How to put on a musical rehearsal.
First comes the concept, the idea, the story. Like all ideas, we spend a lot of time in development. Writing a musical isn’t easy, there are many meetings with the writers until the scripts start to take shape. Rough scripts are drawn up and cast readings take place to see what works and what doesn’t. Once the scripts are finalized the show’s directors and producers decide on how the show will look visually, what scenery is needed, what props, costumes, lighting and music will be used. All of this is initially designed on the computer.
The Arc en Ciel Troupe (Cast) are given their characters and the final scripts to rehearse. The guys are professional, and this doesn’t take long. Now it’s on to our dance studios in Northern France for weeks of choreography and walkthroughs of the show itself.
All rehearsals are recorded on video from start to finish so it can be analysed by the director. Notes are made and it is back to rehearsal to perfect the performance.
Once the director, producers & choreographer are happy, the local theatre is hired for stage rehearsals. Here we start to work on the lighting design with our technicians. We introduce the newly made scenery and props.
Working through the steps, the cast spends 7 long days in stage rehearsals.
The lighting design is the responsibility of Jérôme LEGOUX. He careful selects what type of lights, colours and effects are required for each of our shows. His creativity brings the shows to life, he creates the mood, texture and magic to every performance. Jérôme works closely with Director Franck TRABUCCO in stage rehearsals to finalize a technical specification for each show. Computer software is used to build scenes which control the lights, so everything is perfect for the performance. Jérôme LEGOUX designing & programming the lighting system a stage rehearsals
No performance would be complete however without the incredible costumes our actors and dancers wear for the performances. These are the creations of our costume designer: Sophie BERQUEZ
Whilst the rehearsals are underway our offices are a hive of activity. Our PR department is busy targeting social media and creating press releases. Posters are designed. Our business managers are booking theatres and events. Tickets are being produced. Our box office and dedicated phone systems are kicked into action.
Showtime: All the cast and crew arrive early at the venue. The technical crew get to work on putting up the scenery, lighting and sound. The cast is preparing in makeup and running through their lines. Meanwhile, the director and producers are busy leasing with management and staff at the venue to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Once all the Directors and Producers are happy, the stage is cleared and an indication is given to the events management to open the doors to the general public. The cast and crew will get less than an hour to reflect before the live performance begins.
One of The Director of French Cabaret Musicals and Master of his craft Franck TRABUCCO sits and reflects just before the general public enters the venue.
Our compare enters the stage and starts to warm up the crowd 15 minutes before showtime. Let the show begin.
