From Script to Stage

The Making of a Theatre TCU Production

By Texas Christian University

May 2^nd, 2024

When the curtain rises on opening night of a Theatre TCU production, the excitement is palpable. The actors step into the spotlight, the show goes off without a hitch and the crowd applauds.

But what the audience doesn’t see are the months of preparation that go into mounting a professional-caliber production multiple times a year as part of Theatre TCU’s curriculum.

With fervent passion and focused dedication, students and faculty run lines, build sets, craft costumes and everything in between, pouring their hearts into every aspect of a show to give audiences the perfect performance.

In Good Company

Even before the actors are cast and the crew is assigned, the creative team — including the director, costume designer and scenic designer — gather weekly for production meetings to discuss details ranging from creative vision to rehearsal schedules.

Setting the Scene

Once a production’s set models are designed, students get to work in the scene shop. Hours of construction, painting and technical detail go into creating a set that transforms a bare stage into a new world.

Cast of Characters

During rehearsals, the cast workshops scenes, refines choreography and blocking and receives notes from the directing team. Meanwhile, the crew readies props, tests lights and checks sound.

The Costume Studio

In the costume studio, students work alongside faculty and staff to design, produce and fit garments, tailoring a variety of fabrics and accessories to suit each production’s story and creative vision.

Theatre TCU by the Numbers

5 areas of study

3 on-campus theaters

8 productions each academic year

No. 7 theatre program in the United States (College Factual)

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Countdown to Curtain

Actors prepare for a dress rehearsal as if it’s opening night. Dressing rooms are a flurry of activity as actors touch up hair and makeup, get into costume and channel their energy into a successful run-through.

In the Wings

Behind the scenes, crew members run checks before curtains up. Musicians tune their instruments, lighting and sound techs test their equipment and the stage manager organizes it all to keep things running smoothly.