When technical rehearsals start, who takes control of the run of the show?

During technical rehearsals, the stage manager takes control of the run of the show. This is a crucial phase of production where all technical elements are integrated with the performance, including lights, sound, and set changes. The stage manager is responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly and according to plan. They communicate with the cast and crew, calling cues and making adjustments as necessary. This coordination is vital to achieving a cohesive performance, and it allows the director's vision to be executed effectively during the actual run of the show.

While other roles, such as the producer, tech director, and director, are also important in the overall production, their responsibilities differ from those of the stage manager during this phase. The producer typically handles budgets and logistics, the tech director focuses on the technical aspects and setups, and the director primarily guides the artistic vision of the performance. In this capacity, the stage manager emerges as the key figure in managing the production during technical rehearsals.