What Stage Managers Should Know About the Rehearsal Process

As a stage manager, I’ve seen countless rehearsals — in black box spaces, large-scale productions, and everything in between. Some are seamless, some chaotic, but all of them share core principles that define the rehearsal process. Whether you’re managing a new work or a reimagined classic, understanding the flow of rehearsal — and your role in it — is essential.

In this post, we’ll explore the scheduling, emotional dynamics, collaboration, and communication that shape effective rehearsals, and how stage managers can lead the charge.

The Rehearsal Process and Scheduling Realities

Rehearsal schedules vary depending on the type of show — new works, musicals, immersive theatre, or devised pieces all come with their own needs. For example, a dance-focused show may rehearse in studios off-site before transitioning into a short technical rehearsal period, while a large-scale commercial musical might rehearse over several months.

A typical rehearsal period ranges from 3–6 weeks, depending on the production’s scale and budget. For regional theatre or Broadway, the process may be longer and include a creation period that starts with designers and performers from day one.

When building a schedule, stage managers must always ask:

How much time do we have?
What do we need to accomplish?
What can we realistically achieve?
And most importantly — does the team agree?

A well-designed rehearsal schedule is a living document. Flexibility is key — the day rarely goes as planned. Collaborating with the director and creative team helps you adjust quickly and prioritize in real time.

Managing Actors and Emotions in Rehearsal

Actors bring emotional vulnerability into every rehearsal room. Their work is courageous and exposed — and with that comes the need for care. As stage managers, we often act as emotional anchors. We help maintain focus, keep communication flowing, and make sure actors feel supported.

A good SM anticipates needs, whether it’s offering a quiet space, prepping props, or talking someone through their cues. During technical rehearsals, it’s especially important to ensure actors are heard, even in conversations they’re not directly part of.

Pro tip: Keep actors in the loop — even when decisions don’t seem to affect them. Inclusion builds trust and team cohesion.

The Importance of Production Meetings

Production meetings are the engine room of any rehearsal process. These are the spaces where creative and technical minds align — directors, producers, designers, technical directors, shop leads, and stage managers meet to align vision, logistics, and timelines.

As the SM, it’s your job to bring clear documentation and communicate any updates or issues from the room. Designers, often working off-site, rely on timely reports to make key decisions. Use a rehearsal report to track questions, costume adjustments, prop needs, and scenic concerns.

Designers and Creative Collaboration

Every designer has their own workflow — and as the liaison between departments, your job is to encourage open communication. This means:

Coordinating costume fittings, wig calls, or quick change rehearsals
Relaying blocking notes that impact sound, lighting, or scenic design
Keeping rehearsal spaces equipped for designers to test ideas

But just as important: give designers the agency to speak directly with each other. Streamlining communication fosters efficiency and avoids bottlenecks.

What You Learn from Rehearsal

Rehearsal is about more than repetition — it’s about discovery. You’ll learn how the cast functions as a unit, how the show breathes, and how each element interacts. This is where performance and design begin to truly integrate.

Some days, that means witnessing magic. Other days, it means navigating conflict in production teams. Every moment offers insight into how a show can evolve — if we remain open to collaboration, adaptation, and honest feedback.

Final Thoughts

Rehearsals are where everything takes shape. They demand structure, flexibility, empathy, and vision. As a stage manager, your leadership sets the tone. By anticipating needs, embracing change, and communicating consistently, you create the foundation for a successful tech process and polished performance.

I’ll be diving deeper into specific elements of the rehearsal phase in future posts — from crafting a rehearsal report to managing tech rehearsals in high-pressure environments. Stay tuned!