In a theatre, there are many different roles. The different roles depend on many things, but most of the time it depends on the scale of the theatre and the budget. During our term in set design, we found out about what different sized theatres have when designing a set. The most common and in all theatres are the set designers. These are found in every theatre, but extremely small amateur productions could have this role merged with the directors. This was like when we did our installation project where there was no designated set designer, but as a group, we all worked together to create it. Another role that all theatres will have is some sort of construction team. As the theatre gets smaller, the construction team can merge with the design team, but in large scale theatres, they have their own separate team. In the design team, one role that only large scale theatres have is a team of people dedicated to model box making. This is different to how we did it for the Crucible. In this sized theatre, the design team were also the model box makers. Whereas, in the installation, we didn't even make a model box. A further role that can be in large scale theatres is a technical drawing department. This team or person has the sole responsibility to draw the technical drawings. However, in small scale theatres like the Miskin, this is also a responsibility of the design team. We also didn't make any of these for the installation as it was such a small project.

Some more roles in the theatre is the lighting team. In large scale theatres this team can include a dedicated lighting designer, plotter and operators. However, in our installation we worked as a group to work out where the lights would go, how they would look and then left them there, with no operators, apart from the person who turned them on and off at the start and end of the day. On medium scale theatres, they may have a lighting designer that is also the lighting operator during the performances. Whenever there is follow spots, no matter the size of the theatre, they will always have specific follow spot operators.

The technical theatre department team have been organised into the following teams. All of the teams are liaising with directors, going to production meetings to discuss health and safety requirements as well as keeping up to date with the directors about each department.      

Construction - These are the people that make the big props on stage. They are very important as the props these guys create make the show stand out, making it look realistic. There’s not much they can do but when it comes to the show, they’ll have the job of drawing the curtains out because the ASM roll on stage would be to carry out small props. These are the people who have to carry out parts for the big props from the workshop to stage. As they are the ones who create the big props, they’re going to follow out how pacific the directors want it to be. These are the guys who will have to work longer because they will also have to plan out what props their making and where they’d go.

DSM/ASM - DSM and ASM have different jobs to do but come under the same department. DSM stands for direct stage management. ASM stands for assistance stage management. With the DSM, they are the ones who will always be in rehearsals recording what the actors are going to do with the props so they know where the props are going to be. The DSM may need an ASM with them to run a few errands if needed. Also they’re the ones who coordinate the show making sure everything is running smoothly. They will have to write down what to say through the head set as they’re going to have to communicate with a few teams during the show who also have a head set. The DSM role is very important as they are the ones who communicate with every department, confirming with directors what is going on. ASM’s are the ones who deal with props, making sure that they are suitable for the director’s standards. Also when it’s show time, they are the one who take on and off props for each scene. Also the ASM’s would have to mark out the studio where rehearses happen and mark up props table so the actors know which prop is which. They may have to go off site and purchase props if they can not to be made or hired from online.

Lighting - With this part of department, these are the people who set up the lights for the show. Before they can do anything, they have to first plan out what type of lights they need for the show and where they go. They also have to hang up lights and check what light needs to be hanging because they don’t want to make the stage too bright. This is where they need to organise a router for who’s coming in for every show as it only takes one person to manage the mixing board. If there’s manual coloured lights, there would be someone cutting coloured cellophane sheets so they can go in front of the light. They also got to make sure that the lighting is running smoothly by testing the lights before the show in case a light or machine isn’t working properly. Even though the lighting team have to manage the lights, they might have to manage other computer machinery such as smoke machines because it is much easier.

Costume - As you can tell, this department is responsible for making the costumes for the actors. Before they can create anything, they need to research ideas for various designs then taking images of their designs to the directors for feedback and agreement. This is where they will have to be in meetings to ask the directors how exact the costumes have to be. Also with this role, you will have to work with the actors to measure up body, legs and head sizes so they know how much material they need. They will also need to be in for show if part of a costume has been ripped so they can fix it. Even though they have the money for the materials, they may have to go out and buy other stuff to decorate the costume.

