U2C2- Job Roles
Producer-
The producer decides on the budgets that each department gets and manages how the money is spent to ensure no money is wasted. They also decide on the ticket prices and create plans to decide on deadlines for departments work and other important tasks and the times of the shows.
The producer then finds the production team which would consist of the stage manager and production manager as well as Front of House (FOH) staff. They also find the script and then go to the directors to make sure the performance will run smoothly and goes as well as it could.
Director-
A director organises the performance into what they want the show to look like. They transform it from a script into a performance. However to do so, they must have meetings with all the departments to organise how they want everything to be. This would mean describing costume ideas to the costume designer, explaining each scene to lighting so that they can decide the best lighting for the atmosphere of that scene and how they want the actors positioned on stage with the set, how they want them to look on stage and with set and how they want them lit in the space. This would also include the music, if they wanted a live band or pre-recorded sound or a combination of both.
Production Manager-
Although not all shows have a production manager when they do the production managers job is to have meetings with all the departments to decide all the important details. They would also manage the budget for all the departments.
Stage Manager (SM)(DSM/ASM)-
The stage manager is in charge of the stage management team, this includes the Deputy Stage Manager(DSM) and assistant stage manager(s) (ASM).
The DSM is in charge of calling the show for all technical calls such as lighting and scene change, they normally do this via headset. The DSM sits in all rehearsals and takes notes for departments and lets them know what else needs doing or changing. They also sit in every meeting to ensure the information is passed on to everyone necessary and everyone is up to date with changes.
The ASM(s) are usually in charge of running props, pre setting the stage and also scene changes if they’re needed.
Set Designer-
The set designer is part of the design team and creates the scene/set and the way it looks and works throughout the show. The design team also help with the design and creation of some props. They’re usually one of the first to talk to the directors to establish how they want the set to look. They would create a scale box model of the set to show the actors where they can interact with the set on stage and where they cannot. The box model would also be shown to the construction department to give them more of an idea what they’re trying to create.
Scenic Artist-
The scenic artist paints the set and ensures all of the painting is done correctly and according to the designs.
In smaller scale theatres the set designer will also be the scenic artist. This means designing and painting the set.
Lighting Designer (LD)-
The LD creates the look of the lighting used within the show and appropriates the lighting with the scene. They design how the lighting will look from the moment the audience begin to enter the theatre to the moment they leave to ensure that there is always an atmosphere given within the theatre.
The LD works with the directors, choreographers, set designer, costume designer and sound designer to help create the right atmosphere for each moment of the show.
A lighting plot would be made accurately with the placement of each light on the rigging bars. This would all be drawn to scale and include any accessories or additional information for the light. Plotting sessions would usually include the director and LX as they need to collaboratively decide on the look of the show and the LX ties in with the LD. During rehearsals the LD wold take notes such as actors placements when on stage and what you can you see that shouldn’t where it is lit and would change the lighting plan accordingly.
Lighting OP/LX1-
The lighting programmer works with LD and creates cues for the show. They’re also familiar with the lighting board and would usually be in charge on lighting during the show.
Electrician/ Chief Electrician- An electrician is anyone who works with the sound and lighting and are responsible for all of the lights working and the rigging of each light and ensuring they’re rigged and removed properly. They receive the plan of the lighting and sound and make sure the lights and speakers are fitted correctly and in the correct positions.
Sound Designer-
The sound designer is in charge of planning the sound used for the show whether it be recorded or live band or a mixture of both, They must also decide on the correct equipment needed and used and sourcing the sound effects.
They work with the set designer to decide where they want speakers to be placed. They have a set time to focus all of the speakers and create cues and they also sit in rehearsals so they can take notes of changes that may need to be made, for example volume level or focus etc.
Sound OP/Sound No.1-
The sound OP is responsible for the playback and mixing during the show. In larger theatre they would have multiple Sound ops assigned and a schedule made up so that nobody is overwhelmed and everybody has a break.
Costume designer-0
The costume designer decides on the final costume design used for the costumes in the show. They also work with the directors to ensure costumes are kept with what is wanted for the show.
Wardrobe Supervisor-
The wardrobe supervisor is responsible for all the activities before and during the show with costume department. They help make the costumes and how they’re going to be worn and how to fix them when broken.
Make up Artist-
The make up artist designs and applies all the make up the actors before and during the show. They design what they will look like what colours they will use and what techniques and equipment will be needed. They work with the directors to ensure the make up makes the actors look how the directors want them to.
Property Master-
The property master is in charge of props and getting props, this include replacing and fixing props whenever they’re broken. They work with the management team to make sure all the are up to standard and maintained.
Carpenter-
The Carpenter builds the set which would usually consist of platforms and columns. They do not paint the set or work with electrical equipment for the lights or sound, only the tools necessary for their job.
Choreographer-
The choreographer is responsible for the dance numbers in the shows and the look of the dance numbers. They must decide the formations for the performers and the moves they will perform and turn the moves into a piece.
If there is no Choreographer the director will usually fulfil this role.
Flyman-
The Flyman operates the flying bars (if any) which are operated by ropes to pull the props or large pieces of set on and off stage.
They would work with the construction team for the positions and rigging of these ropes.
Front of House (FOH)-
The front of house team work with the audience by dealing tickets, answering question and giving guidance to the audience where necessary, For example the location of the toilets. The would also be doing retail for example popcorn, ice-cream, drinks and other refreshments.
