A theatrical production refers to a play, opera, or musical that is performed live on stage for an audience. It may refer to a comedy or drama, and is typically based off of a script or series of songs to be performed. Most theatrical productions take weeks to months of planning and rehearsal, and are comprised of actors as well as a director, producer, and crew. The crew can include sound technicians, set designers, and costume designers. For musicals or operas, choreographers, musicians, and musical directors may be needed as well. A great deal of time and effort goes into theatrical productions of all sizes.
There are many different groups of people who choose to put on a theatrical production, all the way from elementary school children to highly paid professional theater companies. Many schools will have a yearly play put on by the students, sometimes multiple plays are put on by younger children and older high school students. As much as possible, the theatrical production will be run by students, with different students acting as actors, directors, and stage crew to help them learn. Musicals are especially popular options for students because they are able to showcase many different talents.
When a group of people or a professional company is putting on a play or musical theatrical production, they will typically begin with a script that is already written. Occasionally, the group will write the script as well as produce the play from start to finish, but this is less common. The director and producer, as well as anyone else involved in casting the play, will then hold auditions for the various parts. This is true of virtually any theatrical production, including those put on by opera companies or dance companies. Once the production is cast, rehearsals will begin and continue until opening night; costumes and sets will be designed and tested.
The theatrical production will then be put on for an audience. In most cases, there will be a charge to see any production; the charge can vary drastically depending on the experience and notoriety of the company putting on the show. Everyone involved in the production must work together during a live show to be sure it goes off without a hitch. Once a production for a play or opera is fully developed, larger theaters will often preserve its various elements, and revive the production from time to time over a number of years; even though the cast members and directors may change, the production will remain essentially the same until it is replaced by a new one that presents the work with a different interpretation.