Insider's Guide: What Rehearsals Look Like Through the Eyes of a Set Carpenter
Rehearsals, made up of planning, preparation, and strategizing, all aimed at ensuring that when the band goes on, everything runs like clockwork.
Rehearsals are the cornerstone of this process, offering the luxury of time to meticulously label, mark, and plan for the load-ins ahead. Picture it as laying the foundation for a smooth journey on the road – every detail matters, and getting it right now saves you a world of trouble later.
So, let's take a deep breath and dive into the stages required for an effective and useful rehearsal. From setting the stage to fine-tuning load-in procedures, we'll explore each step, offering insights and tips along the way.
1. Day One: Arriving at Rehearsals
So, when you first get to the rehearsal space, your most likely be stepping into a huge room in a massive building. The size depends on how big the tour is and what kind of show you're putting on. This place is where everything happens for the next few days or even weeks. It's where everyone gets familiar with the gear, makes any last-minute tweaks, and tests things out.
Now, before you start building anything, there's usually a bit of waiting around. You might not have all your equipment yet, and even when it does arrive, it could come from different trucks and sources. So, it's a good time to go over the plans you should have already had and maybe chat with the production manager about any changes or new ideas they have for setting everything up. Just hang tight and get ready for the real work to begin!
2. Unpacking the Day: Welcoming Your Equipment on Set
In this example, lets say you have a main stage to build, made up of 10 decks by 7 decks.
I good approach is to not rush it. Come up with an approach, and start building your stage deck by deck. When you're on the road, things tend to move quickly, but now's your chance to really get familiar with your approach and catch any potential issues early on.
By going through this process meticulously, you not only ensure a sturdy stage setup but also give yourself the opportunity to spot any equipment glitches or construction hiccups right from the get-go. So, take it slow and steady – it'll pay off in the long run!
3. Built to Plan: But What’s the Next Step?
Once the stage is all set up according to the design you've been given, it's time for a thorough evaluation. This is where everyone involved takes a close look at how practical everything is for life on the road and how closely it aligns with the creative vision.
You might be working directly with the artist, the creative department if there's one, or the production manager – whoever's calling the shots. Their input is crucial as they'll express what they need, and it's your job to make it happen while also keeping an eye on safety and practicality.
By the end of this stage, everyone should be satisfied that the stage reflects the vision they had in mind. After all, what you see now is what audiences will be seeing for the duration of the show. So, it's all about making sure it's just right.
4. Marking the Stage: Getting Ready for the Road Ahead
Now that the stage is built and everyone's given the thumbs up on its look, it's time for the next step: marking everything. This is where you break out the gaffer tape, paint pens, and sharpies to label everything for easier assembly, disassembly, and transport while on tour.
You'll need to come up with a plan for how to mark everything, whether it's using number systems, color-coded tape, or other methods. This part can feel a bit tedious, especially if you've got a lot of gear to mark, but it's essential for keeping things organized.
You'll typically need to mark all your decks, any unique assembly parts, personalized set pieces, and packing carts. So, grab your markers and get ready.
5. Collaborating on Truck Packing: Your Role in the Tour Logistics
This is the point when your input on how to pack the truck – or at the very least, how you plan to pack your part of it, might be required. It's a crucial step in the tour prep process, and it all hinges on the available space and the priority items for building the stage.
This part can look different from tour to tour. The key is to ensure that everything fits snugly and efficiently, so the show can hit the road without a hitch.
So, whether you're strategizing now or down the line, get ready to roll up your sleeves and lend your expertise to the packing puzzle. Together, we'll make sure everything's in its place for a smooth journey ahead!
6. Planning Load-In and Load-Out: Bringing It All Together
So you've been focusing on building and marking the stage, but now it's time to shift gears and tackle load-in and load-out plans. This phase will have been touched on have forefront of your mind since rehearsals began, but it's a crucial step in the tour process.
Now's the moment to sit down with your team and hash out the details: which steps to take, who's responsible for what, and how long each task will likely take. You might also need to discuss any special packing requirements for certain equipment and come up with clear labels for easy identification during the hustle and bustle of showtime.
Chances are, you've already laid some groundwork for this during earlier stages, but now it's about bringing it all together and fine-tuning the plan. Everyone's input is valuable here, so be sure to listen to ideas and suggestions to ensure a smooth and efficient load-in and load-out process. Together, let's make sure we're all on the same page for a seamless production experience!
So there you have it…..
Every stage required for an effective rehearsal, straight from the perspective of a stage carpenter. While completing these stages effectively doesn't guarantee a smooth journey ahead, it certainly lays a strong foundation.
Sure, there may be some tweaks and alterations along the way to further streamline the process. But with these steps under your belt, you're off to a solid start for a successful tour. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the challenges, and make your tour one to remember!
