AN AMERICAL MUSICAL
FROM VISION TO PERFORMANCE

The inaugural project of The Democracy Ensemble with be a concert reading of An American Musical by Dr. Jack Tierney.
A concert reading is not a “lesser production;” it is a different theatrical form. Rather than presenting a fully staged musical,
it places the emphasis on storytelling, music, and performance. Our goal is to explore that form with the highest level of professional artistry.

Our development strategy is intentionally flexible, leaving many decisions traditionally made in theatrical productions—such as casting, scheduling rehearsals and performances, and other production details—to be determined as the project evolves and key leadership roles, including the producer and directors, are filled.

Even so, every successful production begins with a vision. The schedule below illustrates one possible path from the first table read to the final company debrief. It is offered as an example only; each production will establish the timeline that best serves its artistic and practical needs. Although presented as a concert reading, our goal is to achieve the highest professional artistic standards at every stage of the production process.

ILLUSTRATIVE PRODUCTION TIMELINE

"From Vision to Production"

WEEKS 1–4: REHEARSALS

Three rehearsals per week T-W-Th (3 hours each)
Total rehearsal time: 36 hours

WEEK 5: PERFORMANCE PREPARATION

Tuesday: Act I run-through
Wednesday: Act II run-through
Thursday: Full run-through (Acts I & II)

WEEK 6: PERFORMANCE WEEK

Tuesday: Technical rehearsal
Wednesday: Dress rehearsal
Thursday: Invited Preview Performance
Friday: Evening Performance followed by audience talkback
Saturday: Evening Performance followed by audience talkback
Sunday: Matinee Performance

Following Week

Company Debrief
Evaluation of the production process, audience response,
and recommendations for future development.

And finally... a well-earned cast and crew celebration!