How Do You Create Effective Rehearsals As A Stage Director?
Rehearsals are the meat and potatoes of a stage production. How you organize the logistics, manage the group dynamics and encourage and guide the creativity of this critical process will determine the success or failure of your production. Have a read-through of the script at the first rehearsal. This is the first time your cast is assembled and a read-through at this point will accomplish several goals. It will refresh their memories about the plot and the rhythm of the scenes. It will allow them to get acquainted with one another as the characters in the play as opposed to friends or acquaintances. It will also let each actor try on their own character in a low-key relaxed environment. If you are going to spend some time on performance games the next rehearsal or two is the time to do it. Some directors like to work on an ensemble rapport with their cast by directing group discussions or activities that are designed to create openness, trust and a sense of fun to the process. Be very
