Tech Week – A Letter From the Director
Dear Families,
As you may have noted, our schedule in the theatre is different this year for the Ramayana, particularly for our younger students. We thought there might be some value further explaining those changes.
In most theatre productions, particularly ones with the complexities that the Ramayana contains, there is usually a sequence of rehearsals in that final week in the performance space leading to when the audience views the spectacle. These incremental steps include blocking or putting the play on the set in the theatre, then adding in the technical elements like lighting, music and sound, costumes and, of course for our play, installing and practicing the myriad of special monsters and effects. This is usually followed by a formal dress rehearsal the day prior to audience viewing.
Over the years, we have not followed this pattern. Instead, our sequence has been that Monday, we block Act 1, Tuesday we block Act 2, then Wednesday, we ask our technical crew, musicians, let alone the performers, in one very stressful day, to basically install the play, all elements at the same time, so that on Thursday, we’re ready for our Preview audience. Admittedly, that is a whole lot to ask from all of us.
Our experiment this time around is to give our design team and performers one more day together. Each day builds into the next. Monday, we’ll try to block the entire play. Tuesday, we will install our Technical elements. Wednesday, actually run the Dress Rehearsal as show ready as we can be. Then, Thursday, thrill the audience with our play. Again, this is an experiment. We’ll see how it goes this year.
We do appreciate that in this quest, younger actors are coming one more day. To accommodate, however, the long days, there will be two separate buses running, one for earlier dismissal. One will leave approximately 2 hours into rehearsal, when the 3rd– 6th and some of 7th grade students will be finished rehearsing. The 2nd will run at the end when the 8th—12th grade students are finished. The reservation form and information will be posted in the Enews, Friday May 11 and the forms are due by May 21. Please be sure to fill out the form and return it to school by the time indicated if your child needs transportation. We need accurate numbers of bus riders for each bus stop.
The Ramayana is an incredibly unique theatrical enterprise. We are thrilled to bring to the world once again year, the stage filled with your lovely talented children, working together communally and collaboratively with peers, teachers, and theatrical professionals, all dedicated to making experience the very best one possible. We so thank you for your support in the endeavor and we’ll see you at the show(s)!
Sampad
And the Directing Team