Home
Shop  |  Calendar  |  Join  |  Buy Tickets  |  Hamnet  |  Site Rental  |  Press Room  
  
About UsWhat's OnUse the CollectionDiscover ShakespeareTeach & LearnFolger InstituteSupport Us
Programs for Teachers and Students
• Student Festivals
How To: Preparing for a Festival
Festival Timeline

   Sign up for E-news!
   Printer Friendly

Planning Guide: A Festival Timeline



Got three months? Then you can be ready for your first Shakespeare festival performance! If you're a festival veteran, less time may be needed; some experienced performers are able to prepare in two months.

The following suggested timeline is based on two weekly rehearsals of about 40 minutes to an hour each.

Three Months to Go
  • Three months (twelve weeks) before Festival – Select your piece! Give students some choices, and allow them to vote. They will be more enthusiastic about a play they are excited about.
  • Eleven weeks before – Hold auditions and cast your piece. Remember to decide on a technical crew such as stage hands, sound, prop manager, etc., as well.
  • Ten weeks before – Make any additional cuts to suit your cast (double up roles, omit characters, etc.). Meet with your students twice a week to rehearse.

    Two Months to Go
  • Nine weeks before – Begin to plan blocking and create a prompt book. Continue rehearsals.
  • Seven weeks before – Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
  • Five weeks before – Discuss costumes and props. Remember that less is more! Delegate preparing costumes and props to the costume and prop managers.
  • Four weeks before – Decide on music/sound effects and assign to the sound manager.

    One Month to Go
  • Three weeks before – All students should have lines memorized.
  • Two weeks before – First run-through with sound effects.
  • One week before – Complete run-through with sound, props, and costumes.
  •  
    Children's Shakespeare Festival



    Secondary School Shakespeare Festival



    Related Items

    Children's Shakespeare Festival

    Secondary School Shakespeare Festival

    Shakesperience: NJ



    Bookmark and Share   
     
         Copyright & Policies   |   Sitemap   |   Contact Us   |   About This Site
    RSS   
     
      Address:
    201 East Capitol Street, SE
    Washington, DC 20003
    Get directions »
        Hours:
    PublicReading Room
    Open 10am to 5pm8:45am to 4:45pm Monday through Friday
    Monday through Saturday9am to noon and 1pm to 4:30pm Saturday

    Closed all federal holidays
        Phone:
    Main: 202 544 4600
    Box Office: 202 544 7077
    Fax: 202 544 4623