The Production Process
The Theatre Production Process is the movement and development of a show from script writing to casting and setting up the show to dismantling the show.
Meetings
Before a Show can start to be created the Production manager will have a meeting with each department and the whole production team to discuss what ideas they have for the show, or any concerns they have for the production or performances. After these meetings, more department meetings can take place to discuss how the lighting or set will go. The production manager will attend all of these meetings and pass on any notes of changes to departments that may need to change something in their design.
Marketing
Marketing is the next big part of the production process as you will need people to buy tickets to see the show. As soon as you can start advertising your show people will start to buy tickets, which will fund some of the show.
Technical
The Next stage is the technical side of production. The technical director will have to send the director a list of any special equipment they may need for effects, like pyrotechnics, or smoke. The technical team will also have to say what age suitability the show will be, whether it will be suitable for young children or people with certain disabilities. If the show includes music that the character will react to they need to fill out a licensing form to use a particular song. However, if only background music is being used then the licensing form won't need to be filled out until after the show has closed.
Safety Assessment
The next part of the production process is the risk and safety assessment. This is the final time before the show is set up on the stage to do safety and risk checks. The Production manager has to sign off to say that there will be no risks or safety concerns during the show.
Get in
The next part of the production process is the Get-in. This is most commonly done over a weekend but it is where all of the set, props, and costumes, are moved from the rehearsal rooms to the stage. This includes any extra lighting that needs to be added to the stage. During the Get-in days, all of the production team attends and any techies who may want to lend a hand can also attend to help out.
Tech and dress
The tech and dress rehearsals happen on the days when a show is not being performed. In a tech rehearsal, the technical team gets to focus on the lighting and sound design with the stage fully set for the show. At this time the tech team may make any changes needed for the performances. At a dress rehearsal, the performers can do a full run-through of the show with all of the set, props, costumes, lighting, and sound cues. During the dress rehearsal, the director will be able to give notes to the actors if they want something to run differently
The Get Out
After the show has had its run and has closed it is time for the production team to do the get-out. During this time the production team will take down any set and props, and take them back to a warehouse where they will go in storage where they may be used for another show, or the set will be reused for other items or painted over if it can't be used again. Any extra lighting fixtures will be taken down and put in storage until it is needed again and the tech team may start working on another show. After the get-out, there is an after-party where the cast and crew will celebrate a successful run of a show.