INTRODUCTION TO STAGECRAFT DISCIPLINES
PRODUCER: The head and, sometimes, the originator of the show and/or the money investor, who oversees all aspects of a theatre production, like hiring and supervising employees, managing operations and expenses, decision making, rent theater, etc. 1. What makes a good Producer: Plan a work schedule Plan a realistic and accurate budget (is good managing money) Knows the factors on how to choose a project, also theater and dates chosen Chooses director and technical staff based on knowledge what’s best for project Originates, develops good working relationships and connections with employees Is professional, presentable, has good manners, good communication skills Knows how to be a leader (confident, gives confidence, has control of things)
HOUSE MANAGER: In charge of all aspects in front of the house/theater (box office, ushers, security, audience). Makes sure everything is ready in the theater to start the show. 1. What makes a good House Manager: Has control and discipline about everything related and assumes responsability. Is organized, do check-ups, fosters good communication with employees & public
STAGE MANAGER: In charge of all aspects in backstage area (actors, stage hands, technicians). Oversees and verifies everything is set up on stage and backstage (scenography, lights, sound, props, microphones, costumes), gives rehearsal and performance call to actors, and organizes them and makes sure they all arrived to theater. 1. What makes a good Stage Manager: Is organized, has control and discipline about everything related. First to arrive, to organize everything, and last to leave, after verifying everything
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Could be same person as the Stage Manager, his/her main responsibilities are referred to the rehearsal process, mainly helping the director in every way, including the blocking and line dictation to the actors, creating the prompt book, and making rehearsal time phone calls to actors and appointed personnel. 1. What makes a good Assistant Director: Plans rehearsal and work schedules with every variable in mind. Has a perfectly structured Prompt Book with all blocking and technical cues. Has all contact information from actors and controls rehearsals calls, etc. Accomplishes earning cast respect and discipline, the director can depend on.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Manages and oversees all technical work in the theater. Talks to designers about the plots and directs Carpenters, Painters, Electricians and Stagehands. 1. What makes a good Technical Director: Working knowledge of all backstage technical tasks, and their management Plans his own duties and makes working schedules for all crew work Communicates with director and producer and gathers all needs, including work shifts, activities schedules, and knows how to assign technicians working shifts Has won the trust and respect from all technical staff. SET DESIGNER / SET CONSTRUCTION: The Set Designer designs the scenography, while the carpenters and painters do the construction and assembly, and Stagehands and Riggers run the set changes during the performance. Stagehands work include setting up the scenery, lights, sound and rigging. 1. What makes a good Set Designer: Is a visionary with great creative concepts and ideas Knowledge in what has been done before and if degree of functionality (and how to change it and make it personal, or start from scratch) Knows to process, convey and transform the director ideas Conscious of working with available budget (knows to estimate/quote costs) Does script analysis (including study and research of time and place) Knows about construction hardware and materials and the best alternatives Is organized and has everything pre-set on time for fast theater staging (1 day)
LIGHTING DESIGNER / LIGHTS TECHNICIAN: The Lighting Designer designs the lights for the show, while the electricians and technicians do the hang up and setting of light instruments, and run lighting board. 1. What makes a good Lighting Designer: Has vision, is creative and develops own style (handles troubleshoot issues) Knows to process, convey and transform the director ideas Does script analysis (tone, emotions, time of day, place) Is organized and has everything pre-set on time for fast theater staging (1 day)
SOUND/AUDIOVISUAL DESIGNER / SOUND/AUDIOVISUAL TECHNICIAN: The Sound/Audiovisual Designer designs the sound and screen projections for the show. Technician’s duties include setting up Speakers, Monitors, Microphones, Headsets, Projector, and run sound board. Included here are the Music Composer and Arranger. 1. What makes a good Sound/Audiovisual Designer: Has vision, is creative and develops own style (handles troubleshoot issues) Knows to process, convey and transform the director ideas Does script analysis (incidental sound, tone, emotions, sound effects) Knows musical genres and how music can be integrated to scenic action
COSTUME DESIGNER / COSTUMER (Wardrobe assistant): The Costume Designer designs the wardrobe for all performers of the show. Costumer duties include wardrobe confection and/or acquiring, and changes during performance. 1. What makes a good Costume Designer: Has vision, is creative, knows to convey and transform the director ideas, does script analysis and research of time and place, knows how to manage budget
PROPS MASTER (PROPERTY): The Props master designs, creates, buys, finds and/or assembles all property and furniture for the show, and do props changes during performance. 1. What makes a good Props Master: Is creative, skilled at manufacturing, does script analysis and research of time and place, knows how to manage budget
MAKE-UP & HAIR DESIGNER: The Makeup & hair designer designs, and usually also applies, all makeup and hair styling to all performers, and changes during performance. 1. What makes a good Makeup & Hair Designer: Has vision, is creative, conveys and transforms the director ideas, does script analysis and research of time and place, knows about working with hair pieces