A Few Broadway Type Questions

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 3:39pm

I have a few questions about theatre in general so I figured you bright people out there could help.

1.What exactly is a workshop? What does it consist of?

2.When an audition says "Equity Procedures are In Effect", whats the difference of when they are and aren't and what are they?

3.When you're cast in a Broadway show as a replacement how much do you actually work with the cast before you go on?

4. Other appearances like Broadway on Broadway, Broadway in Bryant Park is that voluntarrily or in contract?

5.How often does the director,producers,etc check up on their show?

THANKS SO MUCH!
Updated On: 6/23/08 at 03:39 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 3:49pm

1. A workshop is usually a reading of a script, possibly with a keyboardist if it's a musical, staged by a director, for those involved with the show to grasp what the script sounds like out loud. It could also be used as a performance for potential backers.

2. If Equity procedures are in effect, it's an audition that follows the procedures set by Actor's Equity.

3. A replacement gets 2 weeks, maybe 3, with the stage manager/musical director/choreographer/any other replacements. The high profile actor may get a week with the director. They get 1 put-in rehearsal with the cast.

4. From what I've heard, Bryant Park shows are voluntary.

5. Whenever the hell they want.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 4:05pm

1.What exactly is a workshop? What does it consist of?

Usually the idea behind a workshop is to work on a show to make it presentable. It's a low cost way of mounting the show without actually mounting it. The producers and directors try to work out the kinks before it's put before an audience. Sometimes the workshop is used to entice producers to put up money for the show. It's a rehearsal process where actors try out scenes and songs and the director/producer shape the show by adding material, deleting material, etc.

2.When an audition says "Equity Procedures are In Effect", whats the difference of when they are and aren't and what are they?

There are certain rules that Actors Equity stipulates for an audition. Things like who can audition, environment they can audition in, why producers are holding the auditions, etc. These auditions usually require an Equity monitor to be on premises and organize the sign-up process. When it's not an Equity audition, it's pretty much anything goes and left up to whoever is directing or producing.

3.When you're cast in a Broadway show as a replacement how much do you actually work with the cast before you go on?

It depends on the situation. Some replacements have gone in very quickly due to another actor leaving. Usually they try to give the replacement rehearsal time enough to get them up to speed. Being a replacement is hard because you have to go in without the same benefit that the original actor had.

4. Other appearances like Broadway on Broadway, Broadway in Bryant Park is that voluntarrily or in contract?

Usually it's part of the agreed upon publicity for the show. Actors get paid for their appearance and are contractually expected to appear.

5.How often does the director,producers,etc check up on their show?

It depends on the director, producer. (Michael Bennett was known for checking up on A Chorus Line on a regular basis. It was actually used as a threat to keep the actors on their toes. "Michael's in the house" made sure that the actors were giving their all). IMO, some directors don't check up on their shows often enough. (You hear that Les Miz? When Eponine is screaming "On My Own" rather than singing it, it's time to check up on your show.)

Updated On: 6/23/08 at 04:05 PM