Dry tech

Definition

Dry tech, short for dry technical rehearsal, is a rehearsal focused solely on the technical aspects of a production without any performances or actors' interactions. During this time, the team tests lighting, sound, set changes, and other technical elements in real time to ensure everything runs smoothly. It's crucial for refining the timing and synchronization of technical elements, making it an essential step in preparing for a polished performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dry tech usually occurs before any performances or run-throughs with actors, allowing the technical crew to focus entirely on their tasks.
2. This rehearsal helps identify any potential technical issues that could disrupt the flow of the performance.
3. During dry tech, precise timing for lighting cues, sound effects, and scene changes is established to ensure seamless transitions during live performances.
4. It allows the director to visualize how the technical elements contribute to the overall storytelling without the distractions of acting.
5. Dry tech is an opportunity for the technical team to make adjustments based on what they observe during the run-through, leading to improvements before integrating actors.

Review Questions

• How does dry tech contribute to the overall success of a performance?
  • Dry tech is vital for ensuring that all technical elements are functioning correctly before integrating the actors into rehearsals. By focusing solely on lighting, sound, and set changes, the technical team can identify and resolve issues that might disrupt a performance. This attention to detail ensures that when actors are added, the technical aspects enhance rather than hinder their performance.
• In what ways can dry tech help streamline subsequent rehearsals involving actors?
  • By conducting a thorough dry tech before actor involvement, potential problems are addressed early on. This makes later rehearsals more efficient because time is not wasted troubleshooting technical glitches. The team can focus on refining performances and interactions instead of repeatedly addressing issues that could have been fixed during dry tech.
• Evaluate how dry tech can impact the director's vision for a production.
  • Dry tech provides directors with a clearer picture of how technical elements support their artistic vision. It allows them to see how lighting and sound enhance mood and atmosphere without the interference of actors. This helps directors make informed decisions about adjustments needed to align technical execution with their creative goals before moving into more integrated rehearsals with performers.

Related terms

Tech rehearsal: A rehearsal that integrates both technical and performance elements, typically involving actors and focusing on the overall flow of the show.

Cue-to-cue: A rehearsal technique where performers move quickly from one cue to another, allowing the technical team to test transitions between scenes.

Dress rehearsal: A full rehearsal where actors wear costumes and run the show as if it were a performance, integrating all elements including lighting, sound, and set changes.