DRAMA SPACES - Youth Arts Programme

dramaspaces6 18/8/05 4:25 PM Page 52The Question of TimingWhen considering a production the two key elements are delegation and timing. Many people underestimatethe length of time required to mount a production. If it is underestimated it can lead to a stressful experienceand one that no one will want to go through again. Below is a suggested production time frame for agroup that usually meets once a week.Participants’Suggestions for a Production Time FrameTime frame for theatrical production of a play to be performed on St. Patrick’s Day:September• Decide on the venue and the script.• Conduct a series of skills based workshops – e.g. lighting, sound, costume, voice.• If appropriate, conduct a series of workshops about the issues that arise in the play.Mid-October• Workshop the script and experiment with roles and characters.December• Cast and delegate roles such as assistant director, production manager, set designer, etc.• Conduct the first production meeting.• Draw up the production schedule.• Take the group to see a show to illustrate the commitment involved.January• Start rehearsing two nights per week.• Have another production meeting.Mid-February• Extend rehearsals to three a week.• Posters should be up and tickets selling and the local media should be alerted.• Have another production meeting to ensure that everything is on schedule.Beginning of March• Arrange for your get-in to the venue.• Arrange front-of-house and refreshments.• Arrange costume fittings.March 15• Get the set into the venue.• Hang and focus the lights.• Check the sound.March 16• Conduct a dress rehearsal52