Set Design - This department designs the set of the stage. They have to read through the script so they have ideas of creating the set of the stage. They will have to create 3D model designs so they have a clearer picture of what can be created. They will also have to prepare an estimate cost of how much will be needed to create the set. As soon as they get the money they need, they have to manage the budget. They will be there when rehearsals are going on as they could have better ideas seeing how the actors interact with the set and working out what changes they need to make. They will have to go to all the production meetings and communicate. When the shows are still going on, they will have to still work on the design of the next show even though they are not needed for the previous show. In a way, the set design are managing with big props as well but more of the props that are going to be designed. 

Production Administer - This is a role that has a wide range of jobs to do. They’re the ones who market the show so they can get the largest audience possible. They’re also the ones who sell the tickets so they know how many seats will be available or not on the days. They hold the budget as they are the ones who have meetings with the production management so they decide how much each department can have. They also manage petty cash for little bits such as materials and tools that are needed. They will be running the front of house and the staff that are working on bar and selling consumables and merchandise. They are also important at the meeting as they inform everyone how many tickets have been purchased so the directors are aware of how well everything is going.

Sound - With this department, they are reasonable for the sound effects and music if needed. They’ve got to have a plan too like lighting so they know where to put the speakers so they get the best sound from the audience. Also they have to put up the speakers themselves as they are familiar with the plan. Also they are responsible for making sure the level of sound in the theatre is not too low or high. Also sound are the ones who will be talking to DSM, making sure that they are ready to queue a sound effect or piece of music. In the show, they will need to have two people in as one will need to be responsible for changing the microphones and the other one to operate sound but informing if there’s a low battery on a microphone. These guys have to work on the board and computer at the same time as they get the sound effects from the computer.

Musicians - With this department, there are a few jobs that are needed to be done. They will have to learn how to play all the songs by doing separate rehearsals then when it comes to dress rehearsals, they will be practising with the actors. They will have to make sure that they are playing the right song for the right scene as it would be a total mess if they end up playing the wrong song. It is also there job to inform sound if there’s any problems with the sound of the instruments because they will not be able to perform properly. When it comes to the show, they will have a leader of a band that will be listening out for the DSM to tell them when to be ready and start playing as it prepares them. It is very important that there is a replacement for someone in case they can’t make it because of an emergency.

Actors - The jobs the actors have to do is straight forward because they have only one role to do. First of all, they will have to do a rehearsal to see who has the skills for the role. It’s their job to know which lines they will have to learn and say during the rehearsels and show. They will have to work with costume as they’ll all need to be in costume so measurements can be taken for creating.  Certain actors may have to work with sound as well because they will need to do recordings if necessary. If the actors are using props which takes one person to carry, they may not need an ASM. These are the guys who will mainly be working with the DSM and the musicians as the DSM takes notes and the musicians get familiar with the songs their playing.

There are a number of different roles within a Production Team and they are as follows;

Producer- the Producer is responsible making the final decision of all aspects of a show, i.e. who is in the production team and what role they undertake. He/she work closely with the Director to make decisions about the show because they are responsible for all aspects of the shows appearance and therefore needs to know what the Directors vision of the show is.

Artistic Director- an Artistic Director is responsible for visualising the entire season of shows that will be shown by the theatre throughout the year. Therefore they will work closely with all members of the production team, because he/she will want to know how the show is progressing.

Director- the Director knows how he/she wants the show to work. He knows how he/she the lighting/sound/costume and set will look like. He/she work closely with the producer, to make decisions about the show and to ensure that the decision he is making our acceptable because it is the Director who makes the final decision and the artistic director, to help make decisions about all the shows in the season again to ensure that what he is proposing is accepted because the artistic director is responsible for the entire season and therefore will want to ensure that the shows look good so that money is brought into the theatre. The Director also talks to the actors throughout the entire production process. This is because they are the people performing to the audience so they need to know what they are doing and how the Director would like them to perform.  

Stage Manager- The stage manager is responsible for the running of the stage throughout the show. They work closely with the Company Stage Manager; who is responsible for the welfare of the company, and the Technical Stage Manager; who is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of technical are correct to what the director has specified.

