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Rehearsal & Tech: Pair up slow line-learners with either those doing great, or those with few lines, to run lines (and cues!) together.  If you've got the talent, use student directors to rehearse some scenes while you work on other ones.
Tech stuff: Publicity (road signs, posters, the program), props (research and acquisition), costume construction...you get the idea.
On one show with rowdy extras to keep engaged, it worked well to have them as a VERY slow-motion background to the main action. That way they were always on stage under my watchful eye, and it created a strong visual reinforcement to the plot. Not for every show but something to consider.

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Douglas "Chip" Rome
Theatre Consultant
Educational Stages
Burke VA
http://EducationalStages.com
https://bit.ly/RWTEOview
https://bit.ly/eTeachTech
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-29-2022 13:29
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Basic Rehearsal Question

Hi, all,

I'm still new to teaching theatre, and have a general question about rehearsals. I teach a theatre class that culminates in a production, so the majority of the rehearsals happen during class time. In some ways, this is great, but I'm struggling with how to occupy students who have smaller roles. How can I keep them engaged and occupied while we're rehearsing scenes that don't involve them?

Many thanks for your thoughts,

Amanda

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Amanda Cadogan (she | her)

Humanities  |  Maybeck High School

I second all of those ideas!

-Add extras to scenes when possible to keep everyone engaged.
-Have students fill out a quick survey of interest for helping with directing, props, costumes, sets, whatever you need.
-Plan set/prop/costume-making projects that can be done by others.
-Have a strong student direct the blocking/line learning of a scene you have already taught.
-Have a group create a program for the show based on samples - assuming you have reliable students who can work on computers without getting distracted. And make sure to credit everyone's tech work in those!

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Laura Butchy
BASIS Independent McLean
VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2022 08:16
From: Douglas Rome
Subject: Basic Rehearsal Question

Rehearsal & Tech: Pair up slow line-learners with either those doing great, or those with few lines, to run lines (and cues!) together.  If you've got the talent, use student directors to rehearse some scenes while you work on other ones.
Tech stuff: Publicity (road signs, posters, the program), props (research and acquisition), costume construction...you get the idea.
On one show with rowdy extras to keep engaged, it worked well to have them as a VERY slow-motion background to the main action. That way they were always on stage under my watchful eye, and it created a strong visual reinforcement to the plot. Not for every show but something to consider.

------------------------------
Douglas "Chip" Rome
Theatre Consultant
Educational Stages
Burke VA
http://EducationalStages.com
https://bit.ly/RWTEOview
https://bit.ly/eTeachTech

Original Message:
Sent: 09-29-2022 13:29
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Basic Rehearsal Question

Hi, all,

I'm still new to teaching theatre, and have a general question about rehearsals. I teach a theatre class that culminates in a production, so the majority of the rehearsals happen during class time. In some ways, this is great, but I'm struggling with how to occupy students who have smaller roles. How can I keep them engaged and occupied while we're rehearsing scenes that don't involve them?

Many thanks for your thoughts,

Amanda

--

Amanda Cadogan (she | her)

Humanities  |  Maybeck High School

I have every actor do character background/development work--even if it is an ensemble role.  It is several pages long and students work on this when they are not on stage.  This would take up several classes and also makes those smaller roles feel validated.

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Laura Russo
Teacher/Director of Theatre Arts
Chatham High School
NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-29-2022 13:29
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Basic Rehearsal Question

Hi, all,

I'm still new to teaching theatre, and have a general question about rehearsals. I teach a theatre class that culminates in a production, so the majority of the rehearsals happen during class time. In some ways, this is great, but I'm struggling with how to occupy students who have smaller roles. How can I keep them engaged and occupied while we're rehearsing scenes that don't involve them?

Many thanks for your thoughts,

Amanda

--

Amanda Cadogan (she | her)

Humanities  |  Maybeck High School

Not completely knowing your situation whether you have a stage manager in the class or tech elements, some of those students could also be assistants to you or the stage manager. Possibly have someone hold book while the stage manager concentrates on other elements. Are there small props that could be built or costumes that need ironing or sorting. Do you have a separate PR team that needs assistance?

Students could run lines with others when you are rehearsing a different scene.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

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Stewart Hawk
Washington State Thespian Co-Chapter Director
206-465-4568
stewart.hawk@gmail.com
http://wathespians.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-29-2022 13:29
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Basic Rehearsal Question

Hi, all,

I'm still new to teaching theatre, and have a general question about rehearsals. I teach a theatre class that culminates in a production, so the majority of the rehearsals happen during class time. In some ways, this is great, but I'm struggling with how to occupy students who have smaller roles. How can I keep them engaged and occupied while we're rehearsing scenes that don't involve them?

Many thanks for your thoughts,

Amanda

--

Amanda Cadogan (she | her)

Humanities  |  Maybeck High School