Learn how to expertly prioritize urgent set changes in busy theater productions to ensure a seamless and captivating audience experience.

It depends on your theater's resources. Do you have money? Do you have space? Do you have people? If you are sizable and have money...you can do a show that has strong visual elements. If you are a small theater, pick plays with minimum physical requirements and small casts. You can do nice intimate musicals like Whispers on the Wind or the Fantastics. If you are not Equity, you can consider plays with lots of people like an "Our Town" or "Inherit the Wind" - Actors are cheaper than huge sets. But if you can, it is good to focus on new plays. The play is always the thing. A new play brings in audiences and expectations....it doesn't need frills. But then you need the manpower to read lots and lots of bad plays to find the gems.

In the German theater industry, time is the most valuable resource, next to money. Repertory theaters often perform up to ten different plays in one week in two or more venues, while two or three new productions are rehearsing in special venues. This requires a finely meshed, cleverly thought-out planning system. If time is too short for a newly rehearsed production, consideration must be given to whether to make cuts to the quality of the production. I am certainly not in favor of sold theater shows being removed from the program just so that a production by the theater director that has just been rehearsed can have one more safety rehearsal than necessary, just because no one in the theater dares to express their opinion clearly.

Last updated on Sep 2, 2024

You're managing a busy theater production schedule. How do you decide which urgent set changes to prioritize?

Managing a busy theater production schedule is akin to conducting an orchestra; every element must come together in harmony for the performance to captivate the audience. As you navigate the complexities of set changes, you're faced with decisions that can make or break a show. Urgent set changes can arise from various scenarios, such as last-minute script alterations, technical malfunctions, or creative epiphanies. Prioritizing these changes requires a keen understanding of the production's needs, a clear communication channel with your team, and the ability to make quick, yet calculated decisions that enhance the storytelling without compromising the schedule or budget.

1 Assess Impact

When deciding which set changes to prioritize, first assess their impact on the production. Evaluate how each change will affect the narrative and audience experience. If a set alteration significantly enhances the story or is crucial for a scene's comprehension, it takes precedence. Consider also the ripple effect on lighting, sound, and actors' movements. The goal is to ensure that the most impactful elements are refined to perfection, creating a seamless and engaging experience for the audience.

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Stephen Tobolowsky

Actor and writer
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It depends on your theater's resources. Do you have money? Do you have space? Do you have people? If you are sizable and have money...you can do a show that has strong visual elements. If you are a small theater, pick plays with minimum physical requirements and small casts. You can do nice intimate musicals like Whispers on the Wind or the Fantastics. If you are not Equity, you can consider plays with lots of people like an "Our Town" or "Inherit the Wind" - Actors are cheaper than huge sets. But if you can, it is good to focus on new plays. The play is always the thing. A new play brings in audiences and expectations....it doesn't need frills. But then you need the manpower to read lots and lots of bad plays to find the gems.

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GinÃ©s Alberto SÃ¡nchez

Distribuidor y Productor Teatral
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Lo esencial siempre es el actor y la palabra, con una buena atmÃ³sfera mediante la iluminaciÃ³n. Partiendo de esta base, comunicarÃa al director quÃ© quiere priorizar del resto de elementos de la puesta en escena.

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Michael Ray Wisely

Producer/Director/Actor
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The perspective of this question changes depending on what your position is. Safety should always be the first consideration, of course. After that, as a director you have to balance what the story demands with the resources both human and monetary. It can also be dictated by the management style of the PSM or Artistic Director. Other factors: what part of the season the show falls in, what the revenues have been so far and even the joy in the room. There is an alchemy to it often, however, only the creativity and resourcefulness of the artists surrounding a production can transcend a strained budget. Excellent production meetings can circumvent issues. A director, PSM or AD, will be weighing all of these factors in the decision making.

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2 Time Constraints

Time constraints are a critical factor in prioritizing set changes. Examine the production schedule to determine how much time is available for each change. If a set alteration can be implemented quickly without disrupting other processes, it may be ranked higher. However, more complex changes requiring extensive labor or rehearsal adjustments need careful consideration. Sometimes, it's about finding the balance between what's ideal and what's feasible within the time frame.

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Prof. Dr. Thomas Schmidt

Professor Theater Management/ Theater Researcher at University of Music and Performing Arts Frankfurt/Main
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In the German theater industry, time is the most valuable resource, next to money. Repertory theaters often perform up to ten different plays in one week in two or more venues, while two or three new productions are rehearsing in special venues. This requires a finely meshed, cleverly thought-out planning system. If time is too short for a newly rehearsed production, consideration must be given to whether to make cuts to the quality of the production. I am certainly not in favor of sold theater shows being removed from the program just so that a production by the theater director that has just been rehearsed can have one more safety rehearsal than necessary, just because no one in the theater dares to express their opinion clearly.

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3 Resource Allocation

Resource allocation plays a significant role in your decision-making process. Evaluate the availability of materials, budget, and personnel needed to execute each set change. Prioritize changes that make the most effective use of your resources while delivering the greatest benefit to the production. It's about being resourcefulâ€”sometimes a creative workaround can achieve a similar effect without straining your resources.

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4 Collaboration Input

Collaboration is the heart of theater production. Listen to input from directors, designers, and technical crew when prioritizing set changes. Their expertise can provide valuable insights into what's necessary and what can be adjusted without sacrificing the artistic vision. This collaborative approach ensures that every decision made is in the best interest of the production as a whole.

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5 Audience Experience

Always keep the audience experience at the forefront of your decision-making. Consider how each set change will enhance their immersion and enjoyment of the performance. Sometimes, what seems like a minor detail can have a profound impact on the audience's emotional journey through the story. Prioritize changes that elevate their experience and leave a lasting impression.

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6 Flexibility Is Key

Lastly, flexibility is key in managing urgent set changes. Be prepared to adapt your priorities as new information emerges and circumstances change. The ability to pivot and make informed decisions on the fly is crucial in theater production, where unexpected challenges are part of the daily routine. Maintain a dynamic approach to problem-solving, ensuring that the show not only goes on but thrives.

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Directory

You're managing a busy theater production schedule. How do you decide which urgent set changes to prioritize?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Impact

2 Time Constraints

3 Resource Allocation

4 Collaboration Input

5 Audience Experience

6 Flexibility Is Key

Theatrical Production

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Directory

You're managing a busy theater production schedule. How do you decide which urgent set changes to prioritize?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Impact

2 Time Constraints

3 Resource Allocation

4 Collaboration Input

5 Audience Experience

6 Flexibility Is Key

Theatrical Production

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