Abbey Theatre - Amharclann na Mainistreach

As soon as a Production has been scheduled to be performed, information begins to be gathered to estimate the likely demand of the specific Production on the Production/ Technical departments of the Abbey/ Peacock Theatre.

Overall management rests with the Production department. The Technical departments comprise Technical Stage, Stage Management, Lighting and Sound, Costume and Props. Each of these departments require key information at different times in order to deliver the creative designs and support the overall artistic intent.

Another major element of the Production, the set, is put out to tender to achieve the best possible realisation at the lowest possible cost.

Since 2008, we have developed a ‘Production Life Cycle’ to define and clarify what information we need and also, critically, when we need it.

As soon as contracts between the Creative team have been agreed, (Director, Set, Costume, Lighting, Sound Designers), the next stage of the development is discussions principally between the Director and the Set and Costume Designers to agree to the physical elements and style of the production. This may involve setting a ‘classic’ play in a very modern world or presenting something in a stylised way by using specific materials or technology. These discussions and their result will be critical in defining the creative teams’ conceptual view of the production to be presented to the audience. Although the production department will be involved at this stage, it will be in an advisory capacity with the purpose of making the ideas achievable.

At the end of this phase, the Set Designer will present a ‘White Card’ model of the set with outline information of furniture and props. (The scale we use in all reference is 1:25.) This is usually between 14 – 12 weeks before the production opens. All the Technical HOD’s meet at this point to technically access and provide feedback to the Director and Designer.

The Production manager will also begin to cost the set and assorted technical elements from this model presentation. Occasionally the designs may exceed the budget in which case different options are explored and decided upon which allow us to proceed.

Once agreement has been reached, the Set Designer will then present a more detailed model and design drawings to all departments in the Abbey Theatre (11-9 weeks before the production opens). These drawings are then re-drawn in AutoCAD to create Construction drawings. Once the Designer has signed off on these drawings, we proceed with construction.

The Costume Designer will also present their designs at this stage.

There follows a period when the various elements of the production will be sourced or assembled, scheduling, risk assessments, more detailed budgeting and rehearsal room preperation etc will be undertaken.

At the Abbey, we rehearse productions for five weeks before the actors go on stage. The first day of rehearsal is often like the first day in a new school so there is usually a ‘meet and greet’ before the cast read the play from beginning to end. Following this, they are left to work on the play with as minimum of interference as possible. Daily reports are issued from the rehearsal room to the Technical departments to request or notify people of new elements, literary changes, expected running times etc.

While the cast are rehearsing, the Set is being constructed and painted, the costumes made or bought, props begin arriving and the physical side of the production begins to take shape. All this happens while a countdown is taking place to the technical rehearsals on stage.

The Production week is when all the ideas, concepts, plans and aspirations are brought together. The stage lighting is rigged and focused, the set is constructed, the cast costumed, the sound design fills the auditorium and the Director and Production manager take charge of all strands of the production to create the show. Upwards of 40 technicians and costume and props personnel will have worked on getting all these elements together and the nerves can be put to the test as the clock ticks down to Opening night.

During Previews, the show is altered slightly to make it better until finally there is Opening night. Once past this point, the effort is to recreate the polished production as consistently as possible. Meanwhile, another production is en train…