Overview 

This standard is about preparing the rehearsal space to meet the production's creative aims. You will check and confirm the rehearsal space and the required resources, including furniture, props and facilities. You will liaise with technical departments and support other members of the company by helping to mark up and lay out the rehearsal space(s). You will be required to support the artistic development of the production, by contributing to the smooth running of rehearsals.

This standard is for Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers.

 

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. obtain and interpret information regarding the technical parameters of the production
  2. interpret the script with a view to props, furniture and backstage requirements
  3. identify and confirm rehearsal requirements with appropriate personnel checking for any access requirements
  4. provide advice regarding technical, artistic and safety concerns that may affect the production rehearsal
  5. communicate requirements for rehearsal props, sets, costumes and other production resources
  6. source rehearsal furniture and props to provide adequate representations of the final set for the type of rehearsal involved.
  7. measure and mark up rehearsal facilities according to the design, director's specifications and in line with set and furniture plots
  8. explain the rehearsal mark up and settings to the relevant people
  9. lay out prop tables to allow for effective and safe access to required items
  10. document and circulate information of rehearsal facility and amenities to the appropriate personnel if required
  11. work in line with health & safety legislation, guidelines and production policies

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to identify the critical features required of a rehearsal space
  2. the technical production requirements for example sound and lighting
  3. how different features of the rehearsal space may affect the performance
  4. the requirements for specific environmental conditions for different activities, for example room temperature for dance or where a piece involves nudity, specialist flooring such as sprung or air quality for singers
  5. the accepted conventions for marking up rehearsal areas and how to explain these to others
  6. the factors to be taken into account when positioning and laying out a prop table
  7. organisational policy for distribution and display of calls
  8. the importance of providing refreshment and rest facilities
  9. the current legislation, regulations and policies that apply to the production including health and safety at work