Deputy Stage Manager- The Deputy Stage Manager is responsible for knowing the show inside out. He or she does the blocking on scripts, makes notes throughout the rehearsal stage of the production and during the show is responsible for following the show and giving out cues to sound and lighting. They work closely with every member of the production team. They are known as D.S.M

Assistant Stage Manager- They are responsible for doing whatever the D.S.M says. On show nights they run the wings, ensuring that all the props are in the correct place and the actor go on at the correct time. They are also in charge of the crew. They are known as A.S.M.

Set Designer- The Set Designer is responsible for designing what the set will look like. They will talk to the Director, who will give the Set Designer his vision of what he would like the set to look like, allowing the set designer to produce a model to show the director what the set will look like. This model will also be shown to the rest of the production because they needed to know for example where lights or speakers can be placed on the set. The Set Designer will talk to the LX, to ensure that the lights and colours of the set are correct because if they are the same the effects given off by the lights will not be seen by the audience, as well as the wardrobe department to ensure that colours of the costume don’t blend into the set stopping the audience seeing the costumes from being seen.

Construction- Construction is responsible for building the set. They will work closely with the Set Designer to ensure that the set is constructed correctly, because they have given them the diagrams and set models and therefore will need to ensure that the set is being made correctly.

Sound Designer- The Sound Designer is responsible for the planning all the music and sound effects for the production. He/she will talk to all departments in departmental meetings to find out what the rest of the production team has completed.

Sound Operator- The Sound Operator is responsible for operating the sound systems throughout the production. He/she will work closely with the D.S.M during shows because they are responsible for giving the cues throughout the show.

LX Designer- The LX Designer is responsible for designing the productions lighting. He/she will work closely with all departments, but most importantly with the director; who gives the LX Designer the idea of what he would like the lighting to look like. This is because they lighting designer can then tell the director if he can or cannot do what he as requested. The LX designer will also talk to the Set and Costume Designer; to ensure there are no colour clashes.

Chief LX- Is responsible for rigging and lighting the stage for a production. They will work with LX Designer; using the design they have produced to rig the production.

Costume Designer- The Costume Designer is responsible for designing all of the costumes for the production. They will work closely with all department members but most importantly the director; who gives his ideas for the costumes and the Set and LX Designer to ensure there are no colour clashes.

Wardrobe Manager- The Wardrobe Manager has the responsibility of looking are the costumes once they have been designed and made.

Wardrobe Assistant- The Wardrobe Assistant assists the Wardrobe Manager during rehearsal and productions.

Dressers- A Dresser helps to dress cast members during the production.

Flyman- Flymen are responsible for flying sets.

Crew- The crew help out across all departments.

Producer-

The producer in the theatre is the overall “controller” of all financial costs of different elements in the theatre such as hiring different artistic directors and creative staff such as designers, writers and choreographers. They are also are responsible for projecting their initial ideas of what show they want to be produced to all creative staff and keep on all staff every so often to ensure that design and show deadlines and being hit. The producer and artistic director often discuss what staff and elements are required in order to fur-fill the artistic directors vision of the show.

Artistic director-

The artistic director has artistic control of the theatre, the producer and artistic director have similar priorities within the theatre eg. Hiring the most suitable staff for the specific show, but the artistic director is more arts based and concentrates on hiring the right director and crew to ensure that all members of the company are working to a professional standard. Whereas the producer is more controlling of show budgets and controls money income and outcome. In smaller scaled theatres the artistic director is often the founder of the theatre and occasionally directs the crew on stage, but in larger theatre companies the artistic director hires directors who help them to fully fur-fill their vision of the show on stage.

Director-

The director controls how the actors perform their part on stage and are trained to help with the lighting effects and sound aswell as backstage management to maintain them all members of the crew are working effectively as a team to perform to the best of their ability. The artistic director communicates to the director their idea how the show should look and how the actors should perform their lines and it is the directors job to take on the artistic directors advice and creative the show the artistic director intended rather than using their own ideas.

Stage Manager-

A stage manager is an employee that has overall responsibility for back- stage and on-stage management and making sure the whole production of the show runs smoothly. A stage manager may be performed by an individual in small productions, while larger productions typically employ a stage management team consisting of a head stage manager, or “Production Stage Manager”. The stage manager also helps with the communication between the director and crew as they can act as a messenger to get ideas across.

