Podcast
Questions and Answers
What should the primary focus be during the first reading of the play?
What should the primary focus be during the first reading of the play?
- Identifying potential conflicts
- Understanding production requirements
- Enjoying the story as presented (correct)
- Analyzing character motivations
When making a list of props, it is important to consider:
When making a list of props, it is important to consider:
- Only the props mentioned explicitly in the text
- The actions associated with each prop (correct)
- The costumes of the characters involved
- The history of the play's production
What should be included when listing props for a character serving coffee?
What should be included when listing props for a character serving coffee?
- A coffee pot, cup, and cream (correct)
- Just coffee and a cup
- Only a coffee cup
- A list of ingredients for brewing coffee
Why is it advisable to store the prop list on a digital format?
Why is it advisable to store the prop list on a digital format?
What is a good practice when making changes to the props list?
What is a good practice when making changes to the props list?
What should you do if your prop master also has a list?
What should you do if your prop master also has a list?
During the second reading of the play, what is the primary task at hand?
During the second reading of the play, what is the primary task at hand?
How should you handle the prop list if using multiple computers?
How should you handle the prop list if using multiple computers?
What is the main purpose of combining lists made by the costume shop manager and the individual creating them?
What is the main purpose of combining lists made by the costume shop manager and the individual creating them?
What kind of technology is suggested to update the lists constantly?
What kind of technology is suggested to update the lists constantly?
When marking down information from a play during reading, what would be noted for props?
When marking down information from a play during reading, what would be noted for props?
Why might actresses in a period piece need to wear rehearsal skirts or corsets?
Why might actresses in a period piece need to wear rehearsal skirts or corsets?
What should you do to ensure the prop master and costume shop manager are effectively assisted?
What should you do to ensure the prop master and costume shop manager are effectively assisted?
What is a key factor to consider regarding actors’ attire for rehearsals?
What is a key factor to consider regarding actors’ attire for rehearsals?
How often do the lists for props and costumes change?
How often do the lists for props and costumes change?
What should you do after identifying the needs for props and costume pieces?
What should you do after identifying the needs for props and costume pieces?
What should you ask your director regarding characters during your discussion?
What should you ask your director regarding characters during your discussion?
Why is the scene breakdown important for rehearsals?
Why is the scene breakdown important for rehearsals?
What is a critical aspect to note while reading the play for the fourth time?
What is a critical aspect to note while reading the play for the fourth time?
When preparing for the first production meeting, what should your agenda include?
When preparing for the first production meeting, what should your agenda include?
What type of moments should you look for in the text during your reading?
What type of moments should you look for in the text during your reading?
What is the importance of discussing with designers and department heads before the production meeting?
What is the importance of discussing with designers and department heads before the production meeting?
Which item is least likely to be considered a technical requirement for the play?
Which item is least likely to be considered a technical requirement for the play?
Which approach is not recommended before the first production meeting?
Which approach is not recommended before the first production meeting?
What is the purpose of creating a French scene breakdown?
What is the purpose of creating a French scene breakdown?
What should not be marked down in a French scene breakdown?
What should not be marked down in a French scene breakdown?
Why might a director choose not to have all actors present in early rehearsals?
Why might a director choose not to have all actors present in early rehearsals?
What is suggested for characters who are not visible but have off stage lines?
What is suggested for characters who are not visible but have off stage lines?
What tool can be used to document character entrances and exits?
What tool can be used to document character entrances and exits?
When creating the breakdown, how should the page numbers be organized?
When creating the breakdown, how should the page numbers be organized?
What happens when a character hides under a table during a scene?
What happens when a character hides under a table during a scene?
How should characters be listed in the breakdown?
How should characters be listed in the breakdown?
What is the primary purpose of contact cards during rehearsals?
What is the primary purpose of contact cards during rehearsals?
What crucial information should be included in the performance calendar given to actors?
What crucial information should be included in the performance calendar given to actors?
Why is it important to check the performance calendar and contact cards multiple times?
Why is it important to check the performance calendar and contact cards multiple times?
What is the role of the stage manager during rehearsals?
What is the role of the stage manager during rehearsals?
