Production Staff Descriptions

Artistic Staff

Director - The director is responsible for presenting their interpretation of the show to the audience in the actual productions. Thus, the director has artistic control over almost all areas of production. The director has the final say in casting, staging, actor coaching, design concepts, and in all other artistic decisions.

Musical Director - The musical director is responsible for finding and directing the orchestra for the performance. The musical director is also responsible for interpreting the orchestration in a manner consistent with the director and vocal director.

Vocal Director - The vocal director is responsible for training and coaching the singers, and helping maintain vocal health.

Choreographer - The choreographer is responsible for the creation and/or expression of all the dancing/movement in the show that is consistent with the director's interpretation.

Scenic Designer - The scenic designer works with the director to design the set and creates support documents such as ground plans and elevations. Also works with the scenic artist to devise appropriate colors.

Scenic Artist - The scenic artist works in conjunction with the scenic designer to paint the set, mix colors, and work with the technical director to coordinate set hours.

Lighting Designer - The lighting designer plans all the lighting for the show including practicals. The lighting designer should also create support documents such as an instrument schedule, lighting plot, hook upsheet, etc. The lighting designer also works with the master electrician for hanging/focusing.

Sound Designer - The sound designer is in charge of determining what sound equipment is required for the show (i.e. - microphones, monitors, etc.) and finding any sound effects the director requests. The sound designer acquire the equipment, set up the equipment, and operate the sound board throughout the run of the show.

Costume Designer - The costume designer finds, buys, and creates the costumes to be worn by the actors during the show, following the guidelines given by the director. The costume designer is expected to create renderings of the costumes prior to their creation.

Properties Master - The props master is responsible for acquiring or building the props for rehearsals, performances and any set dressings requested by the scenic designer.

Rehearsal Pianist - Plays piano accompaniment during rehearsals and works closely with the vocal director. May also play piano in the pit orchestra for performances.

Technical Staff

Production Manager - The production manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the production to insure that everything runs smoothly. The production manager also runs the production meetings and keeps the production staff informed of needs from other staff members.

Stage Manager - The stage manager coordinates all aspects of what is performed onstage. The stage manager is responsible for organizing all rehearsals, reserving rehearsal space, helping to coordinate the design staff, and organizing the production to ensure all goes well. During tech rehearsals and the performances, the stage manager is responsible for coordinating all on and offstage action, including calling and inserting appropriate cues.

Assistant Stage Manager - The requirements of the assistant stage manager vary depending on the stage manager. The assistant stage manger is usually in charge of coordinating all backstage activities during the performances.

Technical Director - The technical director is responsible for coordinating construction of the set. The technical director is also responsible for creating support documents for the scenic designer's plans that layout how the set is to be constructed. The technical director is also responsible for reserving an appropriate construction space, setting a schedule for and running TAPS week and load-in.

Master Carpenter - The master carpenter uses the plans created by the technical director to guide the building of the set during set hours.

Master Electrician - The master electrician uses the support documents provided by the lighting designer to purchase (gel/gobos), rent lighting instruments, hang, wire, and circuit the lighting plot for the show. The master electrician is also responsible for running light hang and focus, maintaining the lighting and usually running the lighting board for all tech rehearsals and performances. The master electrician is also responsible for finding and training a lighting crew.

CPA Representative - Must be an employee of CPA. Will work closely with Lea Asbell-Swanger to ensure that Thespians is properly and respectfully using Schwab Auditorium. Exact responsibilities of position will be established in meetings with Lea and other CPA staff.

Production Crews

Run Crew - Works under the stage manager and assistant stage managers to perform all set changes and any other backstage operations during performances.

Build/Paint Crew - Works with the technical director, master carpenter, and scenic artist to construct and paint set pieces.

Electrics Crew - Helps with light hang and focus under the master electrician and lighting designer. Also includes two spotlight operators.

Sound Crew - Works with the sound designer to set up and operate sound equipment, as well as distributing and collecting microphones from the cast.

Pit Orchestra - Rehearses and performs the musical score under the direction of the musical director.

Props Crew - Works with the props master to build and acquire all props and set dressings.

Costume Crew - Helps the costumer gather and make all costume pieces.