Depending on the size of the cast, the leads may rehearse key scenes separately and only join the ensemble as required. In a typical New York rehearsal hall, Jon Cryer and Daniel Jenkins rehearse Big 's FAO Schwartz scene. The exhausting effort to put on a show is much easier when everyone gets along and operates as a team. With chances to work on Broadway so rare today, most actors do not waste time with poor behavior. I know one popular leading lady who wins raves and sells tickets every time she steps on a stage, but producers are so loathe to hire her that she goes years between Broadway jobs.
Savvy directors know when to play disciplinarian and when to let things lie.
When an actor demands to do things their own way, it is often easier to let preview audiences verify what works and what does not. As the date for the first performance nears, rehearsals move into a theatre where sets, costumes, lighting and orchestra can be added. Any number of technical and full dress rehearsals will take place. The last dress usually includes an audience of invited friends and relatives. Friends and family fill the house and see the show performed with no sets and the cast in street clothes.