When should actors be at the theater according to Actors Equity Association requirements?
When should actors be at the theater according to Actors Equity Association requirements?
How can stage managers communicate the call times and performance schedule effectively?
How can stage managers communicate the call times and performance schedule effectively?
What should be done if an actor is going to be late?
What should be done if an actor is going to be late?
In addition to performance dates, what other information is recommended to include on the performance calendar?
In addition to performance dates, what other information is recommended to include on the performance calendar?
What is the primary purpose of the contact sheet?
What is the primary purpose of the contact sheet?
Which of the following should NOT be included in a contact sheet?
Which of the following should NOT be included in a contact sheet?
How should the contact information for each individual be organized?
How should the contact information for each individual be organized?
What distinguishes contact cards from contact sheets?
What distinguishes contact cards from contact sheets?
Which of the following sections is NOT part of a contact sheet?
Which of the following sections is NOT part of a contact sheet?
What type of communication information should be gathered for each cast and crew member?
What type of communication information should be gathered for each cast and crew member?
What items are generally considered essential to bring to a first rehearsal?
What items are generally considered essential to bring to a first rehearsal?
Which contact information should be prioritized in the final section of the contact sheet?
Which contact information should be prioritized in the final section of the contact sheet?
How many pencils should be provided for the cast during rehearsal?
How many pencils should be provided for the cast during rehearsal?
What is the function of the rehearsal hall number in the contact sheet?
What is the function of the rehearsal hall number in the contact sheet?
Which type of pencil is recommended for use during rehearsals?
Which type of pencil is recommended for use during rehearsals?
What should be included in an invitation to the first rehearsal?
What should be included in an invitation to the first rehearsal?
What item is particularly mentioned as necessary for making a prompt book?
What item is particularly mentioned as necessary for making a prompt book?
Where should pencils be stored for quick access during rehearsal?
Where should pencils be stored for quick access during rehearsal?
Which item may not be required for an early rehearsal setup?
Which item may not be required for an early rehearsal setup?
What additional task may need to be performed if no staff email list exists?
What additional task may need to be performed if no staff email list exists?
What is the primary purpose of creating an agenda for production meetings?
What is the primary purpose of creating an agenda for production meetings?
Which of the following should be included in the agenda under the props department?
Which of the following should be included in the agenda under the props department?
How should items be listed in the agenda for production meetings?
How should items be listed in the agenda for production meetings?
Which piece of information is crucial to communicate to the props department?
Which piece of information is crucial to communicate to the props department?
What might be an important reminder to include in the agenda related to rehearsals?
What might be an important reminder to include in the agenda related to rehearsals?
Which departments should be listed at the top of the agenda for clarity?
Which departments should be listed at the top of the agenda for clarity?
What is a recommended practice when creating an agenda for production meetings?
What is a recommended practice when creating an agenda for production meetings?
What additional information should the stage manager collect during prep week?
What additional information should the stage manager collect during prep week?
Why might it be beneficial to have more than one stopwatch during a rehearsal?
Why might it be beneficial to have more than one stopwatch during a rehearsal?
What is the primary function of a stopwatch during rehearsals?
What is the primary function of a stopwatch during rehearsals?
Which items are considered essential for a first aid kit in a theater?
Which items are considered essential for a first aid kit in a theater?
What is the importance of securing rehearsal props before starting rehearsals?
What is the importance of securing rehearsal props before starting rehearsals?
What must you do with a cheap watch compared to an expensive one in a rehearsal setting?
What must you do with a cheap watch compared to an expensive one in a rehearsal setting?
How can a phone be effectively used as a stopwatch during rehearsals?
How can a phone be effectively used as a stopwatch during rehearsals?
Which of these items should NOT be part of a first aid kit in a theater?
Which of these items should NOT be part of a first aid kit in a theater?
What is a critical factor in having a first aid kit ready before rehearsals start?
What is a critical factor in having a first aid kit ready before rehearsals start?
Study Notes
Reading the Play
- Begin with a focus on enjoyment; experience the story as an audience would.
- Recognize characters and plot development without getting bogged down by practical concerns.
