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Production Manager
Works with the
director to provide everything he or she needs to put on a good show.
Assembles a list and coordinates the acquisition of needed properties or
"props" and other such things to allow the director to concentrate on
the artistic aspects of the show. Stays in constant contact, often by
phone, with the director from auditions through opening night. Attends
rehearsals as required, sometimes only stopping in beforehand for a few
minutes to consult with the director.
Director
Leads and directs
the actors in character development and interpretation, pacing of
dialogue, and blocking (movement) to produce the best possible "look and
feel" for the audience. See "Select
& Direct" Program.
Assistant Director
The "AD"
attends every rehearsal and assists the director by keeping track of
blocking, schedules, and cast lists. Serves as the prompter when the
actors are "off book" (have memorized their lines). Often serves as
stage manager as well.
Prompter
If the director has
no assistant, one or two prompters (one at a time) are needed when the
actors are off book. Attends scheduled rehearsals.
Actor
Few people are "natural"
actors – like any other profession or avocation, you have to work
at it. S.T.A.R. holds open auditions for every play, but lead roles
are invariably filled by experienced actors or, less often, by people who
have at least taken acting classes. There are, however, many smaller parts
that new actors can do quite well. And, in time, these actors will start
"getting leads."
Photographer
Photos of the actors in rehearsal are needed for publicity purposes about
a month before opening night. Headshots are needed for the playbill.
Color photos are sometimes also taken during a dress rehearsal to document
the show and serve as mementos for the actors and crew.
Publicity Manager
Writes and issues
press releases, including captioned photos, to local and major newspapers
and other media a few weeks before opening night. Serves as the liaison to
any reporters who may contact the group.
Ticket Sales Manager
Handles advance
ticket sales to the cast and crew, keeping detailed records and collecting
cash and checks, which are then turned over to the group's treasurer.
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Ad Sales Manager
Sells playbill ads
to local businesses personally and through the cast and crew. Keeps
detailed records and collects cash and checks, which are then turned over
to the treasurer. Assembles ad copy and presents it to the playbill
designer, allowing plenty of time for layout and printing.
Playbill/Flyer Designer
Designs a show logo
and produces a flyer, postcard, and various other pieces to advertise each
production. Obtains the required number of copies from a commercial
printer and prepares them for mailing. Writes and/or edits biographical
material on the cast and director, and assembles copy and photos for the
playbill. Obtains the required number of copies of the playbill from a
commercial printer and delivers them to the theater before opening night.
Stage Manager/
Property Manager
In charge of the
actors and the backstage area before, during, and after all performances.
The director officially "turns over the show" to the stage manager
after the final rehearsal. Stage managers who are not also assistant
directors usually attend one or two rehearsals early on and every
rehearsal during "tech week" (the final week before opening night,
when rehearsals are scheduled almost every night), in addition to every
performance. Arrives at or before "call time" (typically an hour and a
half before curtain) and stays till all props are put away, etc.
Assistant Stage Manager
Serves as a liaison
between the stage manager and the actors in the "green room" (the
actors' waiting room). Attends every rehearsal during tech week and
every performance, arriving an hour and a half before curtain.
Stage Crew Member
Reports to the
stage manager and his/her assistant. Responsible for moving set pieces and
props before, during, and after all performances. Attends every rehearsal
during tech week and every performance, arriving an hour and a half before
curtain.
Tech Director
When a production
requires more than the usual technical expertise, a technical ("tech") director may be needed. This is someone who has previously served as
lighting or sound engineer. The tech director attends several rehearsals
early on, every rehearsal during tech week, and usually all performances,
too. He or she manages the lighting and sound engineers.
Set Designer
This person works
with the director and tech director to design the stage set - the room
or location in which the action of the play will take place.
Set Builder
An opportunity for
the handyman or handywoman to have fun and be creative. Even those with a
fear of power tools are welcome to assist and paint.
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Lighting Engineer
Reports to the tech
director (if the production requires one). Stationed next to the sound
engineer at the "tech table" at the back of the auditorium. Runs the lightboard according to the wishes of the
director and/or tech director.
Attends one or two rehearsals early on, every rehearsal during tech week,
and all performances. Works closely with the stage manager, communicating
by means of an intercom during showtime. Arrives at least an hour and a
half before each tech rehearsal or performance to set
up the equipment, and stays after the show until the equipment is put away.
Sound Engineer
Reports to the tech
director. Stationed next to the lighting engineer at the tech table in the
back of the auditorium. Runs the sound computer according to the wishes of the
director and/or tech director. Attends one or two rehearsals early on, every
rehearsal during tech week, and all performances. Works closely with the
stage manager, communicating by means of an intercom during showtime.
Arrives at least an hour and a half before each tech rehearsal or
performance to set up the equipment and stays after the show until the
equipment is put away.
S.T.A.R. is known
for its professional computerized sound, which is done entirely by
board member Glenn Reyna. To hear some clips of his work, click
here.
Box Office Manager
Greets patrons and
sells tickets to those who have not obtained theirs in advance. Arrives at
least an hour before each scheduled performance and remains at the box
office until the cash receipts are balanced and the last patron has
arrived. Turns over all cash, checks, and records to the treasurer each
night.
House Manager
Responsible for
making sure that the "house" or audience area is ready for patrons.
Ensures that the floor is swept at least an hour
before each performance. Schedules and manages the ushers, filling in as
necessary. Usually works all performances.
Concession Manager
Purchases and/or
sells snacks and beverages during intermission.
Usher
Reports to the
house manager. Greets patrons at the door, takes and tears tickets, and
hands out playbills. Turns over ticket stubs to the box office manager.
Attends at least two performances, arriving at least an hour beforehand
and staying after the show for cleanup.
Board Member
Any interested
party who is at least 18, has been involved in theatre for at least five
years, and has participated in at least one of S.T.A.R.'s
productions is eligible to serve on the board of directors (the voting
body that manages the group) by invitation of the current board. Elections
are held twice a year, usually in November and May.
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