"I heard it from an actually [sic] broadway understudy, who I'll keep nameless.
The cast indeed does have choreography brush up rehearsals sometimes." I absolutely believe you, Shrekster, without need to name names. Of course, on occasion, a cast will have brush-up choreography rehearsals. Shows with fighting will often have rehearsals as well. Hell, even in a play a rehearsal might be called if timing is off or blocking has strayed. Point is, these rehearsals don't usually happen as a matter of course - they have to be called for, usually by a director, or more frequently, a stage manager. Sometimes a dance captain - even an actor can call for a rehearsal, but they may not always get it - they cost money.
Every show differs, and the fact is rehearsals really aren't that frequent as a rule as you think they are. Other than a very short rehearsal for a very specific moment in a show (usually choreography, yes), in my many shows I've never known one to be called for an entire cast except for a major put-in.
For more info on how different shows handle even major put-ins, just look at the link in this thread regarding Tom Hewitt into
Chicago. He talks about how nice it is to have full orchestra, cast, lights and sound, because he's had to jump into other shows without having those luxuries.
ETA: Directors don't usually get paid a weekly salary. They're more likely to get a fee and royalties, like many creatives.
Updated On: 9/2/10 at 12:05 AM
