Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Front of House • Fight Captain • Score

Preview Performance

Term from Performing Arts industry explained for recruiters

A Preview Performance is a show that takes place before the official opening night of a theater production, concert, or other live performance. These shows allow the cast and crew to perform for a real audience, usually at a discounted ticket price, while working out final details. Think of it like a dress rehearsal with an actual audience. Similar terms include "soft opening," "preview night," or "pre-opening performance." This practice helps performers and technical staff make final adjustments and builds early buzz for the show.

Examples in Resumes

Directed three successful Preview Performance|Preview Performances for Broadway musical productions

Managed technical aspects during Preview Performance|Preview Shows at regional theater

Coordinated front-of-house operations for Preview Performance|Preview Night events

Typical job title: "Theater Managers"

Also try searching for:

Stage Manager Production Manager Theater Director Performance Manager Front of House Manager Technical Director Company Manager

Where to Find Theater Managers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle major technical issues during a preview performance?

Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss their emergency response plan, communication protocols with different departments, and ability to make quick decisions while maintaining audience satisfaction and safety.

Q: What strategies do you use to gather and implement audience feedback from preview performances?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods like audience surveys, focus groups, monitoring social media reactions, and how they use this information to improve the show before opening night.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you coordinate between different departments during a preview performance?

Expected Answer: Should describe communication systems between technical crew, performers, front-of-house staff, and management, including how they handle last-minute changes.

Q: What's your process for managing preview performance ticket sales and pricing?

Expected Answer: Should discuss strategies for pricing preview tickets, managing subscriber attendance, and balancing house capacity for optimal audience feedback.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the main differences between a preview performance and opening night?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts like technical adjustments still being made, possible pause-and-fix situations, and different audience expectations.

Q: How do you prepare the front-of-house team for a preview performance?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic staff briefing procedures, handling audience questions about the preview nature of the show, and basic emergency protocols.