Tech Days
The final rehearsal of a live show, in which everything is done as it would be in a real performance.
Stagehands that work on the deck (stage) during a show. They run props, move scenic furniture, occasionally run special effects backstage.
A table or surface where props are kept during a show. Labeled so the props will be placed in the same spot every show.
What is a props table?
The script the stage manager calls all of the cues from for the production.
What is a calling script?
A performance before the official Opening Night where audience is invited, but the tech is still in process and changes can be made.
What is a preview?
A tech rehearsal where the stage manager moves the process along from one cue to the next cue moment, skipping moments without any cues.
What is a Cue to Cue (Q2Q)?
A stagehand that mixes all of the actor and musician mics live during the show. Typically is placed behind the audience in the house.
What is an Audio Engineer (A1)?
A curtained-off area backstage where performers can quickly change into a different costume between acts
What is a quick change booth?
A list of all of the actions a stage manager and/or crew need to perform before each performance.
A rehearsal for the actors and costume crew to choreograph and practice costume quick changes. These are typically timed in order to be done as quickly as possible.
What is a quick change rehearsal?
A scheduled time for the performers before each performance to go over fight choreography, lifts, acrobatics, and anything else athletic before each performance.
What is a Fight Call?
A stagehand that runs all of the lights cues in the play, as called by the stage manager.
What is a light board operator?
Backstage lights that indicate to actors when to enter or start an action. Typically run by a stage manager.
What are cue lights?
The Stage Manager and designers sit down to put approximate placements of cues into the Stage Managers calling script.
What is a Paper Tech?
A technical rehearsal where the actors rehearse on a 12 hour day, with 2 hours for meal breaks.
What is a 10 out of 12?
A rehearsal without actors and performers, intended to practice lighting, sound, scene changes, etc.
What is dry tech?
A stagehand that works backstage monitoring the mics on the actors. Preps mics to be placed on actors, troubleshoots any issues during the performance.
What is an Audio Engineer 2 (A2)?
A room where actors put on costume, hair and make-up. Is often also used as a place where actors keep personal belongings.
What is a dressing room?
A document that tracks all of the scenic shifts in a performance.
What is a Shift Plot?
Snacks that the designers and stage managers bring to tech and eat throughout the process. Makes me sad we can't do this here at GMU.
What are tech table snacks?
A rehearsal where the performers and orchestra sing through the entire show while seated
What is a Sitzprobe?
A stagehand that operates the scenic elements that fly in and out on a rigging system. Has a strong understanding of weight and counterweights.
What is a fly rail operator?
A room where actors and stagehands can relax and hang out on breaks, or before and after rehearsal. Sometimes gets used for actor meet and greets. Typically has couches, tables to eat at, a small kitchenette.
What is a Green Room?
A document with each actors costume and information on when actors change into new costumes.
What is a Costume Plot?
A rehearsal where actors sing thru the show with the orchestra present, while walking around and marking through blocking.
What is a wandelprobe?