Sample Rehearsal Schedule |
CT generally uses a six to eight week rehearsal cycle (with six being closer to the norm). This sample
schedule could be for any play and simply sets out the main deadlines for being off-book, hanging lights and
getting a rough focus, completing blocking, etc. Of course, prior to this date, you should have already lined up
key support staff (assistant directors, stage managers, properties and costume people, set and lighting designs, and
ordered books, backdrops or other third party items.
You'll want to adapt this calendar to your
own schedule, depending on your production, the work you're performing, and the particular needs and resources
of your group. Consider using "french scenes" and "italian run-throughs" to meet particular
needs and goals as director. If you're unfamiliar with these terms, consider one of the books on community theatre
listed in our bibliography
or take a moment to review the terms in our glossary.
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Auditions
|
Auditions |
Call-Backs |
Post Castlist |
First Read-Thru |
Off |
Construction Crew Meets |
Block scenes with leads |
Block scenes with Full Cast |
Block scenes with leads |
Begin Set Construction |
Block scenes with Full Cast |
Off |
Work on Set Construction |
Work scenes with Full Cast |
Work scenes with leads |
Work scenes with leads |
Work on Set Construction |
Work scenes with Full Cast |
Work on Set Construction |
Hang Lights and Set Construction |
Work through Act I off book |
Work through Act II off book |
Work on trouble spots leads only |
Finish Hang and Rough Focus |
Act I Run-thru |
Work on Set Construction |
Full Cast Paint and Work Day |
Act II Run-thru |
Act I Run-thru |
Act II Run-thru |
Work on Set Construction |
First Full Run-thru |
Complete Set Construction |
Final Setup Tech and Lights |
First Tech Rehearsal with Cast |
Run-thru Full Tech |
Run-thru Full Tech Costume check |
Tech Crew Trouble Shooting |
Run-thru Full Tech |
Finishing Touches On Set |
Work on problem areas |
Full Dress Rehearsal |
Full Dress Rehearsal |
Full Dress Rehearsal |
Full Dress Rehearsal No Makeup |
Performance |
Performance |
Performance |
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As with any schedule, the ultimate goal here is to get the most value for the time spent on task. However,
with amateur talent, community theatres need to be especially sensitive to the real-life schedules of an all-volunteer cast. Care
should be taken to schedule rehearsals in such a manner as to avoid cast members "waiting around". Accordingly, you'll want to
schedule rehearsals with leading characters only, and give the rest of the cast the night off, particularly in the early stage of
rehearsals. The primary rule is: don't ask your volunteers to show up unless you have something for them to do!
Oh, . . . and remember to schedule a strike set, with all hands (including cast
members) the day after your final performance. Get the dirty work done while everyone is still feeling up from a great run! |
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