During which period are the main planning activities of a theater production carried out?

The main planning activities of a theater production are carried out during the preproduction phase. This stage is crucial as it involves assembling the creative team, casting actors, securing a venue, creating a budget, developing a production timeline, and conducting initial design meetings. All these activities lay the foundation for the production itself and ensure that everyone is aligned with the vision, goals, and logistics of the project.

In contrast, the rehearsal period focuses primarily on getting the actors and crew comfortable with the material and refining the performance, while production refers to the actual execution of the show, including staging and performances. Post-production involves activities that occur after a performance, such as evaluations and possibly disbanding the production team, so it does not include the planning aspect. Thus, the preproduction phase is where the crucial groundwork is laid to prepare for a successful performance.