Here’s a full 8-week rehearsal plan for To Be A Star by D. M. Larson (from Freedrama). I’ve included a structure that balances warmups, acting, and dance rehearsals, while building toward a polished performance. You can adjust depending on your cast size, number of rehearsals per week, and final show date.
🎠8-Week Rehearsal Plan for To Be A Star
General Structure for Each Rehearsal (2 hours example)
10 min – Drama game warmup (focus, ensemble, or energy)
20 min – Acting / dance skill drills (voice, movement, choreography review)
70 min – Scene & dance rehearsal (block, act, polish)
15 min – Run-through / notes
5 min – Reflection & cool-down
Week 1 – Read & Explore
Goal: Build ensemble, understand story, initial script read.
Warmups: Zip Zap Zop (focus), Mirror Game (connection).
Table read: Everyone reads through the whole play.
Discussion: Themes of ambition, friendship, and performance.
Start basic dance warmup: Follow the Leader with simple moves.
Week 2 – Blocking & Character Work
Goal: Block major acting scenes, explore characters.
Warmups: Name & Gesture Circle, Emotion Walks (explore physicality).
Begin blocking first half of the play.
Acting exercises: Improvised “interviews” in character.
Dance: Teach first group dance sequence (basic choreography).
Week 3 – Blocking Continued
Goal: Finish blocking, solidify staging.
Warmups: Pass the Clap (timing), One Word Story (listening).
Block second half of play.
Review dance sequence #1, add sequence #2.
Begin pairing acting with music transitions.
Week 4 – Run Act I / Dance Review
Goal: Smooth Act I, refine dance.
Warmups: Sound Ball (vocal expression), Energy Circle.
Run Act I in full with transitions.
Refine dance sequence #1.
Drill dance sequence #2 (clean formations).
Week 5 – Run Act II / Dance Choreography
Goal: Smooth Act II, complete choreography.
Warmups: Freeze Frame (quick creativity), Yes, Let’s! (ensemble spirit).
Run Act II in full.
Teach final dance sequence (#3).
Combine dance #1 and #2 in a run.
Week 6 – Full Run with Dances
Goal: Stitch play and dances together.
Warmups: Character Walks (rehearse in character), Colombian Hypnosis (focus).
Run entire play with dance sequences included.
Notes on pacing and transitions.
Clean entrances/exits.
Week 7 – Polishing
Goal: Refine performance, focus on emotion & precision.
Warmups: Status Game (character power dynamics), Gibberish Conversations (nonverbal).
Polish trouble scenes.
Full dance run with formations.
Full play run (if time).
Begin adding costumes/props.
Week 8 – Final Prep
Goal: Dress rehearsal & performance readiness.
Warmups: Ensemble Breath (group focus), Shake Out (release nerves).
Early week: Full run with costumes, lights, props.
Later week: Dress rehearsal in performance order with no stops.
Final notes & adjustments.
End of week: Performance! 🎉
Get a free PDF of To Be A Star at https://freedrama.sellfy.storey/up/ssr7/ - here os a coupon code so you can get a free copy: TBASTAR
