. By now, the set should have been designed and the component parts ready for assembly on stage. Stage Management build the set with guidance from the Scenic Designer and make the basic set ready for Lighting.
2 Weeks from the start of a show
The basic set should be erected and the detail decorating and lighting can proceed. Properties Group can start to furnish and dress the set. Lighting can rig lanterns and get an idea if their plans are going to work. The cast will walk around the set during this period but will not yet have had the opportunity to rehearse on stage.
1 Week from the start of a show
This is the start of rehearsal week and will be the first opportunity that the cast will have had to rehearse on the actual set. Each group will now see their plans and ideas put into operation for real. Last minute changes will be made, ideas changed or scrapped, late problems sorted out (or panicked over!) and technical rehearsals held. Make-up is applied for the first time and the cast finds out if the costumes fit!
During every rehearsal week, the Theatre runs our own "fire drill" to ensure that all cast and crew know what to do in the event of an emergency.
On the Monday of this week the Box Office opens - and remains open until the production finishes.
Thursday & Friday before the start of a show
These two evenings are dress rehearsals and by now, we expect the show to have had two complete performances as though it were a show night - but without an audience.
Saturday - First Night
The House Staff welcome the audience, sell them sweets, ices and show programmes and usher them to their seats. Back-stage the cast and crew get ready - costumes, make-up, props set, pre-show music....Cancel the Red....Get a Green.....House Lights going...."Another Opening of Another Show...."
