MMT’s Rehearsal Etiquette

This show is going to be a lot of hard work but if we all commit ourselves to it and have discipline, the Creative Team are more than confident it will be amazing!  But for this to happen, MMT would like us all to agree to certain conventions and etiquette.

These conventions are standard practice in modern theatre and are designed so that EVERYONE has an enjoyable time during rehearsals.

Be On Time

Be respectful of everyone’s time.  Theatre is a collaborative medium and you can’t collaborate when you’re rushing in at 8:06, out of breath and digging through your bag to find your script. It’s rude, disruptive, and stressful.

You should all arrive at 7:45pm for a prompt 8pm start. If you are going to be late, then you must message me during the day.

Also, please attend all rehearsals to which you are called. It’s a real pain when we can’t rehearse what we’ve planned because someone isn’t there!

Prepare

Please prepare each scene you are going to rehearse BEFOREHAND so you know what it’s about and what you are likely to be asked to do.

Dress for Success

Comfortable clothes are essential. Appropriate footwear is a must — athletic shoes or dance shoes. If you’re not sure what to wear at a particular rehearsal, ask Kate, Joan or me.

Concentrate

If you’re not in a scene, sit down, be quiet and pay attention. You can learn a lot by watching what others are doing during rehearsal. Just because you’re not currently onstage doesn’t mean what’s happening doesn’t apply to you too.

Take Notes

Bring a Fixtion pen or pencil to all rehearsals to take notes as we direct you. It wastes everyone’s time if you don’t remember what we’ve asked you to do in a scene.

No Distractions

We only get a short time to rehearse, so nothing should distract us from rehearsing the show. Rehearsal is a time for work, not social encounters.

While the cast is working, there must be no noise in the rehearsal hall; actors experience enough difficulties getting into character and concentrating on their scenes and lines without having to overcome distractions. If you wish to chat, please leave the rehearsal area.

The only time I ever shout is to shut everyone up. Just because you have finished your scene doesn’t mean you have to start chatting. It takes time to quiet everyone down. That’s lost rehearsal time! Please don’t talk during rehearsals.

Respect Everyone

Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Do not give your fellow actors directions or notes. Nothing is more annoying or rude than when a castmate tells you how you should be performing/singing/moving on stage, etc. That is the Creative Team’s job.

Enjoy Yourselves

This is a brilliant and fun show, so please enjoy yourselves and give it the full attention and energy it deserves. If you do this, we will have a massive hit on our hands. 🙂