The Production ProcessChapter 10 :The Production ProcessChapter 10 Lesson 1 Selecting the Play Lesson 2 Selecting the Cast Lesson 3 The Rehearsal Process Lesson 4 The Performance


Lesson 1 & 2 Vocabulary :Lesson 1 & 2 Vocabulary Director – Person in charge of the artistic production of a play. Copyright – the registration of ownership of a literary or musical work. Royalty – a fee required to produce a play or musical. Floor plan – a drawing of the stage setting as seen from above (bird’s-eye view) Promptbook – usually a loose-leaf notebook containing the script marked with all stage movement, entrances and exits, technical cues, and special instructions for the production. Callbacks – additional opportunities for the actor to audition. Understudy – a person who learns a part in order to substitute in a performance should the original actor not be able to appear in the show.


Selecting the Play :Selecting the Play All productions require careful planning, weeks of preparation, dedication, and hard work on the part of everyone involved! ARE YOU PREPARED TO DO THIS? The director is typically in charge of selecting the play. In some cases, a play might be selected by a committee, or students might vote on a favorite play, or the class could work together to write a script. After selecting the play, the director must secure permission to produce the play and purchase copies of the script. Any material protected by copyright should not be photocopied and requires permission from the publishing company for production. A portion of the royalty is given to the playwright. Writing is the playwright occupation.


Example of copyright :Example of copyright Pg. 172


The Director’s Concept :The Director’s Concept The director’s plan, or vision, is known as the overall concept of the play – the big picture. After determining the concept for the play, the director will work out a plan for the stage showing all the entrances and exits, levels, and main furniture pieces that will be needed onstage. This is called the floor plan. The director will plan the play’s blocking and begin the promptbook. The stage manager is usually in charge of the promptbook.


Selecting the Cast :Selecting the Cast The director’s next major responsibility is to choose actors that can bring those characters to life. Matching up characters and actors is called casting. Casting is usually done through a selection process called auditions, in which actors try out for the parts that they want. Reading the play before the auditions will give you time to think about the play as a whole as well as to pick individual roles that you think you might like to play. If you foresee conflicts with the rehearsal schedule, you must write them on your audition application.


The Rehearsal Process :The Rehearsal Process Rehearsals are production sessions in which the actors and technicians prepare by repetition. Rehearsals provide an opportunity to discuss and analyze the play, to learn lines and blocking, and to perfect every aspect of the play. Before rehearsals, actor etiquette must be reviewed and understood. Appropriate behavior and common courtesy are very important in order to do a successful production. (Pass out Actor Etiquette guidelines and go over here)


Steps in the Rehearsal Process :Steps in the Rehearsal Process Reading Rehearsals – rehearsals for the purpose of reading and analyzing the script as well as discussing and understanding characterization. Blocking Rehearsals – Rehearsals for planning stage movement and groupings. Line Checks – the cast sits in a circle performing only the lines, without any movement or action. This is to make sure all actors have memorized their lines. Developing Rehearsals – Rehearsals in which the actors work under the director’s guidance to prepare the show for performance. Run-Throughs – Rehearsals without any stops after all actors are off book and the blocking is firmly established.


Slide 9:Polishing Rehearsals – Used to smooth out all the rough spots discovered during the run-throughs. Technical Rehearsals – Rehearsals emphasizing the performance of the production’s technical elements – prop changes, scenery shifts, light changes, sound effects, and so on. Costume Parade – An informal modeling of all costumes under the lights. Dress Rehearsals – A rehearsal conducted as if it were an actual performance.


The Performance :The Performance Before the Performance: The stage manager will call “places,” and all the cast member should report to the areas designated by the director. Once you are in makeup, you should begin relaxation exercises and vocal warm-ups.


Slide 11:After A Performance: Crews will carefully check for any repairs or replacements that need to be made. You must remember to put away your personal props, hang up your costume, and take off your makeup.


Slide 12:After the Final Curtain: Besides striking the set, there are many tasks that need to be accomplished. To strike the set means to disassemble the scenery.