The Wizard of Oz Rehearsals | Tech Week

With the first preview performance of The Wizard of Oz just around the corner, read all about the technical rehearsal process for this spectacular show in the latest diary from DMU Journalism student Courtney Stevens.

This is it! We’ve officially moved onto the stage!

Opening night is just around the corner and this is the perfect show for all the family to enjoy this Christmas.

Walking into the technical rehearsal, I was blown away by how much the show was transformed for the stage. Seeing first hand all the things that need to be considered before a show is ready for an audience was eye opening.

The auditorium is full of different tech departments huddled over multiple computer screens working on everything from lighting, to sound, to graphics. It takes a small village to put on a show this size and manage all the moving parts.

Everything has to be timed to perfection to allow the show to run smoothly. The lights have to be placed in the right positions at the right time. The sound effects need to be loud enough and on cue. The set and costume changes need to be quick. There are so many things that need to be controlled and planned out to the exact second. All of these are things you don’t think about when you sit down to watch a performance.

The technical rehearsals are such a collaborative process as each department needs to be in sync with each other. Everyone was in constant communication and it was fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes of a production like this.

Director Nikolai Foster was constantly on the move and very hands on during the whole rehearsal. He could be stood at the back of the room watching a scene, talking with one of the tech departments or up on stage talking things through with the cast. The dedication and passion he has for this job is obvious and it’s definitely paid off.

This is what musical theatre is all about. Everyone coming together to bring their own version of a story to life. The staging, lighting and costumes transport you to another place and each puts a unique spin on such a classic story. The cast and crew have worked tirelessly over the last month to prepare for this show and I can’t wait to experience it all from start to finish.

Everyone is in for a treat with this performance so buy your tickets and come on down to Curve this Christmas. I promise you will not regret it!

Running 19 November to 8 January, click here to find out more and book tickets to The Wizard of Oz.