The Production Process

This exhibition seeks to highlight the process that goes into creating a full-scale theatre production and its aesthetic, from design concept to full realisation, by RBC's Production Department.

These shows, presented here as Macbeth and Urinetown, often begin with discussion and a pre-production meeting with the Director. From these sessions, Designer Emma Thompson, works on the concept for the staging of the production and from that concept creates a model box, a miniature scale of the fabricated 'world'.

From here, Costume Designer Michelle Shaw, and Head of Props Dan Raven, will then work closely with Emma along with student & staff Stage Managers and student Design Assistants to build an atmosphere that runs through all aspects of the production. Concepts and realisations aim to instil a naturalistic symbiosis that includes colour palette, texture, practicality, artistry, wearability, and functionality, whilst remaining within the orbit of the director's vision.

Throughout the four-to-five-week production period, the team meet weekly with the Director, RBC's in-house Production Staff, Freelance Lighting, Sound Designers and all of Stage Management students to solve or pre-empt any issues and queries that may surface from the rehearsal and realisation stages. Without considering the cast, it can sometimes take up to 20 or more production staff and students to fully create and construct everything needed to complete the process.

At this point, this is then taken into theatre for the main build, ready for technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and, ultimately, full performances.