"It may not change theatre . . . but it will certainly help a lot more people understand it."


.
(Table of Contents)


   
THE PRESHOW
(Preface)
 
THE PROGRAM
(Table of Contents)
 
THE PROLOGUE
(Introduction)
 
ACT I: WHO AND WHAT
 
Scene 1: THE WRITER
Where it all begins
The Composer / Lyricist
 
Scene 2: THE PRODUCER
Characteristics of a Producer
The Option
Capitalization 
Finding Investors
Production Staff
Into Production
 
Scene 3: THE DIRECTOR
No easy task
Pre-production
Casting
Rehearsals
After Opening Night
The Choreographer
Musical Director


Scene 4: THE STAGE MANAGER
The Hub of the Wheel
Pre-production
Rehearsals 
Tech Rehearsals
Running the Show
After Closing Night
 
Scene 5: THE DESIGNERS
The Scenic Designer
The Lighting Designer
The Costume Designer
Other Designers
 
Scene 6: THE ACTOR
Who is the Actor?
How does the Actor act?
The Acting Challenge
The Typical Struggling Actor
Actors' Equity Association: Rules and Contracts
 
Scene 7: THE CREW
Who are they?
Shops
Load-in
Running Crews
Work Calls and Rehearsals
Load-out
 
Scene 8: THE SHOW
Pre-production
In Production
Rehearsals: The First Day
Rehearsals: The Grind
Rehearsals: Tech
Previews
Opening Night
The Critics
A Flop
The Gamblers and the Sad Tales
A Hit
The Working Actor’s Routine - 8 shows a week
 
INTERMISSION
 
ACT II: WHERE AND HOW
 
Scene 1: WHERE IT'S AT
Broadway
The National Tour
Bus and Truck
Off Broadway
Off-Off Broadway
Other theatre
 
Scene 2: HOW TO GET IT
The P&R
The Trades
The Audition
Call Backs
The Chorus Call
Agents and Managers
Directors – Designers – Stage Managers
Indirect Methods
 
Scene 3: WAITING
Training
Survival Jobs 
 
THE EPILOGUE
Why
 
CURTAIN CALL
The people who helped
Special Thanks 
 
GLOSSARY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR






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WHAT WE DO - Working in the Theatre
©2008, Bo Metzler
2nd Edition published June, 2021
ISBN:  
978-1-64719-498-7
258 pages - including glossary
|| softcover: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
$16.95

Illustrations by Rob Hamilton
all rights reserved

Contact:  bometzler@gmail.com