PRODUCTION POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

These requirements are designed to help the theatre student address specific needs that arise with certain responsibilities.  These requirements should set the groundwork for technical positions.

As each production is different, new needs may arise from specific problems.  With an advisor’s help and this document, many problems can be addressed that can occur with theatre  production.  This document is intended to help create a positive learning experience with production positions.

Please note that all PA students are encouraged to apply/request a production position, not just students in Theatre Production course (THEA 103/303). If you are not enrolled in THEA 103/303, we can potentially offer other credit compensations (through the form of Studio problems THEA 394 or Independent Study THEA 491).

STAGE MANAGER 

During auditions/rehearsals:

  • Consult Stage Manager’s Handbook on file in the Technical Director’s Office
  • Suggested purchase of Daniel Stern’s, Stage Management and Paul Carter’s, Backstage Forms
  • Set up times/spaces for rehearsals with Box Office Manager
  • Tape out set on rehearsal space floor
  • Run rehearsal/audition
  • Maintain SM supply box and return to Stage Manager’s booth when duties are completed
  • Keep production prompt book
  • Find rehearsal equipment (props/costumes/sound/furnishings) with help from appropriate design/production team member
  • Keep rehearsal equipment (props/costumes/sound/furnishings)
  • Set up costume fittings
  • Attend all production meetings (when possible)
  • Generate daily rehearsal reports
  • Distributes rehearsal reports electronically to all members of the Production Design Team daily
  • Collect bio/headshots
  • Give night class conflicts to Technical Director at least one week before technical rehearsals

During tech/performances:

  • Set tech schedule with assistance of design team (typically “10 of 12”)
  • Run tech rehearsal (including paper tech & dry tech)
  • In charge of all tech running crews and actors
  • Create run crew sheets
  • Keep sign-up sheets/daily log
  • Open and lock up all areas
  • Run performances
  • Generate performance reports
  • Oversee maintenance of the show
  • Attends strike and takes attendance of all constituents when the Technical Director determines that strike is concluded.

It is important that a stage manager keep information flowing.  S/he is at the heart of all communication.  Prompt delivery of daily rehearsal reports/notes is necessary to be effective.

WARDROBE SUPERVISOR

  • Consult with designer and shop supervisor three (3) weeks before opening about wardrobe needs (pull t-shirts, shoes, etc.)
  • Write costume inventory with designer for each character.
  • Contact crew and arrange attendance during tech week.
  • Assist in shop with labeling and general pre-performance preparation as needed (check with supervisor daily beginning two [2] weeks before opening).
  • Supervise crew
  • Check all wardrobe and pre-sets ½ hour before actor call. Iron/steam costumes as necessary.
  • Attend strike and be responsible for the return of all items to stock, all dry cleaning and laundry.

RUNNING CREWS (lighting/sound/stage/costumes/props)

  • Must be ready to work at call time (arrive early…if you are on time, you are late).
  • Must attend appropriate run-throughs to know the show.
  • Must attend all tech rehearsals.
  • Must attend all performances and strike.
  • Must wear black clothing.
  • Must not leave call until directly released by the stage manager.
  • Must attend crew meeting prior to the run of the performances.

All duties of running crews will be assigned by the stage manager after discussion with designers and director.

Example Duties:

  • Sweep and mop the stage prior to performance
  • Place all properties and set dressing
  • Sound check and headset placement
  • Laundry/ironing
  • Dimmer check

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS / ASSISTANT DESIGNERS / ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
To assist the Directors/Designers/Stage Manager with whatever duties are needed to complete the responsibilities to the show.

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

  • Checks with TD for start date of production process at the top of the term
  • Generates appropriate paperwork from the designers light plot
  • Ensure that all the lighting instruments work before hang and focus
  • Runs hang and focus of lighting instruments
  • Give list of all necessary supplies to TD one week before work call
  • Move dimmers from one theatre to another
  • Must attend all work calls and tech rehearsals/strike.
  • Supervises dimmer check prior to every performance

PROPS

  • Checks with TD for start date of production process at the top of the term
  • Discusses needs of production property design with Scenic Designer and Director.
  • Gets budget figure from the Technical Director
  • Records expenditures daily as instructed, turns in receipts to Technical Director on a weekly basis (money will not be reimbursed with out receipt. Must use a tax exempt form.)
  • Assists the Stage Manager in pulling all rehearsal props.
  • Oversees the finding or building of all properties to Scenic Designer’s specifications.
  • Supervises the construction and load-in of all properties.
  • Generates running plot and organize prop tables
  • Must attend all production meetings (when possible)
  • Must attend all technical rehearsals and strike.
  • Assists the Stage Manager in maintaining the show during performance

SCENIC ARTIST

  • Checks with TD for start date of production process at the top of the term
  • Discusses painting and textural needs of the production with the Scenic Designer
  • Does color and technique samples for Designer
  • Coordinates time and space requirements with the Technical Director, sometimes daily
  • Supervises the painting of all scenery and appropriate properties
  • Attends production meetings as necessary
  • Finishes all paint calls early enough to ensure wet paint will not damage costumes
  • Attends the last hour of each Tech/Dress rehearsal to obtain notes from the Scenic Designer
  • Maintains the show through performance by touching-up any damaged areas of sets or properties
  • Maintains and records inventory of all paint products