The Importance of Production Meetings and Rehearsal Notes

Producing detailed production notes during rehearsals is important for the performance because it allows designers and technical team members to remain up-to-date with a show’s progress without having to attend all rehearsals. Generally, it is the task of the DSM to compile all rehearsal notes, however, because in this production the SM is calling the show and the DSM also has the job of scriptwriting, it is the responsibility of the PM, SM and DSM to complete these notes.

When discussing production notes, Palin explains that: “As this is the main line of communication between the company and the production team, it is vital that the DSM [or any production team member] makes detailed and accurate notes throughout rehearsals” ((Palin, Gail (2010) Stage Management: The Essential Handbook. London: Nick Hern Books Ltd. p,41)). Compiling such notes allows designers/set builders more time to complete their designs and progress with their own tasks while remaining privy to any changes that have been made which will affect them.

It is also important for a PM to organise regular production meetings with both the director and the design/production team to ensure they are kept updated with the progress of both the show and the production processes. This will ensure that deadlines are met and the production keeps moving forward.

 

Below is the first of many ‘Production Rehearsal Notes’ which can be viewed as *Appendices in the coming weeks.

Kate Dawson

Word Count: 240

Works Cited – can be viewed beneath the following ‘Production Rehearsal Note’

Progeny Theatre Rehearsal Note

Production: A Gothic Tale

Date: 11/3/13

 Notices for: ASM, DSM,SM, Set /Sound/Lighting Designers.

Props:

  1. The chair used at the start of Scene 1 will also be the piano stool; therefore an extra chair will not need to be sourced (LPAC prop store).
  2. A wooden dressing table is required for Scene 1 (LPAC prop store).
  3. One small mirror is needed to sit on the dressing table (LPAC prop store).
  4. An old silver brush is required during Scene 1 (needs sourcing).
  5. Piano tuner requires tools to be kept in a small box during Scene 3 (needs sourcing).
  6. During Scene 3, the director has asked for the set to be full of small trinkets/items, which the housekeeper can tidy – These are likely to be placed on a small shelving trolley (LPAC prop store).
  7. The Count requires a suitcase during Scene 3 (LPAC prop store).
  8. The Count also needs a set of large metal keys (LPAC prop store).

Lights:

  1. During Scene 1, a spotlight is required DSC on the Countess. This may change colour as the scene progresses.
  2. A lighting change will be needed once the Countess stands up during the above scene.
  3. After the monologue in Scene 1, the lights will fade up into a general wash.

Sound/AV:

  1. The opening AV will need to be changed, as it is currently too much like a film.
  2. The music for the opening may also change but will still end with an ordinary ‘grand’ Wedding March.
  3. An ‘out of tune’ version of the same Wedding March is required at the end of Scene 1. This can be edited on Audacity.
  4. The projector may now be focussed on stage rather than at a cyclorama upstage. 

Set:

  1. A cyclorama will no longer be required; a plain black curtain upstage will suffice.
  2. The fabric angel may need to move to USL as it could now be masked by the bed.

Word Count: 307

Kate Dawson

Works Cited

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