How to Put On a Musical
Suggested Production Timeline
by John Kenrick
(Copyright 2003)
TIME UNTIL OPENING NIGHT:
12 to 8 months
- Create a budget
- Select show & purchase rights
- Reserve performance and rehearsal space
- Handle any fundraising
3 months
- Line-up a full production team
- Have tickets printed
- Confirm delivery date for scripts & scores
2 months
- Announce show & hold auditions
- Select musicians and all production teams
- Initiate Publicity (press releases, etc.)
- Begin program ad sales
- Order raw supplies (fabric, lumber, paint, etc.)
8 weeks
- Begin rehearsals
- Begin design and construction of sets & costumes
3 weeks
- Make sure all cast is "off book" - no more scripts
2 weeks
- Complete sets and costumes
- Have costumes fittings
- Run through Act I twice in one rehearsal
- Run through Act II twice in one rehearsal
1 week
- Hold Tech rehearsal
- Hold preliminary dress rehearsals
2 days
- Final dress rehearsal
1 day
- Break Day