This week at the Tempe Center for the Arts, Androcles and the Lion has had a week of previews. There were five preview performances in all, with our final preview performance tomorrow Saturday, October 31 at 1:00 PM. Our opening performance will follow at 4:00 PM.
So what is the difference between a preview performance and a regular performance? A preview performance is really important for the actors, the director and the crew of a show. Let me explain why.
Preview performances give the actors an audience for the first time. A show is never complete until the audience is added. During rehearsals the actors and directors work very hard to make the show just right, but until they see how the audience reacts to the show they can’t put the finishing touches on it. Preview performances give the actors and directors the chance to collaborate and make final adjustments that make a show even better than it was in rehearsal.
After each performance during this preview week, the director, D. Scott Withers, the music director, Jonathan Ivie, the stage manager, Alfredo Macias and the actors all gather backstage to review how the show went. The director, music director and the stage manager give each actor “notes.” A note is a direction to help the actor improve their performance or the show as a whole.
For example, yesterday, Scott and Jonathan felt that the final number of the show needed some tweaks. So after the preview and completing our “notes session” we all returned to the stage to work on the final number. We added some new vocals to make the song even better.
This week we were fortunate enough to have full houses for all of our preview performances. Each audience shared generous laughs and lots of reactions that have made our show even better. So next time you go to a preview performance remember that you are really part of the making of a play!
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