Appendix 5 - Production Timeline / Checklist
Initial Stages
- Receive and accept production offer.
- Organise AD if known. Read and prepare script; consider casting.
- First Prod. Comm. Meeting: share initial thoughts; get liaison name; discuss mentor; agree rehearsal start.
- Organise audition date (ideally 6 weeks before rehearsals); discuss AD (if undecided); budget.
Pre-Rehearsal Phase
- Contact technical and stage team leads.
- Hold auditions (ideally 6 weeks before rehearsals). Prod. Comm. meeting to start casting.
- Complete casting. Hold Technical Meeting.
- Confirm roles with AD & SM.
- Contact VM about additional/unusual rehearsals; give Rehearsal Schedule.
- Contact Box Office re any limited-vision seats or seats not for sale.
Rehearsals
Week 1: Start rehearsals. Produce & circulate Rehearsal Schedule.
Weeks 2–3:
- Contact Publicity about additional needs and press angles; audience warnings.
- Plan programme content; write director’s note; check all names and spellings (AD usually does this).
Week 4:
- Send programme info to Programme Editor by week end.
- Contact photographer; confirm Dress Rehearsal time (usually the Sunday before the show).
Weeks 5–6:
- Give Box Office rough then accurate show end time.
- Hand over to SM after Sunday rehearsal. Ensure cast/crew know call times, signing-in, etc.
- Ensure everyone knows get-out procedures for Saturday night.
Week of the Show (Saturday Night)
- Get-out led by SM: strike set; return to black; clear wings/scene dock/dressing rooms; return props (or finish Sunday AM if arranged).
After the Production
- Sort budget; give receipts to Treasurer.
- Arrange Prod. Comm. feedback session; attend and give/receive feedback.
- Relax!