PRE-PRODUCTION: How much time to prepare before auditions?

[planetmike]

I'm just wondering how much time it takes you to prepare with script before an audition? I'd think a lot of the paperwork would be fairly consistent from show to show, but also a huge part of our job is the be very familiar with the script in auditions and early rehearsals. How do you help yourself "learn" a show?

Edited to add label to subject line-Rebbe

[dallas10086]

I try to begin the process as early as possible for the simple fact that stage management supplements my other job(s), so the sooner I begin the better, since I don't often have a full day to devote to just the show. If I can't find an electronic copy of a script I'll type it into Word, after which I usually know the show very well by then. After I signed my contract in October for a show that begins auditions Jan. 31, I immediately looked for the electronic copy, read it once without making notes, read it again in order to alter the electronic copy to the version the director gave me (lots of differences!), then read it again to make notes and start lists (props, scene breakdown, etc.). For this show I also watched the movie version - I prefer not to do this, but the director made so many references in our first tech meeting that I wasn't catching, I felt I had to. Plus, Marlon Brando in a tight white shirt makes for nice eye candy

[missliz]

I try to do as much as I can before the first audition day/tech meeting...getting ahead before I get behind, as they say. I'll even do bare-bones forms that I'll need after the show opens, just to take stress off my future self. I've been lucky with my current show- Cherry Orchard is a very large show, but there's a lot of information and resources available that I've been poring over for help.

[loebtmc]

Dallas - you're doing STREETCAR I assume? I did it for a year, holler if you have questions

[dallas10086]

I am doing Streetcar and unfortunately we only have a month to make it happen, so I may very well take you up on that!