How to Hold a Theatrical Pre-Production Meeting
Pre-production is basically when you line-up everything. The project head assigns different tasks to relevant persons or department heads during this process. These preparations include script review, location recce, arranging props, planning costumes, deciding cast etc. That is why, it’s very important to go through this procedure properly.
Normally, the project head calls for a team meeting and asks the members to give suggestions. To make this meeting more productive, it is very important that you have a complete knowledge of the project. However, you will have to take a couple of more things in mind while holding a theatrical pre-production meeting.
Instructions
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1
Make sure everyone is present:
While scheduling the meeting, you must ensure that everyone can accompany you. However, if it is not possible to have a full team meeting then make sure that at least the department heads are going to be there. Remaining focused is very important so do not allow cell phones or trivial conversations interrupt you. However, if meeting prolongs then take short breaks to avoid boredom. Moreover, make someone responsible for taking notes. -
2
Review the script:
After making arrangements and getting every important person in front, you should review the script along with your team. Make a list of things that are required and be open for necessary amendments. It is better to direct every department to bring their own breakdowns of script. Review the script from the point of view of all departments. This will help you in determining the level of preparations. -
3
Assign responsibilities:
Next thing you should do in the pre-production meeting is to assign responsibilities. Though, there is clear line about jurisdiction of every department but still it’s always better to brief them. Moreover, you should give them deadlines to accomplish their tasks. Appoint someone coordinator to keep all the departments connected. Though, it depends on the size of your project but still there will be at least ten departments involved in the production. Be sure to determine who is responsible for what. -
4
Make a list of amendments:
You must know what has been changed and why. Change can be done in anything like script, performance, appearance, choreography etc. It is very important to keep new ideas in mind otherwise there will be no benefit of this pre-production meeting.
