Rehearsal Videos - why do producers release them?

[HorseTears]

Posted: 9/17/14 at 3:34pm

Is anyone else perplexed by the release of those "open rehearsal" videos that the press is invited to for any big musical production? I understand that they're now an established part of any show's promotional/pr strategy and are designed to help sustain buzz during a sometimes long pre-opening period, but who exactly are they made for? The specialized press that covers Broadway, so that they'll continue to report on the productions?

I was just watching some of the clips from On the Town and, as a potential ticket buyer, I find these clips do more harm than good. The fluorescent lighting, the bad sound, the dinky piano (and maybe drums), the awkwardness of the set up and the lack of atmosphere give these productions a community theatre feel and the actors rarely come off well in this setting.

It would be akin to a film releasing its unedited dailies direct from Video Village to Access Hollywood.







Updated On: 9/17/14 at 03:34 PM

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 9/17/14 at 3:35pm

I don't disagree. And, as an actor, I hate having to do them. It represents whatever show you're in pretty terribly.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 9/17/14 at 3:38pm

"The specialized press that covers Broadway, so that they'll continue to report on the productions? "

Exactly. They just want as much coverage as possible. I agree that it's not necessarily flattering.

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 9/17/14 at 3:44pm

But when I watch these videos as a consumer, I'm not looking for a finished product. Yes the light is bad and the acoustics are awful, but I think most people understand that that is not what is going to be seen onstage.

I think they're usually very enjoyable, but I can see how frustrating it can be for a performer to know that the public is seeing an unpolished performance.