There are a wide variety of roles in the theatre with
responsibilities ranging from artistic and technical to administrative.
Theatre Ontario's publication "Guide to Producing in Community
Theatre" offers a detailed manual on careers in the theatre with
job requirements and responsibilities.
Here are the job titles most frequently used by theatres
in Canada together with a brief explanation of their responsibilities in
staging a show.
Artistic Team
Technical Team
Administration
Artistic
Team
Actor or Performer
The actor, performer or cast member is by far the most visible
person in the theatre. Performers combine their own interpretation of
their character with the artistic vision of the director to communicate
the words and ideas of the playwright on stage. There are many different
tools for the actor to perfect their craft. If you are an actor, you are
responsible to the director and stage manager for punctual attendance at
rehearsals, memorizing your lines and learning your role. It is your
responsibility to come to rehearsals well-prepared and ready to work.
During the show, all actors are responsible to the stage manager in all
areas concerning conduct backstage, the maintenance of the dressing room
and handling of make up, properties and costumes.
Artistic Director
The artistic director is often trained as a director, actor,
stage manager or writer and brings their extensive knowledge and
experience as the leader of a theatre company. The artistic director is
responsible for creating an artistic vision not only for any show they
direct and but for theatre company's entire season. The artistic director
selects the plays, the directors, organizes auditions and casting and
assembles the creative team for each show in consultation with the
selected directors. The artistic director may also commission a playwright
to create a new play, coordinate workshops of plays-in-progress, read a
wide variety of scripts and attend theatre productions to keep in touch
with the rich pool of theatre talent. Together the artistic director and
general manager of a theatre company work within the mandate of the
company to plan the overall artistic activities, deliver programming in
the theatre and share administrative duties necessary for the successful
operation of the theatre (human resources, community outreach,
fundraising, Board and committee work).
Choreographer
The
choreographer is responsible to the director for the creation of all dance
movement for the production. The choreographer sets dance rehearsals in
cooperation with the director, the musical director and the stage manager;
auditions the dancers and may assist the director in casting. They may
also, together with the director and musical director, block and direct
those scenes in the play that move into and out of the musical numbers.
Because some actors may not be trained in dance, the choreographer is also
the one who teaches the cast members how to execute the choreography and
rehearses them.
Composer or Sound
Designer
Having original music created by a composer is a plus
for any production although it's not always feasible for some smaller
companies. The Composer or Sound Designer should have a good understanding
of the play that allows them to interpret and emphasize the themes and
ideas of the work through music. They are responsible for planning,
designing and creating sound effects, soundscapes, pre-show and
intermission music which support the director's vision and takes into
account budgets and equipment limitations. They also help the director to
select music that helps to bridge scene changes or transitions. In the
technical rehearsal, the sound designer fine-tunes and sets the timing and
levels of sound cues in consultation with the director, the stage manager
and technical director. During technical rehearsals and shows, the sound
operator runs the lights.
Costume Designer
The costume designer is responsible for clothing the actors
including wigs, hair style, jewelry, footwear, period clothing and
undergarments. They work within the director to create costumes that are
both functional, affordable and imaginative. The designer must also take
into account the activity, safety and comfort of the actors. The costume
designer creates colour sketches that easily communicate the final "look"
that are presented for approval to the director. The costume designer
supervises the collection of costume pieces that may be purchased,
borrowed or constructed. The costume designer does not necessarily build
the costumes, they may have wardrobe assistants, a cutter or seamstresses
to assist them. A costume designer has a strong visual sense, a talent and
love for fabric, colour and clothing, and a strong sense of what looks
good on an individual. They have experience in building costumes, mixing
and matching, and adapting existing costume pieces to new uses.
Director
The director is
responsible for bringing the actors and the playwright's words and ideas
together under one artistic vision. Whatever interpretative approach the
director takes, it involves research, collaboration with designers,
leadership, an ability to match actors with suitable roles and an
understanding of the actors' craft. Some directors are also artistic
directors and have an opportunity to select the script and creative team.
The director oversees auditions and casting and may have an opportunity to
select the creative team for the show in consultation with the artistic
director or producer. The director must have excellent communication
skills, strong organizational skills, strong intuition, a clear artistic
vision, and a willingness to work with many people with a range of
experience and abilities in a nurturing and supportive manner. The
director is responsible to the artistic director/producer/general manager
for the delivery and interpretation of the show's artistic elements by
opening night in a financially responsible manner. He or she is
responsible for rehearsing and preparing the actors, and communicating the
artistic vision to the designers and other creative, technical and
administrative players. Because any decision taken by the director will
have a ripple effect on the whole company, he or she should be
knowledgeable in all aspects of theatre, including design, lighting,
sound, costume and acting technique.
Lighting Designer
As with the other designers, the lighting designer is a part
of the design team whose responsibility it is to design the lighting for
the show. The lighting designer creates a lighting design concept for the
show, based on and supporting the set designer's and director's vision,
taking in other design elements and the limitations of the available
equipment and budget. Keeping in close consultation with the director,
other designers, production manager and technical director, the lighting
designer assesses the lighting needs for the production, creates a
lighting plot, a rough cue-by-cue lighting plan, then hangs and focuses
the lights. In the technical rehearsal, the lighting designer fine-tunes
and sets the timing and intensities of lighting cues in consultation with
the director, with the stage manager and technical director. During
technical rehearsals and performances, the lighting operator runs the
lights.
