How does a Preview performance differ from the actual theatre run?

Question:In the UK, the tickets are generally cheaper than after the press night. This is because the director still has time to refine and iron out any problems with the show. It could range from making cuts to the script because the show is running too long, the lighting/sound adding or refining cues. Small set and costume changes. You should still get a good show, but what you see may be slightly different from the press night performance. The good thing is, is that you should still be seeing a very good production. It is not the same as a dress rehearsal, but depending on the scale of the show, may be a little rough around the edges. Occasionally the difference in the performances is quite a lot, especially if whole scenes have been cut, sometimes there is little difference. Whether you see a show on its first or last performance, each will be a unique experience - that is the joy of theatre.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: In the UK, the tickets are generally cheaper than after the press night. This is because the director still has time to refine and iron out any problems with the show. It could range from making cuts to the script because the show is running too long, the lighting/sound adding or refining cues. Small set and costume changes. You should still get a good show, but what you see may be slightly different from the press night performance. The good thing is, is that you should still be seeing a very good production. It is not the same as a dress rehearsal, but depending on the scale of the show, may be a little rough around the edges. Occasionally the difference in the performances is quite a lot, especially if whole scenes have been cut, sometimes there is little difference. Whether you see a show on its first or last performance, each will be a unique experience - that is the joy of theatre.

A preview is one up from the dress rehersal. It is a chance to give the critics their say and other freeloaders a free night out.

At a preview performance, the producers of the show will invite critics, and other people to come see the show to provide feedback. The producers also have people working for them in the audience who get feedback from how the audience reacts to certain elements of a show. If they see a joke is not working, or a song doesn't get the response they want they may make some last minute changes before the actual opening. The goal is for the audience to go and tell everyone they know how good the show is and promote through word of mouth. Often times it is a good way to go see a show for free or extremely reduced cost.

There's some variation from place to place and time to time, but Preview is almost always a full-on run of the show, as if there were a paying audience present, only without the paying audience--to make sure everything is in place and working. So you'll have all the set, costumes, sound, effects, music, whatever, and you don't stop the show for anything that you wouldn't stop for in a "real" performance (i.e., a fire, yes, but not if someone misses an entrance or breaks a glass onstage). It's also a chance to gague audience reaction, especially to the funny bits, and give the cast a chance to get used to (hopefully) lots of laughter and applause at the appropriate parts. With a new production, there _might_ be some last-minute fine tuning of the script based on how well preview goes, but maybe not.

It usually doesn't differ much if at all. You are seeing what they hope to show their audience on opening night. This may be the first time they have all the lighting, costumes and props, etc. all together. If anything, there could be some mistakes because of not having had all these things come together before, but usually things go just fine. The show may run a bit longer, but not too much.

The actors will give a good performance, everyone is there to please. Go and have a great time.

Marianne