Once plotting is completed, technical rehearsals can commence. Technical rehearsals are devoted to bringing together the various elements of the show. Actors, lighting, scenery changes, choreography, music, sound and so on, will all be forged into an integrated
stage
production. The actors in full dress go through their lines and moves, scenery changes are timed and rehearsed, sound effects are run, and the rhythm and timing of the show is checked and finalized. The lighting too will be adjusted and coordinated with other production elements: cues may need to move, timings altered, light levels readjusted, and so on.
To help the show come together, run-throughs are held. It is only during a
run-through
that the lighting designer and the rest of the artistic crew will be able to see the complete overall effect of the lighting. The
stage
takes on different aspects and atmospheres, colors change, the light goes up or down, focusing attention.
The lighting designer must however also keep an eye for smaller details. The run-throughs should be used to refine the look of the lighting as well as to fine tune the lighting transitions.
This is also the time for the lighting designer to
check
how the lighting looks from other parts of the auditorium, especially where there are balconies or in arena theatres and other open
stage
forms.
Any last minute problems still to be solved are noted and dealt with as soon as it is possible to work on the lighting without interfering with other activities on stage.
