Sample Rehearsal Process

Before shooting begins you're going to want to have a few rehearsal sessions. Most people think that rehearsing is just running through the scenes the same way you would when ready to shoot but there's actually much more to it than that.

Here are some steps you should go through during your rehearsals.


1. Read through the entire script: This is the first thing you should do before actual rehearsals begin and is commonly referred to as a 'table read' where all the main actors will sit down with the director (and other key crew members if needed) and read through the entire script so any questions the actors have can be answered.

2. Brief discussion of the setting and the character's back story: Go over the character and setting descriptions and add a human element to them; Make the characters and their lives real instead of fictional.

3. Read through each scene: This is done before the actual rehearsal. It's basically a dry run without any direction so the director can see how the actors would naturally handle the scene.

4. Discussion of objectives: What is the character trying to do or accomplish in the scene?

5. Read through again with actions/objectives and beats in mind: Go through the script again to smooth out the pacing and to fine tune the delivery of the actors' lines.

6. If it's working, start acting it out: If you're happy with the read go to the set (or where ever is convenient) and begin acting out the scene.

7. If not, do another read: If you're not happy with how the read is going, try it again while really focusing on the performances and making sure you're being clear when telling the actors what you want done differently.

8. Coordinate blocking and actions: Get on set and decide how and where the actors are going to be moving.

9. Improvise if necessary: If either you or the actors are unhappy with the blocking, allow them to improvise the scene to see if they can come up with something you hadn't thought of.

10. Refine blocking and actions: Take what you learned from the improv session and apply it to the rehearsal.

Not only will these steps ensure better performances from your actors, they'll also make the actual shoot go smoother and faster (which will save the production time and money).

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