I touched on this a bit earlier, but rehearsals will generally begin slowly, usually with a cast read through or two, then increase to the all important push during show week, which we will mention in a bit. Keep in mind at the beginning you will be required to do a lot of music rehearsals with your director or music director, learning the songs, perfecting them, working with your co star or co stars if you are featuring duets. There will also be chorus or ensemble rehearsals.
I can’t emphasize enough how
important these rehearsals are. You will work with accompaniment, developing a
singing style for your character. Yes, acting is important even while you are
singing. Also, ironing out any other difficulties that may come up. Perhaps
having to rearrange music to work more with your range. So music rehearsals are
very important.
Likewise, choreography rehearsals.
Your choreographer may hold after school practice for leads and for ensembles,
especially for the all important production number.
Now for the dancing. I know from my
own high school musical experience singing was my forte, dance…not so much. For
some high school musical performers’, choreography is a difficult part of any
musical. My advice to leads, however, is to try and make it look like you’re
having fun, and you can dance. Most school choreographers will create pieces
that take into consideration the level of talent he or she has to work with.
I’ve seen so many good characters
suddenly get marked down once the choreo begins. Why? They suddenly look
disinterested. If you’re finding parts of your choreo challenging, ask to work
with your choreographer after school or on weekends. Work with your fellow cast
mates if you have to. I had a drama teacher friend who brought her Captain and
Maria in every day for a month till they could perform a kick ass Laendler.
Choreo is as important as singing so work on perfecting both.
You need to be present for blocking
rehearsals –actual rehearsal of your scenes where you will learn where to stand
and where to enter and exit, among other things. From my high school musical
days and from other students I speak to, they are the most tedious rehearsals
but the most important.
There will be a lot of sitting around and waiting
around but blocking is the core of the show and without it, there wouldn’t be a
show. So be patient with your director. They are working to put together a good
show. Pay attention, and be tolerant. When blocking is set and everyone is comfortable
with scenes, it’s time to run through entire acts along with corresponding
songs and choreography.
Also, depending on the size of your
school, smaller schools often have smaller budgets, you may help paint scenery,
build sets, design programs, tickets, posters, and serve as publicity person,
too.
Make sure to take care of yourself.
No doubt, you already know this but spring shows come slap in the middle of flu
and cold season. Your directors probably tell you, but rest and take care of
those voices, and you. Many schools do not work with second casts or
understudies. They are depending on you. And with all that hard work, you don’t
want to get sick at the last minute and miss the show. If you are committed to
the musical, commit to it. Time with your friends, parties and other activities
should come secondary and the show commitment first.
