Rehearsal

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A rehearsal is a preparatory event in music and theatre (and in other contexts) that is performed before the official public performance, as a form of practice, and to ensure that all details of the performance are adequate for professional presentation.

Contents 1 Rehearsal in theatre 1.1 See also 2 Rehearsal in music 3 Rehearsal in other contexts

[edit] Rehearsal in theatre

In theatre, a performing arts ensemble rehearses a work in preparation for performance before an audience.

A dress rehearsal is a rehearsal in which the ensemble dresses as they will dress at the performance for the audience. The dress rehearsal is often the last rehearsal before the concert performance and falls at the end of technical week.

[edit] See also

• Stagecraft
• Technical rehearsal

[edit] Rehearsal in music

Rehearsing a musical composition often involves repeating some passages over and over again until everyone in the ensemble masters them. Rehearsal letters can be very helpful for this purpose.

Orchestras often have section rehearsals or sectionals in which a section of the orchestra (e.g., the woodwind players) rehearse on their own.

Prior to rehearsing a concerto with an orchestra, a soloist will often rehearse it with a pianist substituting for the entire orchestra (thus, two pianists in the case of piano concerti).

To help with tempo in solo or chamber rehearsals, a metronome may be used.

For music performances, a dress rehearsal does not imply dressing in performance concert dress. It is merely a final rehearsal before performance where generally the ensemble will run through the entire program as if there is an audience.

[edit] Rehearsal in other contexts

The use of rehearsals and dress rehearsals extends beyond the performing arts. The introduction of major changes to information systems is often rehearsed, particularly where this requires multiple activities to be coordinated and completed within time constraints. Many companies undertook major initiatives to rehearse the changes associated with the Year 2000 problem and the economic and monetary union of the European Union.