(Worst to Best)
#5 Refining
This is my absolute least favorite part of the entire rehearsal process. I define the refining process as the point in which the entire show has been learned and we are now beginning to run through the entire show, usually one act at a time. At this point everything has been learned and practiced. Everyone should know where they are going, how to do the choreography, what and when to sing, and lines should be mostly memorized. Due the the words “should know” I absolutely despise this part of the process. Should I know where my spot is at any given point in the big ensemble number? Yes! Do I know where my spot is at any given point in the big ensemble number? Not always. Music is my specialty so I don’t personally have issues with the music at this point, but if there is a character voice that is required, you can bet I don’t have that nailed down yet. This is also the point that your character’s personality and motivation needs to start becoming crystal clear (especially if you are in the ensemble). Also, this is the part of the process where I tend to second guess everything and anything. I think I’m giving it my best, and then the pro team gives a general note…again…and I don’t know if it applies to me personally or not. I really hate that.
#4 Cast Meeting
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good initial cast meeting. It is the day when the cast list, if given in full, starts to make sense and you can put faces and personalities to names and characters. Policies and expectations are given, measurements are taken, and you get to meet everyone you will be working closely with for the next couple of months. The reason this isn’t very high on my list is simply because it is a merely the end of the audition process and the beginning of the show.
#3 Polishing
I love the polishing part of the rehearsal process. The story has finally graduated from the rehearsal space to the stage. Lights are being added, sound is being supported, and I can finally hear and see how the entire show is coming together. Costumes are being added and hair and makeup are being defined. The characters that you identified in the refining process are starting to become more real and ready to present to the audience. Lines are memorized, choreo feels solid, and the music is starting to feel like second nature now. For up to two weeks, this show is getting ready to share and feels like a personal moment between you and your fellow cast members as you work out the quirks in costume and scene changes. You are on the final stretch of the rehearsal process and it feels good. All the hard work and emotional damage in the refining process is paying off.
#2 Performing
Not much beats sharing all your hard work with your audience and hearing that thundering applause at the end as you take your bows. The show is up and running. All your hard work has paid off and every performance you get to don your character(s) and live another life like it is second nature. You get laughs at the punchline, audible gasps at the drama, and applause for the effort. The story you have worked so hard to bring to life is making an impact on someone in the audience tonight and it all matters.
#1 Learning
It might be surprising to see that my absolute favorite part of the entire rehearsal process is the learning stage. Everyone is on an equal playing field at this part of the show. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have. Everyone is learning the blocking, lines, music, and choreography for the first time. Even if you have done this show before, there are going to be differences in how this particular pro-team envisions the show and nuances to how even the music is going to be done. Nobody really knows anything, and nobody really even knows anyone at this point. BUT everyone is getting to know everyone and collaborating to learn everything as the show gets built piece by piece. Nothing has been built in the show yet, so there is a refreshing lack of pressure to get things perfectly right the first, second or even third time. The learning curve is HUGE. The collaboration is thrilling.
What is your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
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