Productions

MainStage Production Manual: During the Performance

Once a production has opened, it is everyone involved’s responsibility to maintain the performance as directed and designed.  There are, naturally, occasions where changes and adaptations must be made.

Cast/Crew Changes
In the unlikely event of illness, injury, excessive unexcused absence or tardiness, academic or behavior problems, a cast or crew member may need to be replaced.  The Director, design faculty and Designers, School of Theatre and Film Director and Production Manager will work with the Stage Manager to place a new cast or crew member into the production as quickly and smoothly as possible.  Additional put-in rehearsals may be called to facilitate the smooth transition to the new cast or crew member.

Weather
In the event of seriously bad weather that threatens to affect the production (rain for productions with outdoor components, flooding or leaking in the theatre, power outages due to lightning strikes) or the ability of the audience to reach the theatre, the School of Theatre and Film Director, Production Manager, pertinent faculty and staff, and house management and DPS (as appropriate) shall decide whether to delay, modify or cancel a performance.  All cast and crew members should come to the theatre at their call time if they have not been notified of a cancellation in advance, as weather changes dramatically and quickly here and bad weather at 5:00 may not be a factor by 7:30.  As with any other difficulties, if you cannot reach the theatre in time for your call, notify Stage Management immediately, and get to the theatre as soon as you can.

If the emergency requires the delay or cancellation of the performance in progress, the Stage Manager shall announce to the audience the necessity for a delay.  If the delay is believed to be short, the audience may be directed to remain in their seats, the Actors to remain in costume, and the performance will restart after the emergency is dealt with.  If the delay is lengthy or the performance to be cancelled, the Stage Manager shall inform the audience and the House Manager shall notify audience members as they leave of their options for refunds or rescheduling.  Cancelled performances shall be rescheduled if possible.

Additional Rehearsals
There are several reasons for rehearsals after opening, some of which have been discussed here; e.g., putting in a new Actor or Crew member.  In the case of a long run of the production, and/or a lengthy break between performances, a brush-up rehearsal may be called to refamiliarize Actors (and possibly Crew members) of their cues and timings.  Additional rehearsals shall typically be called on a non-performance day, whenever possible, and shall be scheduled immediately before the next performance day.

Notes Acting
The Director or Stage Manager should give notes at the end of the performance they watch, so the Actor has time to digest, discuss, question, and learn the note before the next performance.  Performance notes are ideally given in writing to each individual, so they are a) private, and b) portable.  The Stage Manager should be told of every Actor note so s/he is not surprised by changes, even if they do not directly affect the Stage Manager’s calling of the show.