Preparing for Production
- On a second reading, create a comprehensive list of props and costumes needed for rehearsals and performances.
- Differentiate between props; e.g., if a character drinks coffee, consider additional items like a coffee pot, sugar bowl, and utensils.
- Maintain an updated list of props and costumes, ensuring it’s easily accessible across devices.
Collaboration and Communication
- Combine lists with prop masters and costume managers to avoid discrepancies.
- Keep information current and easily shareable through cloud services or production websites.
- Use a flexible system for daily updates which everyone can access.
Rehearsal Needs
- Track specific actions in the script, like tossing hats or removing jackets, to accurately compile prop and costume lists.
- Consult the director regarding rehearsal garments, especially in period pieces; consider what costumes are required during practice.
- Understand the director's vision for actor engagement during rehearsals and communicate accordingly.
Character Movements and Scheduling
- Conduct a breakdown of entrances and exits, also known as a French scene breakdown.
- Document which characters are on stage and when, aiding in rehearsal scheduling.
- Note instances of off-stage lines or concealed characters within the breakdown for efficient rehearsal planning.
Production Meetings
- Prepare a production meeting agenda addressing all questions about the play's approach.
- Pay close attention to any technical demands in the text, such as fire effects or rain, that require designer input.
- Collaborate with designers to gather additional questions and concerns for the meeting, enhancing the agenda's comprehensiveness.
Responsibilities of the Stage Manager
- Preparation of essential documents for the production, including the agenda for production meetings.
- Importance of having an agenda: ensures all items are discussed, maximizes efficiency, and encourages participation.
Meeting Agenda Structure
- Start the agenda with the title of the play and the meeting date.
- Include department categories: props, sets, costumes, sound, electrics, and a general category for schedule and announcements.
- Combine questions and relevant information from designers, directors, and department heads for each category.
Communication and Information Sharing
- Share details crucial for production understanding (e.g., character actions) among departments to ensure everyone is informed.
- Minutes should be concise and specific, avoiding ambiguous terms.
- Include any rehearsal needs in the agenda to prepare all departments adequately.
Contact Information Collection
- Gather extensive contact information for cast members, designers, and department heads, including multiple phone numbers and emails.
- Prepare a contact sheet to organize the information by:
- Actors: alphabetical order with roles and contact details.
- Director and designers: formatted similarly.
- Staff and important production numbers, including shops and emergency contacts.
Contact Cards
- Create abridged contact cards for easy access, especially helpful for out-of-town actors.
- Include essential numbers for rehearsals, prominently displaying the preferred number for actors to call if late.
Rehearsal Communication
- Emphasize maintaining open communication lines during rehearsals.
- Distribute a performance calendar to the cast on the first rehearsal day, indicating performance and call times.
First Rehearsal Invitations
- Inquire about who is invited to the first rehearsal and send invitations via email or newsletters as appropriate.
- Personalize invitations with show details and rehearsal information.
Rehearsal Supplies and Preparation
- Ensure an adequate supply of sharpened pencils (at least double the cast size) is available for rehearsal use.
- Preference for using high-quality pencils (e.g., black warrior number 2) for effective performance work.
Prompt Book and Equipment Preparation
- Gather supplies: 3-ring binder, dividers, clear plastic sheets, plain paper, glue sticks, and a 3-hole punch for creating the prompt book.
- Obtain at least one stopwatch for timing various aspects of the production, with a recommendation to keep backup stopwatches handy.
First Aid Kit and Safety
- Check and restock the first aid kit before the first rehearsal, ensuring it contains essential supplies: band-aids, protective gloves, ace bandages, cold packs, and eyewash stations.
- Keep emergency numbers for local hospitals and ambulance services readily accessible.
Prop and Costume Preparation
- Assemble a list of rehearsal costume pieces and props, which must be mock-ups rather than final pieces.
- Secure rehearsal props from storage to support the production until final props are available.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz encourages readers to enjoy a play without the pressure of analysis on the first read. Discover how the story unfolds and connect with the characters as the audience would. Subsequent readings can focus on deeper understanding and performance considerations.
