Bum, bum, buuuuuummmmm… It’s TECH WEEK!
Tech week, as you probably know, but just in case, refers to the week leading up to the opening night of the musical you are directing. At this point, all the technical and artistic elements of the show are brought together and fine-tuned.
It's a critical phase in the production process where all the technical aspects, such as lighting, sound, set design, costumes, and special effects, are integrated with the actors' performances.
This week can get a bit stressful as the cast and crew work long hours to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the show looks and sounds as intended. But, you don't need to fall into the normal way of thinking - dreading this week and what it entails. Take a deep breath, make sure you are prepared and you will have no problem surviving!
Tech week’s main considerations:
LIGHTING:
Programming and then adjusting the lighting cues to match the blocking and mood of the scenes, songs, and dance numbers.
SOUND:
Fine-tuning sound effects, music, and actor’s microphones.
SET:
Making sure set changes happen seamlessly and that all props and set pieces are in the right place at the right time.
COSTUMES:
Ensuring that costumes fit properly and that quick changes are executed smoothly.
HEALTH:
This is one that I always add cause it is seriously so important to keep it in the front of your mind. You need to take care of yourself during this week and make sure that your cast and crew are doing the same. Sleep, healthy eating, lots of water... minimal alcohol! Hahaha.
Like I said, tech week can be a stressful and intense period for everyone involved in a musical production because it's the first time that all these elements come together. It's also the time when any issues or problems are identified and addressed before the show opens to the public. As dreadful as some people make tech week sound though, it truly is also an exciting time, watching all the technical aspects of the production come together and your vision for your musical come to life.
Here are the top four tips for handling tech week effectively:
Plan and Communicate Ahead of Time:
As always, it’s important to stay organized! Keep a production book, binder, or shared online folder with all relevant scripts, schedules, contact information, and notes. This will help you stay organized and quickly address any issues that may arise.
Before tech week begins, make sure you are prepared with a detailed plan that outlines when each scene change, lighting cue, sound effect, and costume change will happen. And, prepare yourself to communicate this schedule to the entire cast and crew so that everyone knows where they need to be and when.
Rehearse with Tech Elements:
During tech week, obviously, it's essential to rehearse your musical with all technical elements in place, including lighting, sound, props, and costumes. If possible, though, schedule dedicated tech rehearsals where the focus is on coordinating technical aspects rather than acting. I have even done shows where only a few of the lead actors show up and move cue-to-cue to check lighting before we have a full tech rehearsal.
Delegate Responsibilities:
If you haven’t yet, read our blog all about the Stage Manager’s role during tech week. If you aren’t utilizing them the way that you are supposed to, you are putting too much of the stress of this week on your own shoulders.
Also, assign specific roles and responsibilities to crew members and volunteers. Make sure everyone knows their tasks and who to report to during tech week. I also think it’s smart to put your trust in your team and empower them to take ownership of their areas, such as lighting, sound, props, and costumes. If something is wrong, give them the authority to make it better without checking in with you on every small detail. This will distribute the workload AND ensure that no detail is overlooked.
Take Care of Your Cast and Crew and Yourself:
Yes, it's worth mentioning again! Tech week can be physically and emotionally demanding, so prioritize the well-being of your cast and crew. Encourage breaks and provide snacks and water during long rehearsals.
Create a positive and supportive atmosphere. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and offer constructive feedback when needed. Tech week can be stressful, but maintaining a flexible and problem-solving mindset will help you overcome obstacles.
Remember that tech week is a crucial phase in the production process, helping to ensure that everything comes together seamlessly for a successful and polished performance on opening night. It requires teamwork and dedication from everyone involved. By planning, communicating, and staying organized, you can help ensure a successful school musical production.
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