How to Run a Production

The auditions are over. You've found the perfect cast for your musical. You are about to begin rehearsals, but are a little overwhelmed, to say the least. Relax--it is possible to run a production in an organized and rewarding manner; here's how.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Hire or assign a stage manager. You will need someone to make sure the cast and crew not only know their call times for rehearsals and performances, but also get onstage when it is time for "places!" You will also need the stage manager to handle most of the backstage activities. You cannot be at all places at once. Be sure you have headsets that you can communicate through. You will need them for the tech team as well, so learn to delegate.

2. Be sure you have teams of people in place to build sets, organize the ticket sales, print the programs, handle press releases and even arrange an opening night celebration. Set appointment times with each group to let them know what you want and expect, and be sure each group has a leader.

3. Take plenty of notes throughout the rehearsal process. Since there are so many things to take care of , make a list of things that need to get done. Include everything from hiring or putting together a sound team, to making sure you have people covering the spot lights and organizing the props. Always have the list with you so you can add and delete as necessary. Throughout the creative process, ideas will continually come to you.

4. Map out your plans for each day's rehearsal. Do your homework and be sure you have the scenes blocked or the musical numbers choreographed before the rehearsal. Otherwise, you will be wasting everybody's time as you try and figure out how to run the day's rehearsal, or try to block scenes on the spot. Be ready to change your ideas once you see them actually on stage, but be very specific and prepared with what you want going in.

5. Highlight all of the technical cues in copies of the script for each member of the technical team. Bring in the technical team a month before opening night if you are working with an amateur team. It is so very easy to get caught up in the creative process, but if the actors are not heard, or are in the dark, all of your hard work (and the casts' work as well!) will be for naught. It is often assumed that running sound and lights is a much easier task than performing, but the truth is, it requires great skill and training. You cannot just throw a person behind a soundboard and say "turn it on."

6. Have as many full technical dress rehearsals as your time allows. If the tech team has been with you a month, these should run smoothly. Be sure to use a microphone when talking to a large group of people. Speaking at even a slightly elevated levels daily for rehearsal can strain your vocal chords.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, you are the boss!
• It's a good idea to pick a dance and vocal captain who can run through things when you are busy running scenes. This will save some time and perfect the numbers. Be sure the cast knows that the captains have final say in your absence.
• Don't try to do everything by yourself. It's difficult to trust people when you are in charge of a creative process. You have the vision and want it done exactly to you specifications, but it must be a collaborative process or everything will never be completed.
• Everyone will have opinion, but remember you have final say. Do not let your directions be debated. Doing so will lead to chaos.
• Taking people's advice is fine, but do not give in to something if doing so compromises your ultimate vision.

Resources

• Notes on Directing
• Buy "How to Direct a Musical" from Amazon