WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

The design process: rehearsal and performance The technical rehearsal An important moment in the design process is the technical rehearsal. Here, the performers ‘walk’ through a complete performance during which they will need to stop, re-perform and skip sections of the play as design details are finalised. This is known as working cue to cue , meaning that each sound and lighting cue is covered and repeated as necessary. This happens until the designers and technicians are confident that the production can run smoothly and maintain the desired artistic intentions. Set and costume changes will also be run through. Technical rehearsals are notoriously long and taxing for all those involved, but no professional or amateur production can be satisfactorily achieved without one – or sometimes two! Dress rehearsals The dress rehearsal is a designer’s opportunity to test their design in real time. Lighting and sound designers can practise operating their designs following the script. This means that they can prepare for and then activate their plotted cues. Meanwhile, costume and set designers will often sit in the auditorium with the director, taking notes on what has and hasn’t worked well, so that problems can be addressed before the first performance. Work during the performance Once a show or run, if there are multiple performances, is underway, there is still work to be done. Costumes have to be cleaned and maintained (although this is done by wardrobe maintenance or dressers in professional theatre). Similarly, sets (including props and set dressings) and technical equipment need to be checked and maintained. Stage management In charge of this whole process is the stage manager , who co-ordinates all the backstage and technical elements during rehearsals and performances. The stage manager works closely with designers and technicians as well as performers, controlling the production. If you continue your involvement in theatre after your course, stage management is a very important role that could interest you. Practical design and the exam Practical components and the written exam are closely related! • Try to see all your practical work in Components 1 and 2 as preparation for the written exam, where you will have opportunities to use your developing knowledge and skills. • Even if you are working as a performer for one or both of the practical components, be aware of the design work and opportunities for all the design elements: lighting, costume, sound and set. TASK I.1 In your next practical drama lesson, where an improvisation or piece of scripted performance is shown, decide on the following in your group: • What costumes would enhance your performance? • How could set be used to add meaning and interest to the performance? • How might you use coloured stage lighting or spotlights to help focus the audience? • Can you plan one sound cue to emphasise a significant moment in the performance? 11 Understanding Design in Drama and Theatre