ABSTRACT
“Tech,” short for “technical rehearsal,” is the time in the process where all technical elements of the production are rehearsed together with the actors onstage. Standard “tech” is similar to cue-to-cue except that the full show is teched through without skipping any sections. For physical safety and preservation, the actors may choose to “mark” (hold back or not perform full-out) the choreography and strong emotional moments. A light walker is an individual who stands onstage so that the designer can see what the light looks like on a person’s face to determine the proper light levels. When lightwalking, always be sure to stand still and face DS with our chin up toward the designer. Celebrated lighting designer and educator Gilbert “Gil” Hemsley believed in always keeping fresh fruit and flowers at the tech table to promote a pleasant atmosphere. He also liked to have fun items around like stuffed animals and toy trains to ease others’ tension during difficult moments.
