Preview
A Preview is an early showing of a performance before it officially opens to the general public. It's like a dress rehearsal with a real audience, helping the creative team make final adjustments to the show. These performances are often offered at reduced ticket prices and are essential for working out technical issues, timing, and audience reactions. Sometimes called "previews," "preview performances," or "tech previews," these shows are a standard part of getting a production ready for its official opening night.
Examples in Resumes
Managed technical aspects for 12 Preview performances of 'Hamilton' before opening night
Coordinated crew schedules during Preview week, ensuring smooth transitions between show adjustments
Led stage crew through Preview performances, implementing director's notes and technical changes
Typical job title: "Stage Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Stage Managers
Professional Organizations
Job Resources
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle major technical issues during a preview performance?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership in crisis management, ability to make quick decisions, and experience with coordinating multiple departments while maintaining show quality and safety.
Q: How do you manage implementing multiple change requests between preview performances?
Expected Answer: Should explain their system for tracking and prioritizing changes, communicating with different departments, and ensuring all modifications are properly rehearsed and documented.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for organizing preview notes and implementing changes?
Expected Answer: Should describe methods for collecting, organizing, and distributing notes from director and creative team, and how they ensure changes are properly communicated to all departments.
Q: How do you handle scheduling additional rehearsals during preview periods?
Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to managing time constraints, coordinating with various departments, and ensuring all necessary personnel are available for changes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between a preview performance and opening night?
Expected Answer: Should understand that previews are working performances where changes can still be made, while opening night is the official start of the run with all elements finalized.
Q: How do you keep track of changes made during preview performances?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of note-taking systems, communication protocols, and how to maintain accurate records of show modifications.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of preview process
- Note-taking and distribution
- Following cues and instructions
- Basic crew coordination
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing preview schedule changes
- Implementing technical adjustments
- Coordinating between departments
- Problem-solving during live shows
Senior (5+ years)
- Full preview period management
- Crisis management during shows
- Budget control for changes
- Leadership of entire production team
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with live performance environments
- Poor communication skills
- Inability to work under pressure
- Lack of basic theater terminology knowledge
- No experience with managing multiple departments
Related Terms
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