Master tech rehearsal chaos with effective delegation tips for theatrical production managers. Learn to trust your team without micromanaging.

Don't start redirecting your actors. That would mean you haven't done your job in rehearsal and undermines everyone's confidence in you. Scrupulously observe proper breaks.

Last updated on Jul 30, 2024

You're knee-deep in tech rehearsal chaos. How can you delegate tasks effectively without micromanaging?

In the throes of tech rehearsal, the theatre buzzes with a unique blend of excitement and stress. This critical phase in theatrical production is when all the technical elements like lighting, sound, and set changes are integrated with the actors' performances. It's a high-stakes environment where effective delegation is your lifeline. You must ensure that every task is completed to perfection without succumbing to the temptation of micromanaging, which can stifle your team's creativity and efficiency. Here's how you can navigate this chaos and lead your team to a successful opening night.

1 Clear Roles

Assigning clear roles and responsibilities is the cornerstone of effective delegation. Ensure that every member of your tech crew understands their specific duties and how they contribute to the bigger picture. This clarity empowers them to take ownership of their tasks and reduces the need for constant oversight. Trust that your stage manager, lighting designer, and sound operator, among others, are experts in their areas and let them bring their skills to the forefront.

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Hilary Douglas-Wood

Theatre Director
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Employ first rare technical staff and let them do their job efficiently. Be able to do any job you are asking someone else to do. You will then know how long it takes to be done properly. Don't try to redirect your Actors. They don't need it if you have used rehearsal properly. Don't let the actors ego get in the way.

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Danny Escudero

Case Manager
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I hired my crew for a reason and trust them to do their jobs. Clarity of delegation is key, but then one must step aside and allow the work of others to happen. As a generalist, I may know how to complete a specialist’s tasks and how long it takes, but I hired them because they can do those particular things better than I can.

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2 Trust Builds

Building trust with your team is vital. By demonstrating confidence in their abilities, you foster an environment where they feel supported to make decisions and solve problems on their own. This doesn't mean abandoning oversight; it means you're there to guide rather than dictate. Regular check-ins are essential, but give your crew space to work without hovering. This balance encourages initiative and helps identify future leaders within your team.

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Hilary Douglas-Wood

Theatre Director
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Every production needs to be a Company in which everyone feels important and keen to do a great job. Thank everyone all the time. Start at the beginning and work steadily through. Cutting to cue makes everything longer not shorter. Say thank you constantly and praise everyone except yourself. In misunderstandings blame yourself cheerfully not your crew. You didn't explain things clearly. Make sure its fun for everybody.

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Danny Escudero

Case Manager
(edited)
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I have always told my team that I’m not here to lord my position over you; I am here to guide and & support you. You have your assignments, but I would like for you to ‘find your own voice’ when it comes to how you do your job. My greatest pleasure is watching my protégés learn how to communicate their effect on the work at hand.

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3 Effective Comms

Effective communication is the glue that holds a tech rehearsal together. It's important to establish clear channels, whether through headsets, group meetings, or a designated point person for each department. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and can quickly address any issues that arise. Encourage open dialogue and feedback, as this can lead to creative solutions and a more cohesive production.

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Hilary Douglas-Wood

Theatre Director
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A company is a family. Acknowledge the skills of all concerned. Know how long things take. Thank everyone and make sure they feel important. Never raise your voice or create conflict. Get to know your crew and treat them as fellow artists. Which they actually are. Don't give your actors any Status at a technical rehearsal which allows them to feel superior to the technician's. Defer to your stage manager so the actors know that they not you are now in charge.

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Danny Escudero

Case Manager
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I find myself often having to start my early conversations on communication with the practice of validation. When someone says something in a meeting, for example, the first thing the responding actor should do is return a rephrasing of the ‘prompt’. In this process, you will have hopefully parsed the information and reached a deeper level of understanding.

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4 Prioritize Tasks

Prioritizing tasks helps manage the workload during tech rehearsals. Identify which elements are critical and must be addressed first, such as safety concerns or major technical issues. By focusing on what's most important, you can allocate resources and time more efficiently. This strategic approach helps your team to not feel overwhelmed and keeps the rehearsal moving forward smoothly.

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Hilary Douglas-Wood

Theatre Director
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Don't start redirecting your actors. That would mean you haven't done your job in rehearsal and undermines everyone's confidence in you. Scrupulously observe proper breaks.

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5 Empower Decisions

Empowering your team to make decisions is a key aspect of avoiding micromanagement. Provide them with the necessary information and context to make informed choices. When team members feel trusted to make calls on the spot, it not only speeds up the process but also boosts their confidence and investment in the production. Remember, a team that's empowered is more motivated and productive.

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6 Reflect and Adjust

Finally, reflection and adjustment are crucial for continuous improvement. After each rehearsal, take time to review what worked well and what didn't. Involve your team in this process, as their insights are invaluable for making necessary adjustments. This iterative approach ensures that each rehearsal is more efficient than the last, paving the way for a polished final production.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're knee-deep in tech rehearsal chaos. How can you delegate tasks effectively without micromanaging?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Clear Roles

2 Trust Builds

3 Effective Comms

4 Prioritize Tasks

5 Empower Decisions

6 Reflect and Adjust

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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You're knee-deep in tech rehearsal chaos. How can you delegate tasks effectively without micromanaging?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Clear Roles

2 Trust Builds

3 Effective Comms

4 Prioritize Tasks

5 Empower Decisions

6 Reflect and Adjust

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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