WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

TECHNICAL AND DRESS REHEARSALS FOR LIGHTING DESIGNERS These are the final rehearsals before the performance. The technical rehearsal Technical rehearsals (‘techs’) are lengthy rehearsals because they need to let lighting and sound operators test their designs in practice. At the same time, the director and other designers are checking that all the technical aspects of the production work smoothly and harmoniously. The performers get to experience the piece with the design elements in place. You will need to decide as a group whether to run the production in its entirety or move from cue to cue, missing out certain sections. All the different design roles will need to work closely to make sure that everyone is confident that the process can be repeated when the piece is performed without interruptions. During technical rehearsals, make sure performers know which areas of the stage will not be lit during particular lighting states. These areas could be marked with tape so that cast and crew can practise moving around safely. Making technical and artistic improvements Unlike set and costume designers, who will have completed the bulk of their job by now, you are likely to be heavily involved in the tech. Even if someone else is operating the lighting, you need to guide them through the cues and make adjustments to levels, timings of fades and so on. You will also need to watch the acting area and check that: • lighting states allow all sections of the audience to see the actors • coloured lighting works harmoniously with set and costume • practical special effects are managed successfully • the lighting design overall is working well in practice. The dress rehearsal The important thing about the dress rehearsal (‘dress’) is that is runs through the whole production without interruption, except in an emergency. The performers can experience the whole show with all the technical elements, but without an audience to see the actors. The lighting designer can test that the lighting design can be carried out successfully. Until the dress, none of you will be sure that the performance can run smoothly. For lighting, these are some issues you might face: ASSESSMENT CHECK Rehearsals give you the chance to adjust and practise your design so that it will operate as smoothly as possible in performance. This demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed (AO3). FOCUS Your design role during final rehearsals. LOOK HERE Technical equipment doesn’t always work properly. Use the troubleshooting guide on page 61 to help you cope. DESIGN TIP If you are struggling with a technical aspect, ask your group if you can run a cue again. This is the purpose of the techs. TASK 1.17 1 Update your notebook and script with any issues to be resolved before the dress rehearsal. 2 Arrange some time to work things through with other designers if there are any clashes. Lighting problem Possible solution Lack of time between cues in a specific section. Simplify your design by removing or changing a cue to make it manageable. The show is ‘running away with you’ in general. It is a struggle to keep track of the cues, desk, script and stage at the same time. Don’t panic! Get through the dress rehearsal as best you can. It might be a particularly demanding design or production. Practice as much as possible before the performance. Consider simplifying the cues. Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Lighting Design 38