Walkthrough of the Process
If you’re already familiar with the way productions typically operate, feel free to skip ahead to our free checklist.
And, if any terms are unfamiliar, feel free to use our glossary as you navigate these resources.
A typical, best-case school production schedule looks something like this:
[Calendar graphic coming soon!]
Fall semester (September-December)
September/early October:
Director, Choral Director, MD, Choreographer, Lighting & Sound Director collaborate to select production, purchase rights from theatre licensing company, agree on tech schedule, and cast actors. Cast rehearsals with the Director and Choral Director begin ASAP following casting. MD begins process of contacting musicians and distributing music to them. Once hired, musicians begin practicing ASAP in order to attend sitzprobe with preparation (rather than coming in cold—aka “sight reading.” Although, sight reading does often happen anyway!)
Mid-late November:
Rehearsals with the cast, both vocally (with the Choral Director) and dramatically (with the Director) have been happening since casting. Now is the time for which to schedule a sitzprobe. Typically on a Saturday or Sunday, a sitzprobe runs for around twice the duration of the production’s runtime. (Approx 4-5 hours of rehearsal, depending on the production). Given that this is the pit orchestra’s first meeting, the Conductor may need the band to pause or repeat sections throughout the rehearsal. However, sitzprobes ideally are just playthroughs of the show with minimal interruptions.
First or second week of December:
Tech week, typically a Monday-Thursday schedule that immediately follows the sitzprobe. Tech rehearsals are notorious for being long and challenging. This is where all of the moving pieces (lighting/sound/dramatic direction/choreography/set & scene changes/music) come together to put together a cohesive production. Tech rehearsals typically run for 5-6 hours. Thursday often functions as the final dress rehearsal, and may also double as a preview to opening (with free or discounted admittance).
In usual circumstances, performance schedules looking something as follows:
1) Friday PM
2) Saturday PM
3) Sunday PM
However, to maximize number of performances, it is also common for productions to run matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays. This option is especially helpful if there are understudies and alternate casts. It can also boost total number of tickets sold, especially if there’s a matinee discount.
Every situation is unique, so it’s up to the Directors to cooperatively determine what’s appropriate for their production.