Roles In Theatre

A theatre production is a cooperative effort.

There are three stages: pre-production, production and post-production. Some positions are active throughout this process and some are active for certain parts of it. These are some main positions to know as a foundation

It’s Showtime!

Writes the script

which includes both dialogue and stage directions. Sometimes a playwright will be involved in a production, liaising with the director and producer.

Playwright

The producer creates an approved budget,

makes sure that everything gets done by deadlines and on budget, and that resources (people, money and materials) are used properly. The producer participates in the audition process and is responsible for knowing and getting all the crew that is needed. This person runs weekly production meetings and facilitates meetings with the director and individual departments (e.g director and costume department) as well.

Producer/Production Manager

The director is responsible for creating a coherent and consistent artistic concept/vision of the play (i.e script, music, dance). The assistant director helps the director in communicating these ideas to the cast and crew. This process might need to be revised early into rehearsal due to casting or technical limitations. This person also works with the other departments to create and sustain the concept/vision.

Director

The stage manager is the coordinator and

organizer of the production. This person schedules rehearsals and rehearsal space, ensures that all cast are present at rehearsal, and records all technical and blocking information (lighting, music and actor cues, props, furniture, transitions, etc). During the performance, they coordinate cast and crew and make sure costume and prop presets have been completed, and controls the show by calling the cues.

Stage Manager

The music director is in charge of music and singing in a

production. Sometimes there is instead a vocal director (who deals with singing) and an orchestra director (who deals with instrumentation). Basically this person decides what music and/or songs are needed for the show at the request of the director and/or choreographer, and figures out how to accomplish that. So duties would include recruiting instrumentalists, and/or vocal trainer and/or recorded music, or doing those things themselves.

Sound DesignerThe sound designer is in charge of locating all the needed music and sound effects. They also need to get and set up the equipment for sound presentation. This person would work with the music director.

Music Director & Sound Designer

The set designer has the most logistical position.

They will draw a design for the performance space, that incorporates the requirements of the script, director, music director, and the choreographer. If there will be live accompaniment (orchestra, or piano/violin/guitar) they will have to include that in the space as well. This person has to do all of this within the original floor plan of the space. The design must accomodate furniture, set changes (moving pieces), special effects, and room for the actors to move.

Set Designer

The costume designer creates

a line of clothing and accessories for the cast. These ideas come from the script, time period of the play and the director. This person is also responsible for accomodating costume changes of the characters, as well as renting and/or sewing costumes. They also dry clean and/or wash costume and fabrics, and return rented costumes.

Costume Designer

The makeup and hair designer is

responsible for making sure that there are makeup and supplies for the show, including any speciality makeup and hair items. They are also to make sure that the actors have the appropriate makeup and hair style consistent for the play. This person also holds makeup and hair workshops/rehearsals around production week for the cast. This can be two separate positions or one.

Make-Up & Hair Designer

Master Carpenters – build sets and make sure

they are safe and on budget. Lighting Designers - work with lighting the

stage and other electronic elements. Master Electricians – work with the lighting

designer. Board Operator – operates the lights, audio

visual elements and sound effects on cue.

Techs & Tradies

Performs the role of a character or characters

in eth play. Works with the director to make creative decisions about performance to best tell the story and evoke the desired responses in the audience.

Actor