Technical rehearsals are really the main reason we spend so much time in the theater. There’s no way to practice things like falling snow, or a growing tree, or even simple stage lighting in the classroom. Tech rehearsal is the time when the show really starts coming together.

The best part of Tech rehearsal was getting to practice the snow scene with the actual “snow,” which is held in hampers up above the stage (in the fly), and then shaken out over the course of the scene. Really, the only problem with the snow is that it gets everywhere- in your eyes, up your nose, and down your costume. Thankfully, our director was able to get us the non-toxic fake snow, so that we can swallow it, or get it in our eyes, without suffering any major consequences.

Last night was also our first night practicing with the orchestra, which was definitely an interesting experience. The music was very different from what we’re used to practicing with, which made it difficult and confusing on occasion. Even so, getting to work with the orchestra was a lot of fun.

We also got to perform with our costumes, sort of as an unofficial dress rehearsal because we won’t have enough time to run both casts for the actual dress rehearsal tomorrow. This way, people could practice any quick changes they have. I happen to have a quick change, so I was glad to get the practice, but I was also nervous that I wouldn’t get out on stage on time- both the costume I change out of and the costume I change in to both are complex, and have lots of part. Also, I only have about a minute to change. I did manage to make it out on time, but it wasn’t until after I was on stage that I realized that most of my costume was undone and buttoned incorrectly, and I was missing a piece. I didn’t have to dance, at least, and I was back offstage within three minutes to fix my costume and find my missing piece. Even though the experience was kind of embarrassing, it’s nice to have a better idea of what has to get done during my change, and I should be more prepared by the show.

Time is running down on Theater Week. Come back tomorrow to hear more about the Dress Rehearsal experience.