Our New Casting, Actors Workshop, Rehearsal & Performance Model

Building an Ensemble. Developing the Actor. Bringing Great Theater to Life.

At Tiny Theater, we believe great theater begins long before opening night. It begins with the actors who come together to explore a story, discover its characters, develop their craft, and build the trust and collaboration necessary to create a compelling theatrical experience.

Our production model is designed around the principle of working as an ensemble. Rather than simply casting a play and moving directly into rehearsals, we provide a structured process in which actors train together, develop their understanding of the play and its characters, and prepare to perform as a cohesive and supportive company.

Our goal is to create theater in which actors do more than memorize lines and present a character. We want them to experience the circumstances, relationships, objectives, and conflicts of the people they portray—living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. We are focused on character acting, developing techniques and approaches that help the character experience on stage what the character is experiencing on the page. Authenticity and truth are paramount.

Each production will follow an approximately two-month cycle, combining auditions, an actors workshop, rehearsals, technical preparation, and public performances.

1. Casting & Auditions

Each production begins with an open call for actors interested in participating in the project. Depending on the production, auditions may be held in person, by video, or through a combination of both.

Auditions are an opportunity for us to explore an actor's potential relationship to the material, their curiosity about character, their ability to listen and respond, and their willingness to participate in a collaborative ensemble process.

For example, a production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible would invite actors to explore the complex relationships, personal convictions, fears, ambitions, and moral conflicts that drive the play.

Actors selected for the cast will be expected to commit to the complete production schedule, including the actors workshop, rehearsals, technical preparation, and scheduled performances. This commitment allows the entire ensemble to work together consistently and build the trust and continuity essential to the production.

2. Four Weeks of Actors Workshop

One session per week

Once the cast is selected, the company begins a four-week actors workshop. These weekly sessions are devoted to ensemble building, actor training, and exploration of the play.

Working with contemporary acting techniques, methods, and approaches, actors will investigate character, objectives, actions, relationships, imagination, active listening, and moment-to-moment behavior.

The workshop is not separate from the production. It is the foundation of the rehearsal process. Actors begin discovering the world of the play, examining the circumstances of their characters, exploring relationships, and developing a shared approach to bringing the script to life.

This period also allows the ensemble to develop a common vocabulary for discussing acting choices, dramatic intentions, and the challenges of creating believable behavior on stage.

3. Four Weeks of Rehearsal

Minimum of two rehearsals per week

Following the workshop, the company moves into a four-week rehearsal period, with a minimum of two rehearsals per week.

Rehearsals build upon the discoveries made during the workshop. Actors work through scenes, develop relationships, clarify objectives, explore obstacles, and refine the actions that move the play forward.

Our process emphasizes collaboration, preparation, discipline, and active participation. Every actor contributes to the ensemble, and every scene is an opportunity to deepen the truth of the relationships and circumstances being portrayed.

The director guides the overall interpretation and staging of the play while encouraging actors to investigate, question, discover, and make meaningful choices within the world of the production.

4. Technical Preparation & Final Run-Through

The five days leading up to opening night

The final five days before performance are devoted to technical preparation, integration of production elements, and full run-throughs.

During this period, the company brings together acting, staging, lighting, sound, costumes, props, scenery, and other technical elements required for the production.

These final sessions allow the cast and production team to coordinate their work, establish consistency, address remaining challenges, and prepare the production for an audience.

All cast members must be available for the required technical rehearsals and final run-throughs. These sessions are essential to ensuring that the entire company is ready to perform safely, confidently, and cohesively.

5. Performance

Generally no more than six performances over two weekends

Each production will generally be presented in a limited run of no more than six performances over two weekends, beginning with opening night.

This focused performance schedule allows Tiny Theater to concentrate its resources on the quality of the production while providing audiences with multiple opportunities to experience the work.

Opening night is not the end of the creative process. Each performance is an opportunity for the ensemble to listen, respond, make discoveries, and bring the play to life with immediacy and commitment.

We believe that the relationship between actors and audience is at the heart of live theater. Our goal is to create performances that move audiences, provoke thought, encourage conversation, and leave a lasting impression.

The Complete Production Cycle

Phase I: Casting and auditions

in-person and/or video

Phase II: Actors workshop

4 weeks

Once per week

Phase III: Rehearsal

4 weeks

Minimum twice per week

Technical preparation and full run-throughs

Final 5 days

As scheduled by the production

Phase IV: Public performances

2 weekends

Generally no more than 6 performances

The production cycle is approximately two months from the beginning of the actors workshop through opening and the performance run. Auditions take place beforehand. The final calendar, including any overlap between rehearsal and technical preparation, will be communicated to the cast in advance.

Our Commitment to the Ensemble

Tiny Theater is building a company in which actors can train, develop, collaborate, and perform together in a supportive and disciplined environment.

We welcome actors at different stages of their development who share a commitment to learning, exploration, preparation, and the collective work of creating theater. Participation requires more than an interest in a particular role. It requires a willingness to invest in the entire process and to respect the time and commitment of every member of the company.

By establishing a consistent production model, we aim to create a stronger ensemble, develop more skilled actors, and produce theater that reflects the depth, imagination, and discipline of our shared work.

GREAT STORIES. GREAT CHARACTERS. GREAT ACTING. GREAT THEATER.

TINY THEATER

"The curtain rises for everyone"