Crisis Wednesday--Rep Rehearsal Scheduling

In a Costume Management class that I just recently finished, each Wednesday we talked through actual scenarios of significant challenges or problems that occurred at some point in the production process for large Broadway, touring, or resident productions.  Today is Wednesday, so I provide my readership with not so much of a crisis, as a typical scheduling scenario a rep Production Stage Manager might encounter.  I did today.  Dollar amounts and names have been changed for protection of the innocent, but the proportions and stakes are the same.

The Shows:
* Two musicals performing in rep, both open the same week
* Both musicals have potential Broadway Producers

* Each musical will run approximately 90 minutes
* Show A:  a new musical not yet written (10 actors, tracked music)
* Show B:  a revised production of a NYMF success (7 actors, live band), script draft available

The Venue:
* 35' x 43' black box theatre (where show will be performed)
         Rental Rate: $2000/week, already booked for rehearsal period
* 30' x 22' classroom (currently no bookings)
         1-4 Hours:  $50/hour       4+ Hours:  $250/day
* Can rehearse in either/both locations
* Bookings must include setup/strike time
* Rehearsals/work done outside normal operating hours (10am-10pm) have extra staffing costs at 4 hour minimums with 2 person minimums

Rehearsals/Tech:
* Rehearsals: June 24-July 13, 2011
* Performances: July 14-August 14, 2011
* Show A Opening:  July 14, 2011
* Show B Opening:  July 15, 2011
* Monday is Day Off
* No actor can be called before 5pm for any purpose
* Rehearsals may not be shorter than 4 hours
* Shows do not share Actors/Directors/SMs, but do share designers
* Assume full cast must be called for each rehearsal
* Both shows must have the same number of rehearsal/tech hours
* Costume fittings must occur during rehearsal hours
* Show B will need a Sitzprobe and has one Union musician
* Modified AEA Showcase rules apply for all rehearsals, including meal breaks & rest periods
* Both shows will need "adequate" tech time TBD by you

THE TASK:  Create a Rehearsal Calendar that details when each show will be in rehearsal/tech each day and in what space.  You must maximize the number of rehearsal hours, while minimizing or eliminating any costs to the company outside of the weekly black box rental rate.  The final call of how much rehearsal and tech time each show needs is up to you, but remember Broadway producers are coming to see the performances (with your name in the Playbill).

It is 8:00pm.  You're alone in the SM office.  The Producer must sign a contract with the venue at 10:00pm.