Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Call Time • Wings • Hold

Dress Rehearsal

Term from Stage Management industry explained for recruiters

A Dress Rehearsal is the final practice run of a show before it opens to an audience. It's when performers wear their complete costumes, use all props and sets, run the full lighting and sound, and perform exactly as they would during a real show. Stage managers use this term in their resumes to show they've managed these critical final preparations, which are essential for ensuring a smooth opening night. Similar terms include "technical rehearsal" or "final run-through." Think of it like a complete test drive of the show where everything needs to work just like it would during an actual performance.

Examples in Resumes

Coordinated Dress Rehearsal schedules for 12 major productions per season

Successfully managed Dress Rehearsals and Final Runs for Broadway-scale musicals

Led production team through Technical Rehearsals and Dress Rehearsals for 25+ shows

Typical job title: "Stage Managers"

Also try searching for:

Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Production Manager Theater Production Coordinator Show Manager Technical Director Production Stage Manager

Where to Find Stage Managers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Networking Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle major technical issues during a dress rehearsal?

Expected Answer: A senior stage manager should explain their problem-solving process, including having backup plans, coordinating with technical teams, and making quick decisions while maintaining clear communication with all departments.

Q: How do you manage multiple departments during dress rehearsals?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership skills, explaining how they coordinate between costume, lighting, sound, and stage crews while keeping everything on schedule and addressing concerns from directors and performers.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for creating and maintaining dress rehearsal schedules?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they organize time efficiently, account for different departments' needs, and handle schedule changes while keeping all team members informed.

Q: How do you document changes and notes during dress rehearsals?

Expected Answer: Should describe their system for tracking and communicating changes to costumes, lighting, sound, and staging, and how they ensure all departments receive and implement updates.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the key components of a dress rehearsal?

Expected Answer: Should list basic elements like costumes, makeup, props, lighting, sound, and explain why each is important to the rehearsal process.

Q: How do you prepare for a dress rehearsal?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic preparation tasks like checking schedules, coordinating with departments, and ensuring all necessary elements are ready.