Issac over at Parabasis listed some of the "biggest problems in Indie Theatre." One of the biggest problems he highlights applies to almost every performing art (not just theatre):
(2) Lack of adequate rehearsal time. An off-broadway show rehearses for roughly 30-40 hours a week and rehearses during the day while previewing. The show I'm directing right now will have 80 hours of rehearsal total.
I can't agree with this more.
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I was talking with the Executive Director of a big fancy theatre. He mentioned that a pivotal moment in the life of the theatre was when he was able to convince his donors and his Board of the importance of more rehearsal time and more preview performances.
Think about that.
He didn't say that it was pivotal to get an endowment.
He didn't say it was pivotal to get a building built.
He didn't say it was pivotal to hire more staff, though I'm sure all of that was important.
He said that the theatre took off when he got the money for more rehearsal time and more preview performances.
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Having spent the early part of my career in the arts running a small theatre and now working at a larger one, I can't emphasize enough the difference between being able to rehearse for 60 hours versus being able to rehearse for 220 hours.
But then we encounter the rub.
More rehearsal time is an artistic decision that is closely tied to a financial decision.
So we can't really talk about your desire for more rehearsal time without talking about your marketing.
And your fundraising.
And your organizational structure.
And your Board.
This is why I also chuckle at those who feel like artistic decision should be kept in a pure bubble, free of business matters.
Some decisions you can't separate.
So let me be clear, I think the battle for more rehearsal time is a worthwhile battle to fight. But you must have your organizational affairs in order before you fight it.
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