Rehearsal

Rehearsal, in drama, the process of preparing a play for presentation to the public. The rehearsal process is usually led by a director, who guides the actors through their roles, helping them to develop their characterizations and find the structure of each role in relation to the whole play. Rehearsals most often take place in a special room or hall where the ground plan of the set is marked out on the floor. The time devoted to rehearsal is usually between three and six weeks.

Methods of rehearsal vary: some directors will begin with a read-through and then “block” the play, giving the actors precise instructions on their moves; others will use improvisation and physical games to help the actors find their way around their roles and the stage. During most of the rehearsal process the company focuses on individual scenes. Towards the end of the rehearsal period, however, there will be a series of run-throughs, where the entire play is acted out so that the actors can find the rhythm of the play. When the actors finally move into the theatre, a technical rehearsal is held, in which all the elements of the production—scenery, costumes, lighting, sound and music cues—are brought together. This is followed by the dress rehearsal, which is, as near as possible, like a performance.

See also Theatre Production.