Arts Council of Surrey

Many people go to the theatre, but not many know how a play grows from original idea to actual performance. Here’s a brief outline of the process.

First, we choose the script – Either written by one playwright or the end result of a creative collaboration between several artists.

Next the producer/production manager creates the budget; books the venues, rehearsal halls, scene shops; finds the creative & administrative staff; writes & negotiates contracts, and the final reconciliation after the play closes.

Once the play and venue(s) are chosen, marketing begins.

Production meetings are held where; heads of departments and the director discuss ideas and concepts. A rehearsal schedule is created: professional show, rehearsals usually take two to three weeks, 10 am – 6 pm per day: non-professional show rehearsals are scheduled to fit the participants life commitments and can span several months.

The director holds auditions and casts the play – finding the right actors to suit the characters and to fit his/her vision. Offers are sent out to successful actors and a cast list is prepared.

Table read comes next – a get together where everyone meets the first time to read through the entire play. This is followed by regular rehearsals until it’s time to move into the theatre.

Cues: Every time there is a sound effect, the lighting changes or the set changes, that is a cue. In order for these cues to run smoothly during performance, we have what is known as a ‘technical rehearsal’ in the theatre where the play is to be performed, in which all of these cues are set. This is followed by a ‘cue to cue’, the actors and stage manager rehearse each of those cues until they run smoothly.

One or Two Dress rehearsals precede the preview performances.

Preview: often theatre companies will have one or two preview performances to precede opening, so that the play can ‘warm up’ and be ready for the big event.

Opening night: this is when all the VIPs attend, the critics do their worst, flowers are delivered to dressing rooms, champagne is drank, and the play is finally up and running. All the hard work, problem solving, concerns, worries, highs & lows of preparing for the great night are behind us and we can settle in to a successful run – already looking forward to the next play’s beginnings!

You can check out how great Ellie’s advice works when you go to see her latest production in action.

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