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  • 1.  Basic Rehearsal Question

    Posted 09-29-2022 13:30
    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


  • 2.  RE: Basic Rehearsal Question

    Posted 09-30-2022 08:16
    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
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Basic Rehearsal Question

    Posted 09-30-2022 08:37
    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!

    ------------------------------
    Laura Butchy
    BASIS Independent McLean
    VA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Basic Rehearsal Question

    Posted 10-01-2022 09:43
    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.

    ------------------------------
    Laura Russo
    Teacher/Director of Theatre Arts
    Chatham High School
    NJ
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  • 5.  RE: Basic Rehearsal Question

    Posted 10-01-2022 11:42
    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.

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