A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ECHO THEATRE STUDENT: SHOW DAY EDITION

This blog is all about what it's like getting ready for a show at Echo Theatre. We're going to walk you through the journey, from joint rehearsals to the big day itself, so you can see what the run-up to a performance really looks like for an Echo student.

Who's Who

• Director: The person who leads rehearsals, blocks scenes, and organises the show.
• Chaperone: A licensed adult who looks after young actors on show day.
• Stage Manager: In charge of everything that happens on the stage, including building and taking down sets and props.
• Stagehand: A person who keeps track of everything backstage and makes sure props and set pieces are where they need to be, when they're needed.
• Front of House: The person who sells and checks tickets and programmes, and helps audience members find their seats.
• Technician (Techie): A person who runs and designs the lighting and sound for the show.
• Master of Ceremonies (MC): The person who keeps the audience informed about the events of the day and announces the show and any other notices during the performance.

Locations

At Echo Theatre, we perform at a bunch of different venues across the local area. Here are some of the spaces we've performed in over the last few years:

• Southside (Lincoln)
• The Venue (Lincoln Bishop University, Lincoln)
• Terry O'Toole (Lincoln)
• The Trinity Arts Centre (Gainsborough, where our Gainsborough classes are held)
• Nottingham Playhouse (Nottingham)

The size of these venues can vary quite a bit, depending on the group and the event. Throughout the year, our classes also do performances out in the community. This could be on a pop-up stage, in a business, at an event, or even in the town square!

Joint Rehearsals

If the show you're working on involves multiple classes, you may need to have a joint rehearsal. This could mean coming to class early or staying a little late a couple of times as you get closer to the show.

For senior students working on bigger projects like National Theatre Connections, we've even done 12-hour sponsored rehearsals! These long rehearsals help us raise money for the project and give us time to polish up any rough spots. During our last 12-hour rehearsal, we had a schedule that included: running scenes, games, breaks, skills workshops, set making, and challenges where different teams won prizes.

Technical & Dress Rehearsal Days

Shortly before show day, or sometimes on the morning of the performance, everyone involved in the show goes to the venue to practice with the sound and lights. This is called a technical rehearsal (or "tech rehearsal").

During a tech rehearsal, you'll probably do a cue-to-cue. This is when the director and the techie go through the script and ask the performers to say the line right before a sound or lighting cue. This helps the production team know exactly when the cues need to happen. Tech rehearsals are also a great time to make any last-minute adjustments to blocking and staging.

Dress rehearsal is usually on the same day as the tech rehearsal. This is the day when everyone wears their costumes for a full run-through of the performance. It's a chance for performers to practice in their costumes and see how they affect their movement on stage. It's also a good time to practice costume changes. This is also usually the day you get to work with the props and set, so you can get familiar with where everything will be and when you'll need it.

Games & Team Building

Tech and dress rehearsal days can be long and busy, so it's important to keep the energy up and make sure everyone has fun! When groups from different classes are together for the first time, we also want to help them get to know each other and build bonds. To do this, we play games in between parts of the rehearsals. This can be a variety of games, but they often help build energy or focus. Some of our favourites include: Ball of Energy, Concentration Navigation, Zip Zap Boing, and Rubber Chicken.

Show Day Bag Essentials

Here's some extras to pack in your bag as recommended by our current students and staff!

• Your script, to follow along with the show from the wings.
• A pen and a highlighter for any last-minute notes.
• High-energy snacks and a big water bottle.
• Blutac if you're helping with props or set.
• A mini fan to use during breaks and in the dressing room when it gets hot.
• Hair grips, bobbles, and hairspray (for those with long hair).
• Lip balm and makeup wipes for after the show.
• A comfy change of clothes for the way home.
• Any of your good luck charms!
• A phone charger or power bank.
• A book or sketchbook to pass the time during long waits.
• A name tag for your bag so it doesn't get lost.

The Big Event

When it's finally time for the show, you'll arrive at the theatre at your call time (which is just your arrival time). Your parents or guardians will drop you off, but they'll be back later to watch the show!

Once rehearsals are all finished, the stage manager will let the cast and crew know it's time for final checks. This is your chance (as a performer) to double-check that all your props are in the right place and ready to go.

After final checks, a front-of-house team member will announce that the doors are open. This means the audience can now come in and find their seats, so the cast needs to be really quiet, or even silent! Once all the audience members have found their seats, you'll hear the front-of-house team tell the production team they have "clearance" to start the show.

During the performance, it can be tough for the backstage team to hear you or help you out because they're busy running the show. So, if you have any questions that aren't urgent, try asking a friend first. But remember, if it's an emergency, you should always go to a chaperone or a staff member.

After the show is over, one of the chaperones will sign you out to your parent or guardian. That's where the show day ends, and we all head home and say, "I can't believe it's really over!"

The Final Word

Show days are one of the most fun experiences you can have at Echo. They bring you together with your classmates, help you make new friends, and give you a chance to show your family and friends how much you've grown over the past few months.

Sometimes it can feel like forever for the big day to finally arrive, but before you know it, it's done, and you're already counting down the days until the next Echo show!