What Is An Out-Of-Town Tryout Of A Broadway Show?
Here are 8 things to know about one the final steps before bringing a show to New York City
An out-of-town tryout of a Broadway musical typically refers to a pre-Broadway show run in a smaller city outside New York, such as Boston, Chicago, San Diego, Seattle or Washington, D.C. The purpose of an out-of-town tryout is to allow the creative team and producers to see how the show plays to a live audience and to make any necessary adjustments before the show opens.
During an out-of-town tryout, the show is typically performed in a theater with similar technical capabilities to a Broadway theater. The performances may be open to the public or by invitation only. The creative team and producers will be in attendance and may make changes to the show based on audience feedback and observations. These changes may include rewrites to the script or score, changes to the staging or choreography, fixing problems with the story, pacing, character development, technical issues with the lighting, sound, or set design. They may also be looking for ways to improve the show's appeal to a broad audience, such as the addition or removal of songs. During an out-of-town tryout, the creative team and producers will look for any issues with the show that must be addressed.
The out-of-town tryout process can be a crucial step in developing a Broadway show, and it's important for all members of the production team, including the musicians, to be flexible and willing to make changes as needed, as they may be asked to learn new music or make changes to their parts on short notice. It's also essential for musicians to be prepared to play the music accurately and consistently and to be able to adapt to any changes that may occur during the tryout process.
The out-of-town tryout process typically involves multiple performances over several weeks, allowing the creative team and producers to see how the show evolves and to make changes as needed. After each performance, there may be a post-show meeting with the creative team and producers to discuss any changes that need to be made.
In addition to rehearsing and performing the show, the musicians may also be involved in other aspects of the out-of-town tryout process, such as recording demos or participating in promotional events. It's important for musicians to be professional and punctual and to be willing to contribute to the creative process and work as part of a team.
The steps involved in an out-of-town tryout of a musical may vary depending on the production's specific needs and the tryout process's timeline. However, here are some general steps that may be involved:
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