What’s a rehearsal?

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A dress rehearsal is a complete practice of a stage or musical performance, where the cast wears costumes and uses props. Run-throughs are earlier rehearsals without costumes. A cue to cue rehearsal focuses on technical aspects. A preview is a full performance with an audience, but may stop and start if issues arise.

A dress rehearsal is a complete or practical rehearsal of a stage or musical performance. This practice is intended to perfect the performance before the audience sees it, making sure that every detail of the show meets expectations. Cast members don their costumes and accessories during dress rehearsal. They could also have practice in front of the backdrop and use the props designed for the upcoming stage show. For musical performances, however, this is not the case, as a dress rehearsal is simply the final rehearsal for the musicians and does not require wearing the intended performance outfit.

In the theatre, a series of rehearsals takes place long before the dress rehearsal. These practices are often referred to as run-throughs. A rehearsal is not performed in costume and may not cover all technical aspects of the upcoming performance. Instead, these practices are intended to help the cast learn the dialogue and understand how each person will be positioned during the public performance.

Sometimes, a theater dress rehearsal is just one last practice, but it can actually refer to a number of practices. In this type of rehearsal, the cast practices the entire performance, doing all the moves they will do for the public performance. It will also stop for intermissions, as well as for the actual show. In an open dress rehearsal, some people may be allowed to participate and witness the practice. This privilege is generally extended to family and friends of the cast as well as theater reviewers.

Another type of rehearsal, called a cue to cue, is used to refine the technical aspects of a play or show. In this type of rehearsal, the stage manager and technicians have the cast rehearse dialogue and movement that can be used as input for technical changes, such as lighting, sound and any special effects. This allows them to make sure everything is working as it should and iron out any issues. Costumes are generally not required for this type of rehearsal. However, in some cases they may be worn to see how they will look against the stage lights.

Sometimes, there is a preview after the dress rehearsal. Technically, this isn’t a practice, as it takes place in front of a full audience. However, it is not uncommon for the cast to stop and start from an earlier point in the performance if problems or glitches come up. Typically, this doesn’t happen during a large-scale performance.




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