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So you've gotten into the play, and it's time to start practicing for the big performances. You might be nervous - after all, you might not know anyone else in the show, and you've got to deal with memorizing lines (if you have them) and blocking, along with getting along with your fellow actors and crew members. How on earth are you going to figure all this out?
The first rehearsal usually is called a read-through. Everyone gets together and introduces themselves and who they are playing. This is your chance to meet some of the people you will be working with and become friends with them (you'll all be pals in no time). After everyone introduces themselves, there will probably be some talks about what kind of behavior is expected, when the rehearsals will be, and other important stuff like that. Then the read-through will begin. Everyone who has a speaking role will be given their script, and they just read it out loud so they and everyone else can get a basic feel for the story. You don't have to worry about blocking or memorizing yet, just relax.
After the read-through, the blocking for scenes will begin. If your part is needed for that scene, you will be asked to come to the rehearsal space (you probably got a rehearsal schedule so you know exactly when you need to be there) to practice your blocking. Blocking is what you'll be doing onstage during the scene. It includes stuff like entrances and exits, using certain props, and moving from place to place around the stage. Bring your script with you, along with a pencil. Don't use a pen, in case the director changes his/her mind. Also bring a small notebook for notes from the director. This won't come in handy until you start doing run-throughs. Write down your blocking notes in your script near the lines you're supposed to be doing it. Don't worry about being messy - as long as you can read it and understand it, you're fine!
The next big part about memorizing your lines. Depending on how many lines you have to learn, or how well your memory is, memorizing may or may not be a big deal. Try to find a strategy that works for you. You can do it "test version," where you pretend like you're studying for a test and learn your lines one at a time. Then, ask a friend or family member to prompt you (they give you the line before yours) and you have to say your line. You can also go scene by scene, and on the night that you're blocking your scene, you can try to get the blocking AND the lines FOR JUST THAT SCENE down by the last run of the scene. I like both these methods, but they are not the only way to memorize. Find what works for you.
After you've gotten all your blocking and lines down, it's time to put it all together. This is when the run-throughs start taking place. You'll literally run through the entire play while you use your blocking and say your lines (you may or may not have your script with you; usually there will be an "off-book" date when you aren't allowed to use your script anymore) so you get a feel for the whole play together. You might get stopped and have to do certain scenes over, but generally you'll get through the whole thing. After the run-through, the director will probably have notes for the cast. This is when your notebook comes in handy! The director will give you a note for something that you need to work on, and you should write it down in your notebook so that you will remember it and work on it. If you're confused about a note, ask the director. Notes aren't bad things - they're helping your performance go from good to better!
Overall, rehearsals can be a little hectic, especially when the run-throughs start happening and it gets closer to performance time. It may be boring to watch other people work through scenes that you aren't in. Just remember that it will all pay off when the cast pulls off a great show that the audience loves. Be sure to focus, so you don't have to spend unneeded time working scenes, and respect your fellow actors, director, and other people working on the show. Next week, we'll look at the slightly-hectic tech week and dress rehearsals.
Dubblplay signing off.
"I love acting. It is so much more real than life." - Oscar Wilde
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