The Design Process: Tips for the Cue-to-Cue Rehearsal

The Worship Design Studio with Dr. Marcia McFee

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Table of Contents !The “Flow Queen” page 3

Leader/Reader Placement page 4

Musicians page 5

Visuals page 5

Media page 6

Drama - Ritual Action page 6

Spiritual Practices for Leaders page 7

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© 2012 Worship Design Studio �3

Tips for the Cue-to-Cue Rehearsal

Some people call me the “flow queen.” These are folks who have worked with me and know I’m a stickler about transitions. Working through transitions is the single most important key to a worship experience that moves seamlessly from one element to the next, making it feel more like a journey than a business agenda. !So how do we achieve this? My theater background instilled in me the benefits of a “cue-to-cue” rehearsal. I think that our fear that worship will become a “performance” if we rehearse has not served us well. As the elements of worship become more sensory-rich, making sure they run smoothly so that people can worship without distraction is essential. Making sure leaders feel comfortable and can lead confidently will also make the congregation comfortable, and confident even if they are being led in something that is new or different. !

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Tips for the Cue-to-Cue Rehearsal !This is the step in the design process when we put our bodies in the worship space (it is not as effective to do this around a table and try to “imagine” what it will be like) and literally “walk through” the worship in order to ensure that we’ve covered all the details. It is also when we are able to “tweak” things, adding nuances and paying attention to the transitions that will make the worship flow. !My suggestion is to walk through the worship “from the top” (beginning to end) so you can literally see/feel what needs to happen. This step needs an eye for detail–the Shapers (Organizers) on the team will be an asset! But it also requires a sense of flow–something the Hangers (Visionaries) and Swingers (Collaborators) can help with. Thrusters (Drivers), be patient, but if the process gets stuck too long on decisions about exactly when the choir moves into place, encourage folks to make a decision and get on with the rehearsal!. (See more about these terms in Developing the Team guide in the Worship Design Studio). !Here are some questions for the rehearsal: !Leader/Reader Placement • Where are leaders sitting when the worship begins?

• When are they in their places (before the opening music, after the

procession? Etc)

• Where will they lead from?

• When do they move into/out of position to lead?

• What microphones do they use?

• Do they carry their script with them or is it in place somewhere already?

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Tips for the Cue-to-Cue Rehearsal !Musicians • When do they need to be at their places/instruments?

• Where do they sit when not playing/singing and when do they make their

transitions to keep the flow going?

• Are there readings under which music is playing and do they have their

cues? (I ALWAYS run through anything that involves more than one

medium at a time)

• Do we have a back-up plan if ritual actions with music take longer or

shorter than expected?

• How do we make the transitions smooth? When do we begin musical

introductions, when do we underscore, when is silence the best choice?

• Do we have a clear directive about tempos and feel for music? Think

through all transitions. They are crucial elements in flow! What energy is

happening and where do we need to go? Build energy? Decrescendo

into a more meditative space?

!Visuals

• Is the visual environment in place? Is anything in the way of needed

space for movement?

• If something is planned to happen with the tangible visuals during the

service, how does it happen, how is it explained, what is the timing, what

are the cues, who is doing it, do they know what to do?

• Are all ritual objects in place? (communion elements, special objects, etc)

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Tips for the Cue-to-Cue Rehearsal !Media

• Do personnel at the computer running media have marked scripts?

• Are all the needed media projections there?

• Are all the words to the songs/hymns correct?

• When do the media images change? What is the timing? Does anything

distract rather than support?

• If there are media images with sound from the computer, have you

checked it?

• Are all microphones working? Marked? In place? Fresh batteries?

• Do readers know how to operate them?

• Do the personnel at the soundboard have scripts marked with microphone

needs and timing?

• Are there lighting changes in the service? Are they marked in the script?

What is the timing and rate of speed of change?

!Drama - Ritual Action

• Are there things the congregation needs when they arrive? Do we have

people who can facilitate this? Where are they so as to make sure

everyone gets what they need?

• Are there special movements of the congregation to stations (for prayer,

for candle-lighting, for communion, for baptismal remembrance)? Do the

ushers know exactly how to help the flow of traffic?

• Are the instructions for the congregation clear AND concise? Are they

written or do we need a verbal instruction?

• If there is ensemble or solo staging, is the space clear or is there

something that must be moved before or during the worship?

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Spiritual Practices for Leaders !As a worship leader, I always find time to be in the worship space alone to walk through my own cues and imagine the worship as much as I can. I find that it helps me be more present–to actually worship with the congregation–if my body and soul have “visited” this before and I am more ready to respond to unforeseen, unexpected and wonderful surprises of the Spirit. !And I know that even as much as I like connecting with members of the worshiping community as they gather, I also need to carve out a few minutes right before start time to go away and be alone to center myself and pray (separate from the prayer time the team may have had earlier in the preparations for the day). !What practices do you need to prepare your soul, heart, mind, body and instincts for leadership? Take time to discern these and honor these so that you can be as open and grounded as possible for the work of the Holy through you.

Thank You!

May you be blessed with

peace and joy

as you prepare last-minute details

for the work of the people of God!

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