PTT Program 5 Day 4 Video 1

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Questions and Answers

What is a key aspect to discuss with the director before the first rehearsal?

Special needs for the production (correct)

The actors' performances from previous plays

The audience's expectations

Financial budget for the production

What is a common component of most first rehearsals?

Costume fittings

Audience feedback sessions

Read through of the script (correct)

Set construction planning

How should the director's preferences for the rehearsal structure be approached?

With personal judgments about effectiveness

With flexibility and openness to their wishes (correct)

With strict adherence to a pre-planned schedule

With a demand for outlined objectives in advance

What should be prioritized when communicating with the actors regarding the rehearsal schedule?

Establishing yourself as the main point of contact Signup and view all the answers

What might the director want to do during the first rehearsal aside from a read through?

Engage in research and improvised activities Signup and view all the answers

Why is making a good first impression during the first rehearsal important?

It affects the dynamics of working relationships Signup and view all the answers

How should the assistant director respond to the director's rehearsal demands?

By fully complying with their comfort levels Signup and view all the answers

What element is crucial for the assistant director to clarify with the director regarding equipment?

What specialized equipment might be required Signup and view all the answers

What items should be set out at each actor's station before their arrival?

A performance calendar, a contact sheet, a contact card, and a sharpened pencil Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary roles of the director at the beginning of rehearsal?

To discuss production choices and how they affect the audience Signup and view all the answers

What should the stage manager confirm about the rehearsal schedule?

How the schedule will be communicated to the actors Signup and view all the answers

What typically varies between directors regarding the stage manager's involvement during a read through?

Whether the stage manager reads stage directions Signup and view all the answers

What action should the stage manager take to track the duration of the first read through?

Use a stopwatch to time it Signup and view all the answers

During the rehearsal, what is important for the costume designer to do?

Present renderings and detail the design process Signup and view all the answers

Which types of stage directions are generally not read by the stage manager according to most directors?

Directions that affect the way an actor delivers lines Signup and view all the answers

What is a practical reason for the director and stage manager to coordinate before the first read through?

To decide on the level of stage manager involvement Signup and view all the answers

What does the symbol 'x' represent in the blocking notation?

A character moving across the stage Signup and view all the answers

Which symbol represents 'sit' in the blocking notation?

s with a tail pointing down Signup and view all the answers

What should you use for making blocking notations?

A pencil Signup and view all the answers

How does the notation indicate the first move on any page?

Starts with the letter 'a' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a symbol used in the described blocking notation?

A straight line for pause Signup and view all the answers

What does the curved arrow in the notation signify?

Direction of the character's movement as they face towards Signup and view all the answers

What does the ampersand symbol (&) represent in the initials notation?

Continuation of the movement description Signup and view all the answers

If the first move on a page is character Ben crossing stage right and sitting, how would you denote this?

a b x curved arrow, s with tail, chair symbol Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the stage manager at the end of the meeting?

To summarize the discussion in production meeting notes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the stage manager to ensure everyone understood the meeting discussions?

To avoid confusion during the production. Signup and view all the answers

How should the stage manager decide on symbols for characters?

By initially using the first letter of the character's name. Signup and view all the answers

What should a stage manager do if there are multiple characters with names starting with the same letter?

Use the first two letters for minor characters. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to do before adjourning the meeting?

Ensure that the next meeting date is agreed upon. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of blocking can vary between stage managers?

The way blocking is visually represented in notes. Signup and view all the answers

What might a stage manager do to differentiate between three characters with names starting with 'S'?

Create distinct symbols such as variations of the letter 'S'. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included at the beginning of the script for reference?

A key to translate the notations and symbols used. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation 'b' signify in the movement description?

It indicates the second move. Signup and view all the answers

How can a cross be indicated if it is made downstage of a chair?

An arrow curving below the chair symbol. Signup and view all the answers

What notation should be added if a new move occurs between two existing moves?

Label it as 'a1' to denote its sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by an up arrow above the chair symbol?

The actor moves upstage around the chair. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation 'abx' signify when describing an actor's movement?

An actor crossing to the right side. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep a key for symbols used in blocking?

To help with easing the rehearsal process. Signup and view all the answers

How do you know which character is moving in the notation?

The second letter in the notation indicates the character. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'light slash off' notation imply in the blocking?

The character is turning off the lights. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Rehearsal Preparation

Collaborate with the director to identify any production-specific needs, such as additional props or costume changes not in the script.
Discuss the structure of the first rehearsal, including elements like read-throughs, design presentations, and research time.
Confirm any special equipment the director may require, such as a CD player.

Communication with Actors

Inform actors of the rehearsal schedule promptly and courteously, establishing yourself as the primary point of contact.
Prepare actors for the expectations and format of the rehearsal to create a positive first impression and foster a good working relationship.

First Rehearsal Structure

The first rehearsal typically includes a read-through, although some directors may opt for research activities or improvisation during the initial days.
Utilize the first rehearsal to solidify team dynamics as actors meet each other and the stage manager.

Actor's Station Setup

At each actor's station, organize essential materials: performance calendar, contact sheet, contact card, and sharpened pencil for ease of access.

Director and Designer Interaction

Allow the director ample time to discuss the production choices and artistic vision with the entire team.
Designers should present their designs, explaining the rationale behind their choices to the cast.

Rehearsal Schedule Distribution

Clarify how actors will receive the rehearsal schedule, ensuring communication methods are established for posting or calling.

Stage Directions and Read-Throughs

Discuss with the director about reading stage directions during the read-through; preferences vary with some directors wanting all and others preferring just key directions.
Use a stopwatch to track time, as initial read-throughs often reflect close performance time.

Meeting Documentation

Compile and summarize all decisions, questions, and requests from production meetings into production meeting notes to distribute to attendees.
Ensure the next meeting's date is established before concluding each meeting.

Blocking Notation Techniques

Develop a personalized blocking notation system, combining various methods learned from others with original ideas.
Use symbols for each character, typically the first letter of their name, adapting as necessary for similar initials.
Create a key for symbols in the script for clarity in notation.

Specific Symbols for Blocking

Implement unique symbols for actions and objects; for example:
- "x" for crossing the stage, "s" with a tail for sit, "r" for rise, chair and table symbols for furniture.
Document blocking notations side-by-side with the text to maintain consistency and context of character movements.

Flexibility in Blocking

Recognize that blocking is not static; adjustments can and should be made as needed during rehearsals.
Create a method to indicate supplemental movements within your existing notation system (e.g., using "a1" for an added move).

Detailed Movement Notations

Structure notations to reflect character movements in tandem with script references, ensuring clarity and ease of adjustments.
Use directional arrows to denote upstage/downstage movements in relation to furniture placements.

Continual Development of Symbols

Keep a dynamic key for symbols and movements, allowing for easy updates as new directions are introduced during rehearsals.
Tailor the blocking process based on the evolving dynamics of the rehearsal, adapting symbols and notation techniques to suit the production's needs.

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Description

This quiz explores the key considerations for working with a director on a play. You'll discuss special needs for the production, rehearsal structuring, and integrating design elements into your preparation. Understanding these dynamics is essential for a successful theatrical experience.