Musical Director
If a musical is being produced, the show will have a Musical
Director. They are responsible to the director for all musical aspects of
the production. The musical director may serve as the conductor, rehearse
the musicians, teach the cast the music or act as the rehearsal pianist.
The musical director sets music rehearsals in co-operation with the
director, the choreographer, and the stage manager; auditions the singers,
and may assist the director in casting.
Playwright or Writer
Whether it was written last week or a hundred years ago, the
playwright's work is the source of all that happens on stage. The
playwright or writer creates a make believe world in which the audience
can learn, be engaged and entertained and escape.
Set Designer
The set
designer creates a design concept and set that mirrors the director's
artistic vision, and takes into account the available space and budget.
The set designer creates a model that easily communicates the final set,
and also creates a set of accurate blueprints for the carpenters,
painters, and props department. A set designer has a strong visual sense
and the ability to conceptualize in three dimensions and large spaces.
They have a good understanding of the interaction of colour, light and
shadow. The set designer must be able to build scale models, create
accurate blueprints and should have the technical experience and
communication skills to supervise carpenters, technicians, and scenic
painters.
Technical Team
Carpenter
The carpenter (also known as master
carpenter or head carpenter) interprets the set designer's drawings and
set model into a functional set. What kind of drawings you receive will
depend on the talents of the designer. You should also be prepared to
consult fully with the set designer and the technical director on every
aspect of the design and budget to complete it.
Lighting
Technican/Operator
The lighting operator/operator begins
their job with the hanging and focusing of the lights under the
supervision of the electrician or technical director. They are responsible
to the technical director for handling and operating of lighting equipment
during the rehearsal and run of the show, checking of all lighting
equipment prior to each run, reporting all equipment failures to the
technical director, and checking to see that all equipment is turned off
and safely stored at the end of each rehearsal or performance. The
lighting technician/operator is responsible artistically to the lighting
designer and director for the lighting cues as rehearsed. During
rehearsals and performances, the stage manager is the leader who calls the
lighting, sound and special effect cues in the booth or on headset. At the
close of the show, the lighting technician/operator, under the supervision
of the technical director, participates in the taking down of lights and
safe storage or return of lights. The lighting technician/operator should
have a good understanding of electrics, lighting equipment and
computerized lighting boards.
Make-Up Artist
This position is not always necessary as many
actors take responsibility for purchasing and applying their own make-up.
For more imaginative and intricate make-up designs, a Make- Up Artist may
be consulted.
Props
The properties department (props) is
responsible for borrowing, buying, or building stage properties and
furnishings (set dressing) for both rehearsal and performance. Props is
responsible to the director and set designer for securing props that match
the designer's drawings and ideas. The head of props is required to work
within the budget provided by the producer, set designer or production
manager and to keep clear records of all loans and rentals for safe return
following the final performance. Props is responsible for the creation,
building, purchase, borrowing, rental and repair of props, food used on
stage and set dressing for the show. A props person, production assistant
or crew often works backstage to oversee props placement, needs and
storage.
Scenic Artist or Scenic Painter
Depending on the size of your theatre company
and its production needs, the scenic artist is responsible to the set
designer for the supervision of painting and decorating of the set,
including furnishings and props. The scenic painter may be responsible to
the designer or the scenic artist for painting backdrops, refinishing
furniture, painting and texturing flats and set pieces.
Sound Technician
Along the same lines as the Lighting
Technician, the Sound Technician is responsible for running the sound of a
show. This includes all sound effects and music unless it is provided by a
live musician.
Stage Manager
The stage manager is always on time, and makes
sure everyone else is too. The stage manager is responsible for the smooth
running of rehearsals, and is the first to arrive and the last to leave.
During rehearsals, the stage manager works closely with the director and
communicates any notes from the director to the producer and production
team. Actors report to the stage manager, both during rehearsal and during
the run of the show. The stage manager maintains a neat, orderly and
easily understood prompt book that includes all information involved in
the running of the show (blocking notes, schedules, all production memos
and company lists). Once the show has started, the stage manager oversees
all backstage activities and ensures the show is technically sound and
running smoothly. After opening, the stage manager is responsible for
maintaining the director's vision throughout the run. Stage managers have
strong organizational and communication skills, efficient work habits, a
calm and helpful manner under pressure, the ability to deal with several
problems at once, an excellent sense of time and humour and very neat
handwriting.
Technical Director and Production Manager
The Technical Director is responsible to the
Producer or Production Manager for the organizing and costing of the
technical needs of the show - materials for the set, lights, sound,
equipment rentals and special effect needs. The Technical Director manages
and directs the crew, coordinates the lighting technicians, the sound
technicians, the set builders to keep everyone working together to meet
deadlines. The Technical Director works with the designers and technicians
to make technical rehearsals work smoothly up to the final dress
rehearsals, previews and opening night. In many productions, the
production manager and technical director role are merged into one job.
