PRODUCTION INTRO

Producing a project can be both exciting and stressful. Finding a script, writing a script, devising a performance, casting, rehearsals, technical aspects, and finally opening night all present their own challenges. This section will attempt to answer as many questions as possible. As well as offering resources to help the process along.

TYPES OF PROJECTS

Play Readings

A traditional rehearsal schedule for a play reading is one day, with the performance immediately following. Actors appear on stage with script in hand (typically a black three ring binder). Chairs and music stands are the set for play readings, which do not typically use props, costumes, or elaborate staging. The purpose of a staged reading is to breathe life into the story. To focus on the intent of the playwright. Readings of contemporary plays typically have royalties attached to them. This price should be researched by the director and the information provided on the project application for the selection meeting.

Play Readings (Original Works)

The purpose of producing a stage reading of an original work is typically to workshop the script. The black box is perfect for putting up a new script and acquiring feedback from an audience hearing the words out loud. It is imperative that there be a complete version of the script before the selection meeting. This does not mean the script can’t be change or have edits made up to and during the rehearsal. Performed as a reading, an original work has the same limitations as a play reading with minimalistic props, costumes, and staging. Using only chairs and music stands for a set; with scripts in hand. The typical rehearsal time for an Original Work Staged Reading is 1-day long rehearsal with the performance immediately following.

Original works can also be put on as full productions. Utilizing designers, costumes, set, props, sound, etc. This also requires a complete script before submitting the project. Rehearsal period for these projects range from 1 to 3 weeks. Longer rehearsal periods can be more difficult to organize and tend to have more conflicts i.e. actor conflicts, studio one-acts, shenanigans rehearsal, and departmental events.

Public Domain

The term “public domain” refers to creative materials that are not protected by intellectual property laws such as copyright, trademark, or patent laws. The public owns these works, not an individual author or artist. Anyone can use a public domain work without obtaining permission, but no one can ever own it. Often, these works are adapted, staged, or done as a read through. The rehearsal period varies depending on the type of production chosen.

There are four common ways that works arrive in the public domain:

The copyright has expired

The copyright owner failed to follow copyright renewal rules

The copyright owner deliberately places it in the public domain, known as “dedication”.

Short Play Festivals.

With the number of young playwrights growing in our department, Short Play Festivals become a prime venue for showcasing our students work. These festivals are comprised of several short five and ten-minute plays which perform in succession in one night. This type of project requires multiple playwrights and directors as well as a production manager to organize schedules, and company rehearsals. Working with UCM’s newly developed playwrighting club opens many artistic and collaborative opportunities. Play festivals are typically done as play readings making transition from play to play simple and quick. However, they can be done as a full production.

Musical Projects.

Due to limited resources and the fact that the black box is an experimental program geared towards developing innovative ideas and devised works; full scale plays, and musicals are not typically done. However there have been a number of musical reviews, compilations of original music, and concert selections of popular musicals produced. This type of production requires a musical director and can have a rehearsal schedule from 1 to 3 weeks. Royalties may be attached to individual songs, or to song selections from contemporary shows. This price should be researched by the director and the information provided on the project application for the selection meeting.

Devised Works.

Devised theatre (also called collaborative creation, particularly in the United States) is a form of theatre where the script originates not from a writer or writers, but from collaborative, usually improvisatory, work by a group of people (usually, but not necessarily, the performers). This is like commedia dell'arte and street theatre. Because of the collaborative nature of these types of productions rehearsal periods range from 1 to 3 weeks. During this process a script, story, and over all concept is created/discovered IN REHEARSAL. The director should have a well thought out plan including exercises to help develop the piece. Research should be done to ensure there will be no infringement of copyright or royalties.