Due to the pandemic, live theatre had been impossible and with many cancelled opportunities the desire to get back on track was growing.
Aiden Dixon, Musical Director, reached out to Lauren last year with his idea to pitch 9-5 to Central Hall Music Society (CHMS) as their next show. As a student run society, pitches are an essential part of the process determining whether a show will be given the funding to be performed.
Saying it “felt like we’d been online dating” Eleanor described the virtual process of creating a top-notch pitch. Ensuring every detail is covered, this planning stage of theatre productions is arguably the most crucial. Once successful, the production process moves forward to cementing a specialised team of people.
As a Producer, Hannah had the role of ensuring the rights to the show were secured. This step of putting on a production is one that requires networking with the original owners of the show. Until confirmation is received the rights could be pulled. With each dance number taking “six or seven hours” to choreograph, during the summer Eleanor “set aside whole days” in order to make sure that when rehearsals did start, the visions for each musical number were nailed to then go ahead and teach.
Auditions took place in the second week of Autumn Term and involved all three musical theatre disciplines: singing, dancing and acting. With the crucial mantra “nothing was precast”, all 24 roles were up for grabs, making the audition process a long but essential and enjoyable part of bringing 9-5 to life. With 78 fellow students auditioning, from freshers to postgraduates, the production team had the tricky task of whittling down performers to the six leads and 18 ensemble roles. However, when speaking to the team it was clear that this process was both enjoyable and collaborative.
All of the executive production team were involved in decisions and by the end of the audition week the cast was revealed meaning no performer was left uncertain for too long. Equally, two welfare officers were hired by the 9-5 team to ensure all auditionees were happy and supported. This is something that was
really effective, with cast actively saying that the show and rehearsals have “helped with mental health”. Getting to experience a wide range of talent, the auditions are an essential part of the theatre production process. It is these talented performers that on the surface bring the show to the Stage.
With the cast finalised and rehearsals in progress, the show is closer to becoming a reality. As a cast that is “so nice to each other”, the production process is an enjoyable one, yet still takes months of hard work in order to make the February show a success.
It is this process that allows theatre to be so enjoyable and rewarding for audiences. So, next time you see a curtain call, just remember how much has gone into that moment of the final bow.