Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.
Once Tech Week begins, directors will “hand the reins” to their PSM, it is now their show. The PSM oversees the insertion of all technical aspects into the show and synchronizes them with actor blocking. The PSM is ultimately responsible for ensuring that this week runs smoothly and efficiently.
The Director will still be present and a source of feedback for the production. But they will no longer be able to make any large design or blocking changes to the production once Tech Week Arrives, the only exception to this being for safety purposes or with the consent of the Artistic Director, Technical Director and Production Division Chair.
Before the start of Tech Week:
This is why you create a production deliverables calendar at the beginning of pre-production and follow it rigorously. Much better to identify problems early, when you have plenty of time to address them or make adjustments.
This takes the form of a table read of the script with all cues and moves added in, and begins tech week. All crew members should be there with cue sheets and scripts. This is where all cues are finalized.
All Techs, the PSM, Lighting and Sound Designers and Director should attend the Paper Tech.
The PSM will run this with the assistance of the ASM . They will use the Prompt Book to call out every technical cue that happens during the show, and confirm the Master Cue Sheet while the rest of the crew create/review their individual cue sheets. The goal is to review all of the cue sheets, and ensure they are synchronized with the Prompt Book. The Props Master will complete the finalized Shift Plot and Flow Chart.
The PSM, Master Electrician, Lighting Designer, Light Board Operator, and Director will be present for the final Hang and Focus.
This will be a final check to ensure that all cues are entered in the computer and that the lights are hung and focused correctly based on the completed Lighting Plot to include any changes made during rehearsals. This must be completed before Cue to Cue.
Everyone is called for Cue to Cue. This can take between 1 and 2 nights, depending on the length and complexity of the show.
This is not a rehearsal; there should be no acting or singing during Cue to Cue. The purpose is to ensure all technical aspects look and sound the way the Director wishes. While this can be annoying and boring for actors, it ensures that the rest of the run goes smoothly.
Before Cue to Cue begins, the PSM will ensure that all cues are complete and loaded into the boards, and that all cast and crew are present. ALL CUES MUST BE COMPLETE AND LOADED PRIOR TO CUE TO CUE!
The PSM will run Cue to Cue, and the designers/Director will be responsible to ensure that all cues are correct (look/sound in line with their vision). Actors will wear costumes to ensure that the cues look good with the costumes and set.
This is literally the PSM calling the cues as they would in the show (LXQ 1, GO. SDQ 1, GO). This is not meant to be a time to figure out timing of anything or running any songs or acting any lines. This is an opportunity for the director to see/hear each cue to ensure they are correct. Each cue will be called one at a time from the master cue sheet for lights, sound and special effects. Actors and set pieces will be placed in appropriate positions to show the full effect of the cue. The Director will give their feedback, and necessary adjustments will be made.
Following the completion of a successful Cue to Cue, the PSM will relocate into the tech booth, and will call cues from there throughout the rest of the production.
No actors for this. Only the Tech Crew, PSM, and Director should be in attendance for the Dry Tech.
The PSM will call all cues over the radio, just as they would during a show. The entire show, tech wise, will happen including cues, set changes, special effects, etc… The goal is to ensure that all scene changes and technical aspects run properly.
Also known as a “Tech Run”. This is a full tech run of the show to iron out any bumps.
All Cast and Crew should be in attendance for a Wet Tech. Actors will act, use all props, sing all songs, etc… There can still be holds and things can still be adjusted. Tech crew should be running like it’s a real show.
There will be very few, if any, acting notes given, but tech notes should be given. Costumes can be worn if the PSM desires, but this is not necessary. If there are mics in the show, the Sound Board Operator and Sound Designer will check mics for volume, tone etc…