There is a superstition that a perfect dress rehearsal does not mean a good opening night. Perhaps there is some sense in this, if it goes wrong on the dress rehearsal then at least the problem is known about. But if it is a technical problem, I would have to ask if there was a proper tech rehearsal? If not, realise you need to do a tech rehearsal after the chaotic dress rehearsal. And if you must, you can do a walk through with the performers too. Technical problems can of course occur any time, but being prepared for failure requires a knowledge of what may happen.

Yes! And always listen to other people even actors. Good ideas can come from anyone, and smart people listen to any and all!! I have had on more than one occasion had, even an actor, suggest a very creative soulation to a problem. And, guess what they solved the problem! So stiffel your ego and listen!!!!!!

If the problem is realistically fixable, fix it. If not, work around it and fix it later. Never let a problem stop you from moving forward or achieving your goal - work the solution and move on

Solve the problem, what else? Besides - it's a dress rehearsal, isn't it? Bad dress rehearsal - great premiere! And now LinkedIn says a lot of words would be a lot of help. 125 characters at least... okay, is that enough now?

Chaos is Your Greatest Teacher When your dress rehearsal is in chaos because of a technical problem, you’re not dealing with a failure—you’re staring down an opportunity. This is where real leaders emerge, where adaptability becomes your greatest skill, and where you show what you’re made of. 1️⃣ Pause and Own the Moment Panic is contagious, but so is composure. Take a breath, assess the situation, and figure out the root cause. Identify the most critical issue first—don’t try to fix everything at once. Focus brings clarity, clarity brings solutions.

2️⃣ Empower Your Team This isn’t just your problem; it’s a team effort. Everyone in the room has a role to play. Communicate clearly, delegate effectively, and create a shared sense of purpose. Chaos doesn’t thrive where collaboration exists. 3️⃣ Improvise with Intention Perfection isn’t the goal anymore—progress is. Find creative workarounds, strip the problem down to its simplest form, and move forward. Your ability to adapt on the fly is what keeps the momentum alive.

4️⃣ Turn Chaos Into a Lesson This isn’t just about fixing today’s issue—it’s about learning how to handle the next one. Every challenge is a blueprint for resilience. When the lights come up on show day, this moment will have made you stronger. In the face of chaos, you don’t just salvage the show—you elevate it. Because greatness doesn’t come from a perfect plan; it comes from the ability to adapt when everything goes wrong. #LeadInCrisis #AdaptAndThrive #TurnProblemsIntoPower

• 1. Identify the exact problem (e.g., sound, lighting, video, or power failure) and determine the root cause. 2. Prioritize Communication • Inform the production team, cast, and crew about the issue and the steps being taken to resolve it. 3. Implement a Backup Plan • Use pre-tested contingency systems 4. Focus on the Most Critical Components • Triage the technical elements. For instance, if lighting effects are malfunctioning, prioritize basic illumination so the show can proceed safely and visibly. 5. Utilize Rehearsal Time Wisely • While the technical team works, rehearse non-technical aspects like blocking, choreography, or dialogue. 6. Call for a Pre-Show Check

Por eso es que es fundamental entrenar improvisación con tu grupo. No solo porque así se puede actuar con más fluidez en caso de estos inesperados, sino que aplicar la mentalidad impro al problema puede ayudar a encontrar una solución entre todos.