The stages of a theatre rehearsal: from read-through to dress

A production is prepared in several stages, each with its own vocabulary. Knowing where you are tells you what you need to have mastered, and why. The names vary between companies, but the progression is nearly always the same.

The read-through

The whole team reads the play seated, to share the text, the stakes and the director's idea. It is the time to ask questions, not yet to act.

The Italian run

The text is said fast and flat, without acting, to link the cues and set the lines in memory. It is the stage that assumes you have started learning the text. See our guide to the Italian run rehearsal.

Blocking

You move to the stage: movement, entrances and exits, relationships in space. The text is played on its feet for the first time. Actors usually still hold the script.

Working rehearsals

Each scene is revisited, deepened and adjusted: intentions, rhythm, partners. This is the heart of the creation, with lots of stopping and starting.

Off book

From a set date, actors play without the script in hand. They must know their lines, otherwise stops to call for a line slow everyone down.

Stumble-through and run-through

The first full pass of the play, often rough, is sometimes called a stumble-through. Later, the run-through plays the whole piece in one go without stopping, to check the whole, stamina and running time.

Tech and dress rehearsal

Lights, sound, costumes and set are added. The dress rehearsal plays under performance conditions, sometimes in front of an invited audience. Names for the final rehearsals vary from venue to venue.

What it means for learning your lines

The earlier you know your text, the more you can work on acting instead of fighting your memory. A first reading, then the Italian run, then scenes off book: Tirade mainly helps with the first two stages by reading the other parts. See also learn a part in a week.

Frequently asked questions