The Stage and the School

Chapter 8: Producing the Play

Overview

The success of any play heavily depends upon a group of people who are never seen onstage, namely the production staff, which is composed of the artistic staff and the behind-the-scenes staff. The artistic staff includes the producer, who solicits or provides the financial backing and picks the director; the director, who does the casting, analyzes the play, develops a personal vision, and creates a promptbook; and the assistant director, who acts as the director's liaison with the cast and crew. The behind-the-scenes staff is made up of the stage manager, who is in charge of all cues and effects; the properties chief and his or her assistants, who are in charge of props; the business manager, who is in charge of the budget; the publicity manager, who handles promotion; and the house manager, who ensures the audience's comfort.

A finished production requires a great deal of planning and rehearsing. During the planning period, the director starts a promptbook, which includes the entire play script and any plans. During the development period, the director also holds a series of auditions. Actors bring headshots and résumés to auditions, where they showcase their talents. After the play is cast, a series of rehearsals is held at the director's discretion—blocking rehearsals, working rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and polishing rehearsals, culminating in the final dress rehearsal before the first performance.

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