Oh, What a Night! Trivia Quiz

Answer: performance rights

This is actually a huge step when planning a performance. There are restrictions on some shows about how many performances can be in a single area, or restrictions if a road company will be performing the same show near to you. By securing the performance rights for your time frame, you lock in the show.

In addition to the performance rights, some shows also incur licensing fees. There are shows in the public domain where the only cost is to pay for programs. If not using one of those, there are a number of companies that license the rights of the script and libretto or score. Some of these companies have shows categorized by age, by vocal ability, by the number and gender of actors, etc.

Answer: Income minus expense

I'm not trying to oversimplify here. This really is a major factor in any production. Income may come from donated funds, fund raising, ad sales in the program, and ticket sales to name a few. Expenses could be publicity, performance rights, rentals of equipment or facility, costumes, props, sets, program and ticket printing, makeup, etc.

Many a small production can turn a profit, if a budget is planned and maintained.

Answer: stage manager

Besides the producer and director, there can be musical director, choreographer, set designer, costume designer, lighting designer and/or manager, sound designer and/or manager, crew, property, etc. One person can take on several of these tasks, but each has its own requirements and priorities. All of these jobs are important to the production and must be taken seriously by all volunteers.

The stage manager is traditionally the director's right hand. He/she works with all of the others to ensure a smoothly run performance. In addition, the stage manager is often the one to prompt if a performer loses their spot.

Answer: publicity

Publicity is an important facet to inform everyone that you can reach about what you're planning. Without publicity there would be no one attending your auditions, or your performances. In this example, posters are created to be displayed in local shops. Newspapers are a great way to advertise also, both pre- and post-performance. Don't forget to give a reviewer a pair of tickets!

Answer: casting

Auditions can actually include crew as well, depending on the production. If you're only auditioning for cast, some points to keep in mind might be: height, voice, singing voice, acting ability, and stage presence.

From the other side of the fence, those auditioning are likely to be excited and very nervous. This may be their first audition. Be polite, firm and patient--ok, hard to be perfect, but try to keep in mind that this experience could help them blossom in more ways than simply talent on a stage.

Answer: fund raising

Depending on whether or not there are funds, and how large they are, at the beginning of the project, fund raising can be used not only to generate needed monies, but also to help pull together the whole group by planning and implementing a fund raising project. This can be used then to pay for costumes, props, ticket printing, or any number of other necessities.

Answer: prop master

This can be a very important aspect of your show. The actors/actresses showing up without their props can make the scene confusing to the audience. Props on the wrong side of the stage can cause delays during the performance. A prop master is generally in charge of acquiring all the appropriate props, ensuring that they are where needed during rehearsals and performance, and collecting and storing them after each use.

Answer: tech rehearsal

This should not be skipped even for smaller productions. If the lighting is not set correctly, the actors won't be seen properly. If there are sound effects, e.g., thunder, that don't occur on cue, the audience will be left wondering what's going on. Hopefully, during your tech rehearsal all the things that can break will, and the show will go off without a hitch.

Answer: standing room only

From my experience, there's little to compare to the nerves and anticipation of opening night, regardless of whether you're cast, crew or production. It is traditional that the director give a speech to thank everyone for all of their efforts and to provide just a boost of extra confidence before the performance begins.

Answer: cast party

Cast parties are a tradition to celebrate with performers and crew. These can be held after opening night performance, or once the run is complete. It's an opportunity for all to bask in the performance aura.