How to Build a Completely Doable Presentation Rehearsal Calendar

We are big supporters of the rehearsal process.

As Professional Actors, we’ve seen it work in the theatre time and time again.

The Rehearsal Process:

The scheduled procedure used in the theatre to ensure that every production is successfully prepared in time for opening night.

It is comprised of THREE major parts.

1. The Read Through: When the actors sit and read through the script.

2. The Stumble Through: When the actors hold their scripts and “stumble through” the pre-planned movement* of the show.

3. The Dress Rehearsal: Before an audience arrives, all of the pieces are put together- costumes, sets, lights- without scripts.

*Pre-planned movement is known as blocking.

Using these steps when you rehearse for a presentation is the key to applying your presentation skills training to real life.

But, how do you actually do it?

In the theatre, the stage manager and director work together to build a Rehearsal Calendar according to the needs of the piece.

This calendar will establish milestones, based on the Rehearsal Process, for the entire production.

And to make the most of your presentation rehearsal…

YOU NEED TO BUILD ONE, TOO.

Here’s how you do it.

Let’s assume you have a presentation coming up in a month.

Weeks 1-2½:

Write (or finalize!) your script

Take an hour a day. Any hour you want.

Create your script, THEN build your PowerPoint.

You may adjust things as you rehearse- that’s OK!

Even if you tweak things later, what’s important here is to nail down your content.

Weeks 2½-3:

The Read Through

Still only an hour a day. (Nice!)

Simply sit and read through your content aloud.

Helps you get familiar with and assess your content.

The Read Through will help you:

Discover useful vocal choices.

Identify structural issues.

Assess presentation length.

Week 3:

Block it and Stumble Through

Take a week and decide on your blocking (pre-planned movement).

Split your presentation into 10-20 minute sections. Block one section a day.

At the end of each rehearsal, “stumble through” everything you’ve done. Feel free to hold your notes.

The Stumble Through helps you:

Discover the most effective use of movement.

Build body/voice awareness.

Relate to your visual assistants.

Week 4:

Tech Week

In the theatre, “tech week” is when things like lights and sets are added to rehearsals.

Start by running your PowerPoint as you rehearse. (On your feet!)

Add elements like shoes and clothes as you go.

Tech Week gives you the opportunity to getcomfortable with all of your external elements,a bit at a time.

Week 4, Days 6&7:

Dress Rehearsal

Your last 2 rehearsals should only be missing one thing- the audience.

Should be on your feet, dressed in presentation clothes, with all technology.

If possible, have one rehearsal in your presentation space.

Dress Rehearsal is your final chance to makesure everything is ready to go before show time.

What if you don’t have a month?

Don’t worry! The Rehearsal Process can be used for ANY length of time.

Simply adjust your calendar accordingly.

Building a Rehearsal Calendar (and using the Rehearsal Process!) will give structure to your presentation practice.

Your great presentation skills training will come shining through.

(And it’s totally doable, right?)

Find more totally doable, actionable content at ovationcomm.com, or download a “Q&A How To” video here!