Theater productions are most often a collaborative effort, with each department working together to put on a show that will be memorable for years to come. In fact, every member of the cast and crew plays an integral role in order for everything to run smoothly from before opening night until after the final bows have been taken. Here are some expert tips for ensuring that your theater production is a success.
Plan The Lighting And AudioVisuals
Lighting and Audio are essential parts of a theatre production for they determine the overall mood of the show. Typically all you will need is a lighting & audio visual services provider who can supply the basic lighting and sound equipment. You will also want to check with your director as he or she may have special requests for the types of lights used, where those lights are to be placed, and so forth.
And because lighting and audio are both typical on a per-production basis, you’ll also want to be sure that your lighting & audio visual services provider can accommodate your specific needs.
Lighting & audio visual systems are among the most important elements of putting on a theater production. By working with a qualified provider, you can ensure that you have the equipment and expertise you need to create the perfect show
Choose Your Director Carefully
The wrong director can make or break your theater production. Be sure to choose someone who understands your vision and is passionate about your project. You’ll also want to make sure that your director is competent and experienced with theater production. This means that you’ll need to do your research and interview several directors before deciding on one. There’s a lot to consider, so it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions before choosing a director:
Can you work with this person? Is this person passionate about your production? Will he or she provide all of the elements that you’re looking for in your theater production? Does their style mesh with your vision for the show?
Ultimately, you’re looking for someone who meets all three criteria: passionate about your project, will provide the elements you’re looking for, and will mesh with your style. If this sounds too difficult, don’t worry. You can always ask around for recommendations or you could check out the directory of theater directors available on Stage.
Choose Your Cast Carefully
The cast of a theater production can make or break the show. Choose talented and experienced actors who understand your vision and can bring it to life. Be sure to choose a diverse cast that will engage and entertain your audience. Know the type of characters you want to cast and base your casting call on those descriptions. You’ll also want a diverse group of actors, so take this into consideration when planning your casting call. The more people who see your casting call, the better chance you have of finding talented actors who can bring your show to life
Be mindful of how much time it will require from each actor throughout the process. This means that between auditioning for roles, learning their lines, and practicing their blocking, they might spend a lot of time preparing for the production. Be sure to give everyone enough time to prepare and be considerate when scheduling rehearsal times.
Create A Budget And Stick To It
In order to come up with a budget, you will need to know how many people you have in your production and what each person’s role will be. Consider all aspects of the production lighting, equipment, set design, props, actors’ salaries (if they are paid), costumes, staff (doctors, ushers, etc.), promotion (flyers, etc.), and publicity.
After this is done make an estimate on how much each component of the show may cost. Add these components together for the total budget. Then, break the total down into an estimate for each week of the run. This way you can stay within your means and still cover all costs in order to put on a great show.
Schedule Your Rehearsal Times Wisely
Rehearsals are a necessary part of any theater production. However, they can often be hectic and cause tension among the cast and crew. To avoid this, try to schedule your rehearsals in a way that is convenient for everyone involved. This might mean staggering them throughout the week or spacing them out over a longer period of time.
Be sure to take into account everyone’s availability when planning your rehearsal times. And be mindful that not everyone can rehearse every day actors may have other jobs or classes they need to attend. Try to find a rehearsal schedule that works for everyone and stick to it as closely as possible.
Choose Your Set And Props Carefully
The set and props are an essential part of any theater production. They help to create the setting and support the story. Choose wisely, and be sure to budget enough money for quality sets and props. One of the most important things to consider when planning your set is the space you have to work with.
Make sure there is enough room for the actors, as well as the set pieces. You’ll also need to take into account the lighting and sound design. If your theater isn’t very large, you’ll need to choose a set that doesn’t take up too much space.
The props are just as important as the set. They help to create the world of the play and support the story. Be sure to choose props that are appropriate for the story and characters. You don’t want anything to distract from the performance.
Be sure to allow enough time for everything
The last thing you want is to be rushed right before opening night. Make sure that your producers have allocated enough time to rehearse, edit the lights and sound, print playbills, apply makeup, etc. It’s better to give yourself some extra weeks in the early stages rather than need to rush in the final days before your show opens.
Remember to choose your set and props carefully, be mindful of time (from actors and producers) during the process, create a budget and stick to it, schedule your rehearsals wisely, then follow through on that schedule. Be sure to take into account everyone’s availability when planning rehearsal times and don’t forget about casting. Have fun with all the hard work.
