Victoria Fringe Artists 2015

VENUE + TECH REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE & FAQs

We know we've told you these things before, but in the interest of you having the best and most productive tech rehearsal possible, especially if it's your first time, please take a moment to review.

- Please don't go by your venue before your tech to see the space. Some spaces are being built early next week, and may look different than you think, even if you've been there before.

- Be on time at the start of your scheduled tech time. If you don't need all the time you've been allotted, you can end the tech early. Do not show up late just because you don't need all the time, or we will assume you're not coming.

- We provide the technician at your venue, and they'll be your contact. You don't need to bring one to run sound or lights - you can if you wish, but it's rare. The technician can help you create a lighting design with the festival plot.

- Please bring a clean copy of your script for your tech, with your sound and light cues written in in pencil, and a list of sound and lighting cues you'd like to create.

- Please appoint one tech person to speak for your company during your tech - our technician will be better able to help you move through the rehearsal quickly and help you get you what you need.

- You can't store stuff at your venue before your tech rehearsal.

- Not all lighting or other equipment in the theatre is available to you at the Fringe. Your technician will show you what is available.

- Ask your Technician when you can come in to set up your show before each performance.

- There is usually 45 minutes max between shows. You'll usually have about 20 mins to load in or out, and 10 mins for "backstage" set up/packing up, ie props and costumes, while the next company comes in or leaves. Please be considerate and let the company ahead of you clean off the stage before you take the space, and clear the stage as quickly as you can when your show is done. You will need to be long gone before the next show starts. Please leave the building quietly.

- All shows start on time, so you need to be ready to go on time.

- Your show must run on time. If you already know that your show runs under or over by five minutes, notify us and we will let the audience know in our program updates. Remember, they are running from your show to another show - and if you make them late, they'll miss their next show! They will hold this against you.

- If your show is running more than 5 minutes over, you need to cut your show. If you don't and it runs over, we will notify you after your first performance, and we may stop the show after your second if it continues to run long.

- Most venues do not have dressing rooms per se. If you are in a venue with one, or a "performers only" washroom serving as a dressing room, you need to hang up your stuff after every show, wipe down the counters and sinks so they're clean and free of any makeup, and dispose of your garbage.

- Never ever leave valuables or "stage weapons" overnight in the theatre, even if they are really, really fake. (Ask us about our recent encounter with a "gunman"! We'll be happy to tell you the story.)

- While you can sell merchandise to patrons from the stage as they exit the theatre, there is absolutely no reception time after your show in the theatre or backstage for your many fans. Ask them to wait outside until you are clear of the theatre.

- Ask your tech where it is ok to put up posters at your venue before you tape them to anything. Each venue will have designated areas/surfaces where you can poster. Painter's tape is your friend!