The Production Manager oversees the work of the Technical Director,
designers, wardrobe and props and is responsible for supervising,
coordinating and balancing the technical needs of the director, designers
and department heads, with an eye on the production budget and the group's
resources of manpower, time, space and equipment. The Production Manager
keeps the technical side of the production following along a similar path
much like the Director does.
Wardrobe Team
The wardrobe team, depending on the
size of your production may include head of wardrobe, a cutter,
seamstresses and a dresser. The head of wardrobe is responsible to the
costume designer and stage manager for the organization, supervision and
maintenance of the dressing rooms and costumes. In a larger theatre, the
specialized skills of a cutter will be used to create a pattern from the
designer 's drawings that matches the measurements of the actor, the
fabric selected and historical period of the show. The seamstresses sew,
alter and repair the costumes under the direction of the cutter or
wardrobe head. A wardrobe person or dresser at performances and technical
rehearsals will have duties of checking, washing, ironing, repairing and
pre-setting of costumes and assisting actors with difficult costume
changes.
Administrative Team
Accountant or Bookkeeper
As every business, it is important to have an
Accountant or Bookkeeper - someone who is familiar with accounting
principles, banking, budgeting, cash flow, contracts, financial reporting
procedures and ticketing operations.
Box Office Manager
The Box Office Manager is responsible
for the courteous and efficient processing of ticket sales and the box
office's financial reporting systems. This includes keeping track of how
many tickets are sold by performance, ticket type and origin of sale, as
well as making sure the money is secure, arranging any complimentary
tickets and making sure that everyone working the box office is aware of
all the upcoming events or other information. They may also supervise the
box office marketing procedures through phone, mail, in-person, email and
subscription ticket sales, including gift certificates and ticket
exchanges & refunds. Box office staff will also provide advice about
restaurants, parking, tourist attractions, accommodation and suitability
of play content for children, students or seniors.
Front of House Staff and Ushers
The first people the audience sees is the
Front of House staff when they enter a theatre and they are responsible
for all activities in the auditorium (house), the lobbies and grounds of
the theatre. The Front of House Manager supervises the ushering,
concessions & bar staff, counts tickets and submits a final report at
the end of the night. The House Manager coordinates all activities and
controls audience traffic before the show and during intermission with the
ushers and stage manager to enable all performances to begin as scheduled.
"Concessions" refers to refreshments, food and bar services and novelty
materials sold by front of house staff before performances and at
intermissions. Ushers take tickets, distribute programs, show the public
to their seats, and offer any help that may be needed while being as
friendly as possible to the theatre's customers. In the event of
latecomers, disruptive patrons, first-aid needs, injuries or emergencies,
the front of house staff oversee the safety and implements the policies of
the theatre. Health and safety training and first-aid training is
necessary for front of house management. At the end of each performance,
the house manager prepares a report
Fundraiser
or Development Manager
Serves as the director of the theatre's
fundraising activities (membership, sponsorship, special events) working
in partnership with the General Manager and Board volunteers.
General Manager or Administrator
The business side of the theatre may be
managed by the Producer, Administrator or General Manager. Most theatre
companies delegate this management role to the General Manager or
Administrator. The General Manager is responsible for the overall
management of all administrative aspects of operation, including revenue
development, contracting, legal, budgeting, human resources, financial
reporting and planning, supervision of marketing, box office and fund
raising activities and community outreach. They prepare grant applications
and reports to all public and private partners. Together the artistic
director and general manager work within the mandate of the company and
its resources to ensure the successful operation of the theatre. They
report to and work with the Board of Directors of the company.
Marketing Director
The Marketing Director is responsible for the
overall image of the organization and coordinates staff and activities in
all areas of education, group sales, publicity, media relations,
telemarketing, advertising, ticket marketing and subscriptions in order to
sustain and expand audiences and earned revenues.
Producer
The business side of the theatre may be
managed by the Producer, Administrator or General Manager. In a small
company, the Producer coordinates and is responsible for all aspects of a
production, both technical and artistic. She or he is responsible for the
organizing and management of finances, personnel, scheduling, and time
management and reports to the Board of Directors of the company. The
producer coordinates production meetings, facilitates communication
between departments, and keeps up to date on all developments from first
inception to final wrap-up of the theatre project. Ultimately, it is the
producer's job to ensure that everyone has a clear job description and is
able to do their job effectively and with pleasure. The producer must be
enthusiastic about and show a strong commitment to the artistic vision of
the project. Most theatre companies divide the producer's responsibilities
between the artistic director, general manager and production manager.
Publicist
Getting the
word out, using the media to promote your show and drawing people into the
theatre is the Publicist's job. He or she develops posters, brochures,
postcards, flyers, advertisements, public service announcements, web
information and press releases in order to draw attention to the play. The
Publicist also coordinates interview requests, all content in the house
program including artists biographies and program notes, press kits,
media's complimentary tickets, lobby display, photo shoots with actors,
and opening night party.
