Production Timeline

Production Timeline

Pre-Production: This period begins once the show has been selected, the director has been hired/selected, and the artistic crew comes on board. During this time period designs for all aspects of the show are considered and, in effect, the production is planned thoroughly. This period may last a few weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the show.

Production: This period begins once rehearsals start and once the crews begin constructing the technical elements of the show.

This is when the show really begins to develop. The Director works closely with the cast to develop the acting end of the show, and the various department heads work with their crews to pull together the technical elements of the show.

This period, for many college/community theatres is 5-7 weeks. The length of the production period varies with the show, the theatre, and the schedules of those involved.

Technical Rehearsals: About 1 week before opening night, the show begins Technical Rehearsals. Tech rehearsals are when the acting elements and the technical elements come together for the first time on stage. For a simple show, one tech rehearsal may be enough. For complex show, several techs may be needed. For complex shows, tech rehearsals tend to be long, tiring rehearsals as there is a lot of stopping and starting to work out technical issues.

Dress Rehearsals: The last 2-3 nights prior to opening the show are Dress Rehearsals. These are final rehearsals in which attempts are made to run the show as close to performance quality as possible, but they are still rehearsals. Some theatres will invite in special audiences for the final dress rehearsal so the actors have a chance to get a feel for audience reaction prior to opening night.

OPENING NIGHT

The Run: While performances of the show are occuring, it is in its "run." For college and community theatres, this may range from a few nights to a couple of weeks. For professionals, this may be months or even years (in a few rare, extreme cases).

During any run, the technical crews must be diligent in watching for problems or potential problems. Almost always, something has to be repaired during the run of the show.

During a long run, regular technical maintenance must occur, even to the point of whole technical elements being completely replaced.

Closing: Once the show is over, the show must be "struck," returning the theatre to a neutral state, ready for the next production. Materials for the show must be stored, discarded, dissassembled, returned, etc.

	Pre-Production: This period begins once the show has been selected, the director has been hired/selected, and the artistic crew comes on board. During this time period designs for all aspects of the show are considered and, in effect, the production is planned thoroughly. This period may last a few weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the show.
	Production: This period begins once rehearsals start and once the crews begin constructing the technical elements of the show. This is when the show really begins to develop. The Director works closely with the cast to develop the acting end of the show, and the various department heads work with their crews to pull together the technical elements of the show. This period, for many college/community theatres is 5-7 weeks. The length of the production period varies with the show, the theatre, and the schedules of those involved.
	Technical Rehearsals: About 1 week before opening night, the show begins Technical Rehearsals. Tech rehearsals are when the acting elements and the technical elements come together for the first time on stage. For a simple show, one tech rehearsal may be enough. For complex show, several techs may be needed. For complex shows, tech rehearsals tend to be long, tiring rehearsals as there is a lot of stopping and starting to work out technical issues.
	Dress Rehearsals: The last 2-3 nights prior to opening the show are Dress Rehearsals. These are final rehearsals in which attempts are made to run the show as close to performance quality as possible, but they are still rehearsals. Some theatres will invite in special audiences for the final dress rehearsal so the actors have a chance to get a feel for audience reaction prior to opening night.
	OPENING NIGHT
	The Run: While performances of the show are occuring, it is in its "run." For college and community theatres, this may range from a few nights to a couple of weeks. For professionals, this may be months or even years (in a few rare, extreme cases). During any run, the technical crews must be diligent in watching for problems or potential problems. Almost always, something has to be repaired during the run of the show. During a long run, regular technical maintenance must occur, even to the point of whole technical elements being completely replaced.
	Closing: Once the show is over, the show must be "struck," returning the theatre to a neutral state, ready for the next production. Materials for the show must be stored, discarded, dissassembled, returned, etc.