Show Bible

Definition

A show bible is a comprehensive document that serves as a reference guide for a production, detailing essential information about the show’s creative elements, production processes, and logistical details. It typically includes scripts, contact information, schedules, design concepts, and other vital materials that facilitate effective communication among the production team and ensure consistency throughout the project's development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The show bible is crucial for keeping all members of the production team on the same page regarding the vision and details of the show.
2. Typically created during pre-production, it evolves throughout the life of the show to include updated information as changes occur.
3. It serves not only as a resource for current team members but also as an archival document for future productions or revivals of the show.
4. The show bible can vary in complexity and length depending on the scale of the production and may include multimedia elements such as sketches or videos.
5. Having a well-organized show bible can significantly improve efficiency in communication and decision-making among all departments involved in the production.

Review Questions

• How does a show bible contribute to effective communication within a production team?
  • A show bible acts as a central repository of information that keeps everyone informed about the various aspects of the production. By including scripts, schedules, contact details, and design concepts, it ensures that all team members have access to the same materials and can work collaboratively. This clarity reduces miscommunication and helps streamline decision-making processes, ultimately leading to a more cohesive production effort.
• Discuss how a show bible can evolve during a production and why this adaptability is important.
  • A show bible is not static; it evolves throughout the life of a production to incorporate changes such as script revisions, updated schedules, or design modifications. This adaptability is crucial because it allows the production team to remain aligned with the current vision of the show while also documenting all adjustments made during the process. An up-to-date show bible ensures that new team members can quickly get acclimated and maintain consistency in execution.
• Evaluate the role of a show bible in preserving institutional knowledge for future productions.
  • The role of a show bible in preserving institutional knowledge is significant as it serves as an archive for all documentation related to the production. When future productions or revivals are planned, having access to past show bibles allows new teams to understand previous creative decisions, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. This continuity not only saves time but also enhances creativity by building on established ideas while ensuring that valuable lessons learned are not lost over time.

Related terms

Production Book: A production book is a detailed compilation of all elements related to a specific production, including schedules, budgets, scripts, and communication logs.

Prompt Book:

A prompt book is a version of the script that contains all cues, notes, and blocking for the production, serving as a key resource for stage managers during performances.

Technical Rider: A technical rider is a document outlining the technical requirements for a performance or event, including sound, lighting, and set specifications.