Anatomy of a VAT Stage Production  

If you are one of the many who recently enjoyed a Villages Amateur Theatre production, you might be wondering how a show like that would come together the way it did.  Well, here’s how it happens.

First, the Executive Producer for Stage Shows along with a show selection committee discuss what shows might be considered.  The criteria used is straightforward.  Can we cast the show?  Can we stage the show? And finally, can we sell the show?  For a show to be considered, all three of these questions must be answered “Yes”.  The committee makes their recommendation to the VAT board, and after approval, proceed with the process of gaining the rights for performance.

Performance rights are usually quite expensive.  For example, the rights may cost the VAT almost $3,000, which had to be paid up front.

Typically, 18 weeks before the performance, the show is announced to the Villages at large and auditions are scheduled.  About 15 weeks before the show, auditions are held, usually 3 times, and the cast is chosen.

Rehearsals then begin the following week.  In the cast of a musical the first week of rehearsal is one or two “read-throughs” and two or three “sing-throughs” just to give the cast a feel for the director’s vision of what the show should become.

Then the real work begins.  Rehearsal schedules are laid out with cast member’s other commitments in mind and availability of rehearsal space and rehearsals begin in earnest.  Blocking, or determining entrances, exits, where cast members stand and/or move to, is drilled into the performers.  This is critical, because if someone comes on stage at the wrong time or in the wrong place, it can confuse the other cast members and audience as well.  Precision is important.

And, of course, the music.  What a gift the Villagers have in Larry Broderick, our Maestro, who brings his phenomenal skills to every rehearsal and performance and makes the music come to life.  Larry comes to every rehearsal and in the end, makes everyone sound their very best.

As rehearsals continue, the set (or stage background) is designed and starts to be built, the costumes gleaned from the prop room or designed and sewn, and props (the bits and pieces the actors use on stage) are assigned to someone to round up.

In the case of the sets, the VAT is truly blessed by having extremely talented builders and set dressers who take charge of making the stage look like what the director is asking for.

In addition, while all of that is going on, our costume mistress is making all the cast members look like they belong on stage with just the right appearance.

So, for 14 weeks or so, rehearsals continue, usually three to five times per week, with actors working on memorizing lines, learning songs and  learning all their stage moves.  If there is a particularly difficult spot for one or two actors, they might also have special run-throughs just for them apart from the general rehearsal.

While all of that is happening on the artistic side, the production folks are also hard at work doing publicity, ticket sales, arranging the intermission refreshments, creating and printing the program and banner and organizing the cast party that follows the show.

While the name,  Villages Amateur Theatre, describes who we are, amateur is the farthest thing from what we do.  The productions the VAT presents are amazingly professional, and the VAT is proud to be able to bring them to the Villagers for their enjoyment.