Stage Manager Front of House Manager

Lighting Deputy Stage Sound Props & Front of House Designer Manager Designer Costume Crew

Lighting Sound MicsOperator Operator

Assistant Stage Manager

Stage Crew

Stage Manager: Overseeing every show each time it is performed and being ready for mic changes / quick costume changes. – They may also have their own copy of the script. They must communicate the director’s wishes with the designers and DSM. Another role is ensuring stage crew + ASM know what they are doing by giving them specific tasks which is good for efficient backstage management. The SM should attend rehearsals to have a strong understanding of the show and liaise with the director about what he/she wants and making it happen. And finally, they are responsible for the organisation of backstage: e.g. scene changes and where people should be at what time, mic changes, which props are used and when and also costume changes.

Deputy Stage Manager: Perhaps one of the most vital roles in the production. They are responsible for cueing the lighting and sound operators on the night which is important because the timing must be correct in order for the performance to work. They communicate via coms and follow the script. Their cues will have been filled in

during rehearsals that they have attended prior to the show. On the night however they are also communicating with backstage, with people such as the SM (asking them to turn down the haze machine for example) or telling them that a certain mic isn’t working.

Assistant Stage Manager: Backing up the Stage Manager on the night, running errands and usually is in charge of the Stage Crew (making sure they understand what they are doing.) For example on WWRY, the ASM assisted a stage crew member with the sliding doors because 2 people were needed. In Footloose the ASM helped with the quick changes and mic changes. As well as moving props into the right position in time for a scene in which they were required. In the theatre, the ASM is usually in charge of props – keeping them safe but fixing / replacing them if they break.

Stage Crew: The stage crew are also very important because without them backstage would not run smoothly. They are responsible for what seems like the smallest jobs, such as moving props to the props table or answering a performer’s question / helping them with a concern - however they are most definitely not insignificant. Without them, backstage would be chaotic and the performers’ scene changes / costume changes would not be as quick – creating an unprofessional show. They also play an important role in the get ins and get outs – sometimes set can be difficult to move and the stage crew are there to effectively set up / take down a set.

Lighting Designer: Liaises with the director and creates the overall lighting plan for the production, within the allocated budget. Then they must be present at the rigging and focussing sessions to ensure everything is done as the director wishes. They are also on hand in case an issue occurs, for example if a gel frame runs out. The must have good knowledge about the place at which they work, (e.g. knowing what lights are available, what gels and gobos they have, be familiar with the rig, etc.)

Lighting Operator: Is involved in the rehearsals and plotting sessions. Sometimes writes their own cues and operates the lighting desk on the night of the performance. They can sometimes be responsible for setting up and shutting down equipment at the start / end of the show.

Sound Designer: For the shows this year we have not had a sound designer. The sound effects have been sourced by the sound operator. Usually they will liaise with the director and collect all of the sound for the production within the allocated budget. They would also be responsible for the position of speakers, mics and mixers. Like the lighting designer, they will be present throughout the rehearsals to ensure everything works how it should and if a problem occurs they try and resolve it.

Sound Operator: Like the Lighting operator, the sound operator operates the sound desk (Mac – Qlab) on the night of the performances. For WWRY, the sound operator

was also responsible for the projection as well. Must carry out pre-show checks, and switch on / off equipment at the beginning /end of every show. And prior to the show, attend the rehearsals in order to be familiar with the cues and when the music / sound effects are played during the performance.

Mics: Operates the desk. Good knowledge about how they work and how they are fitted – may train stage crew / ASM backstage how to fit mics.

Props and Costume: Responsible for sourcing / making most of the props and costumes for the production, within the allocated budget. Also backstage on the nights of the performances to help if a costume is ripped or a prop is broken. They also help with the quick changes.

Front of House Manager: In charge of everything that is not going on in the auditorium. Including refreshments, tickets, seats, programmes, music, the foyer / ‘Box Office’s appearance and how it will run and any decorations required. The will also be responsible for counting the money after the interval and keeping it safe until passed over to a member of staff (at college).

Front of House Crew: Back up the FoH Manager and help them with any tasks that need doing promptly, and assisting them on the night with setting up, selling programmes, drinks and sometimes tickets and also checking that the tickets are valid, whilst welcoming the audience to the college / theatre.