New Hampshire Educational Theatre Guild

How to Tech at Festival

The thought of having just 35 minutes in a theatre to prepare a show for performance can be a daunting one. Here are a few suggestions that may ease the pain and anxiety. It is important that everyone in the company have a clear understanding of what will happen in the technical rehearsal and what will be expected of them. To establish these expectations the director, technical director & stage manager should get together and script the rehearsal.

The company should then be assembled for a rehearsal of the technical rehearsal, complete with time limits. It will help to make your stage as similar to the host site as possible. Adjust curtains to mimic the host stage dimensions. Place chairs where there are obstacles or to represent the proscenium location. Sometimes it is best to take your show to the cafeteria or a lobby space to learn not to rely on the comfort of your own theatre.

Following is a typical list of tech rehearsal objectives:

· Determine the location of the set on the host stage.

· Put the set on the stage in less than 5 minutes.

· Spike the set with the tape provided by the host.

· Check sightlines and blocking for critical or problem scenes.

· Check the projection of every speaking cast member.

· Set light levels and run critical or difficult cues.

· Set sound levels.

· Strike the set in less than 5 minutes.

Some of the above can be accomplished concurrently while others will need their own time. It may be possible to check vocal projection while light levels are being set but not while sound effect levels are being set.

When determining the location of the set on the stage, remember that all stages have a center, an apron edge and a plaster line (or curtain line). Use these as reference points.

Before rehearsing the technical rehearsal, be sure to rehearse setting and striking your set. Even the largest set can be set in less than 5 minutes if it is well choreographed.

It will help if each actor knows what lines should be used to test projection in advance. Every space has different acoustics. Have some members of your company help by listening from different parts of the house.

Give your lighting and sound techs a few minutes to learn the host systems. In some ways, theirs can be the most difficult adjustment in a new theatre.

Remember, practice makes perfect, even for a rehearsal. Break a leg.