Design Timeline and Creative Process
​
Production Timeline
Main Stage Productions
Design Conference: 12 weeks prior to opening. This conference is the first dialogue between the director and the design team of the production. This conference is in no means to be the only dialogue, rather the starting point for other discussions.
Attending:
Director, Stage Mangers, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
Musical Director (if needed), Choreographer (if needed) Shop Managers as desired
Concept Design Deadline: 10 weeks prior to opening. This meeting is the first time for designers to present conceptual ideas for the production. This may be in the form of research photos, sketches, etc.
Attending:
Director, Stage Mangers, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
Musical Director (if needed), Choreographer (if needed) Shop Managers as desired
Preliminary Design Deadline: 9 weeks prior to opening. This meeting is the first time for designers to present their designs for the production. This may be in the form of ground plans/perspective drawings, white model, sketches, renderings, photo collage, etc.
After this meeting the Department heads will be allowed to take the preliminary designs away for cost analysis and feasibility. Department heads have one (1) week to express any concerns to the designers and Artistic Team.
Attending:
Director, Stage Mangers, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
Musical Director (if needed), Choreographer (if needed) Shop Managers as desired
Final Design Scenic Deadline: 7 weeks prior to opening. At this meeting, designers present their finalized designs for the production, these are to contain all necessary information for the shops to execute the designs in a timely manner. (See dept heads for specific requirements)
Attending:
Director, Stage Mangers, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
Musical Director (if needed), Choreographer (if needed) Shop Managers as desired
Start of Build: 7 weeks prior to opening. Shop Managers have had two (2) weeks with the final design package and any questions have been answered by designer.
​
Final Design Deadline: 6 weeks prior to opening. At this meeting, designers present their finalized designs for the production, these are to contain all necessary information for the shops to execute the designs in a timely manner. (See dept heads for specific requirements)
Attending:
Director, Stage Mangers, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
Musical Director (if needed), Choreographer (if needed) Shop Managers as desired
​
Production Meetings: 6 weeks and then weekly prior to opening. At these meetings, designers, and shop managers present updates production build status
Director, Stage Mangers, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
Musical Director (if needed), Choreographer (if needed) Shop Managers as desired
Stage Management Prep Week: 5 weeks prior to opening. Stage management staff comes on board for the show. Floor and Rehearsal hall ready for next weeks start of Rehearsals
Meet & Greet / First Rehearsal: 5 weeks prior to opening on Monday or Tuesday depending on Director’s choice for day off.
Put In:
3 Weeks prior to prior to Opening.
-
Cast starts Full Rehearsals on stage with as much scenery as ready, in coordination with TD
-
Scenery typically builds in the Theatre and is completed by Thursday Prior to Opening.
-
Lighting loads in and complete focus and q writing by the Friday Prior to Opening
-
Sound typically is load in on Thursday / Friday.
-
Costumes load into the dressing room on Friday.
Designer Run Through: 2 weeks prior to opening. The first time a full stumble through for designers and crew
Final Design Lighting Deadline: 2 weeks prior to opening. At this meeting, designers present their finalized designs for the production, these are to contain all necessary information for the shops to execute the designs in a timely manner. (See dept heads for specific requirements)
Attending:
Director, Stage Mangers, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Props Designer
Musical Director (if needed), Choreographer (if needed) Shop Managers as desired
​
Final Full Props: 1 week prior to opening. May still contain some stand ins as needed, but cast should a piece for every item in the show.
Paper Tech: 1 week prior to Tech. Director, Stage manager and designers talk through all cue placements and record in the SM prompt book.
​
Tech Week: Week of Opening:
Saturday: NO casted called Q to Q (Typically 10-5) Scene Shift Rehearsal
Sunday: TECH 7 out of 8 hours (NO Costumes) (Typically 10-5)
Monday: First Dress 6-10
Tuesday: Dress 6-10
Wednesday: Dress 6-10
Thursday Opening Night 7pm
