What is a Preview Performance?

What is a Preview Performance?

About Previews

A preview performance is a public performance that precedes the official opening of a show. We use previews as an opportunity to run the show with an audience, while implementing opportunities for improvement. During the preview period, actors and crew are still shaping the show, working through notes based on audience reactions.

Did you know…

Theatre Calgary always has preview performances of our productions. These are usually the first few days of a show’s run (typically Tuesday-Thursday, though this varies). This gives the cast, crew, and directing team the opportunity to work through any difficult moments and tweak things to make them smoother for the next performance. With a well-established play, often these previews are very similar or almost identical to what one might see on Opening Night and beyond. Theatre Calgary audiences often enjoy being a part of the preview process, as it allows them to see the production while it is still “in progress” though very close to finished.

In the case of an international premiere production like Beaches the Musical, our preview performances may look a bit different from typical Theatre Calgary previews. Because the script and music are brand-new, there may still be alterations that need to be made once the play is “on its feet”. For this reason, we have an extended preview period for this production, running from May 18 to 23. During this time, the production may go through changes as it heads toward opening night.

What does this mean for you?

If you have tickets to a preview performance, it means you are part of the process of developing and releasing a brand-new production. You might be seeing a version of the show that very few others will have an opportunity to witness!

This makes your feedback more valuable than ever! We want to know what you love (and what you don’t!) about the production, and the preview performances are the perfect time for us to take your opinions into account!

Questions?

Please feel free to get in touch with our Box Office by email  or by phone (403-294-7447)