Assistant Stage Manager-

The assistant stage manager assists the stage manager in duties such as managing stage wings during show times, for example the stage manager manages one wing whilst the assistant manager manages the other. Also they would be instructed to mop floors and clean the theatre etc when the stage manager isn’t present.

Deputy Stage Manager-

The Deputy Stage Manager prompts actors and will usually cue technical crew members and sometimes cast, while following the orders of the director and stage manager. They also ca;; actors to hold while technical problems are sorted out during rehearsal, and determines where in the script to restart paused scenes. The deputy stage manager is a separate position in some theaters, while in others their responsibilities may be assumed by the stage manager or assistant stage manager.

Technical director-

The technical director is usually highly skilled and will be in charge of all technical production within a theatre eg in charge of sound and lighting. They also are responsible for the training of sound and lighting designers as well as communicate with the directors so that they can produce the sound and lighting that suits the different shows scenes and makes the show more affective.

Set design-

The set designer/designers are instructed by the director and artistic director to design ideas for show sets, they also have to be trained in their field as occasionally they have to help out with construction in order to get construction workers to complete tasks to a certain standards. When designing sets they have to take into account things like how actors enter, stand on, and leave the set; as well as the expense or certain materials used on the set.

Construction-

Construction workers are hired by the set designers to affectively construct sets to professional standard, there are often a team of construction workers that are specialised in this field aswell as being trained in things like welding and wood-work to make different props and pieces of the set.

Sound design-

The sound designer communicates with the director and the director instructs the sound designer/designers to create different moods and effects with sound for upcoming show, sound includes sound effects as well as microphone control and occasionally music for shows and musicals.

Sound operation-

Sound operation takes instructions and receives briefs from the sound designer to put their ideas and effects into operation during show times. In larger theatres the sound designers with hire and train the sound operators but in smaller theatres the sound designers may also operated the sound during show times.

Lighting designer-

The lighting designer/designers are hired by the director or technical director and are trained in operating lights during shows as well as designing lighting effects to create different moods and emotions.

Chief LX-

The role of the chief LX is to take ideas and briefs from the lighting designer and put their ideas into action during show processes. They are also responsible for queuing lights and scenes so they have to be very organised in the way that they know the script fully so can queue starts and ends of scenes at the right moments in order to make an effective show.

Costume designer-

The costume designers are hired by the director for different shows depending on what kind of show it is (eg a large christmas show will be more likely to need new designs for costumes than a small show that has no costumes and all actors have to wear black). The job of the costume designer is to think of ideas and create new outfits for certain shows that need big costumes. They have quite an important role as they also have to buy materials for costumes and take care of expenses and fittings of all roles.

Wardrobe manager-

The wardrobe manager is in charge of fitting actors and effectively dressing them for their part in the show. They work along-side the costume director as they sometimes have to discuss whether certain costumes for upcoming shows have to be specially made of can be bought of found elsewhere.

Crew/Flyman-

The crew are hired by the director to be responsible for putting up all speakers and lighting into a studio or theatre aswell as lifting stage weights and putting up different pieces of set. The flyman/flymen are responsible for dealing with tying robes and putting up lighting at the top of the stage (hense the word “fly” meaning they often have to work up high in the theatre).  

Cast-

The cast are actors hired by the director and occasionally the artistic director to play the parts of different characters during shows. Often new actors are hired for each show as previous actors may not suit the part of upcoming shows. Actors are trained and instructed by the director on and off of the stage to fur-fill the plays intentions.

Front of house team-

For the past few days I have been collecting objects such as an old garden chair that we are going to place in the venus room and spray paint it pink and glittery to give it a soft and girly effect. Also I came up with a list of things to get for both rooms…

Venus:

fake flowers (x200)

lollypops

bring chair in

styrofoam (to create strange objects)

cotton wool (for cotton candy)

wallpaper samples to decorate room

lots of glitter

spray paint (for objects in room)

Saturn:

old furtinure

rocking chair

newspaper (preferably enough to cover walls)

old paintings

coffee table

vases

dead flowers