Job Roles in the Production Arts Industry

Stage ManagerAshleigh

Stage ManagerThe roles and responsibilities of a Stage Manager inevitably differ

with each job. Generally, once rehearsals begin, the Stage Manager is the eyes and ears of the production. The roles and responsibilities

are:

• Keeping notes about props, costumes and blocking• Making sure every note or new idea that comes up in rehearsal gets communicated to the

appropriate departments• Maintaining order in rehearsals• Keeping things running smoothly and on time• Insuring that people are where they need to be at the appropriate time• Prompting when actors need it• Taking line notes• Calling breaks when appropriate• Scheduling rehearsals so that everything gets done

and people's time is used efficiently• Posting notices and schedules• Maintaining contact sheets• Writing up and distributing rehearsal reports• Maintaining safety at all times• Informing the crew of what’s happening• “Calling” the show (lighting & sound cues)

Sound Designer• Design, install, operate (practicality of sound desk, speakers and

microphones. How is the sound going to be heard?)• Works extremely closely with the director or choreographer• They strive to reflect mood, create an atmosphere and underscore

the action• Sourcing the sounds and music • Editing the sounds and music (allows manipulation)• Consider diegetic and non diegetic sounds. Diegetic = what the

actor responds to. Non diegetic = what the audience, not the actor, hears.

• What equipment is needed and where? (Radio, ambient, orchestra microphones?)

• Reading, analysing and adding sound cues to the script

• Ultimately make the show realistic (if necessary) and atmospheric

Front of House Manager

• In charge of all aspects of front of house• Responsible for the audience’s health and safety• Be on duty every show night to lead the front of house team • Be in constant contact with all members of the team via

radios until the performance begins to ensure the smooth running of the event

• Oversee anything that takes place during the interval (raffles, catering)

• Source the prices of any products used during the interval• Devise a suitable car parking plan• Be in charge of ticket sales (how they will be sold, how

much for, when and where they are available)

Deputy Stage Manager

• Contribute to the design and development of sets and props• Gather information from the director to determine what

props are needed, the size of each prop and its location on the stage

• Works with a team to paint and construct the props, or order them in if need be

• Also responsible for looking after costumes and props• Record cues and set lists and have them prepared in case

actors forget• Assist the stage manager in setting up for pre-show. • Work to ensure each show starts on time as planned• During scene changes and intermission, ensure all sets and

props have been properly set up• Assist the stage manager at all times

Costume Mistress• Responsible for all costume/wardrobe related situations in the

course of the show• May be present at some production meetings and fittings• Supervises all dressers working on a production• Work with the production manager, stage manager and sometimes

the director• Help to coordinate and assign dressers to specific performers and

tasks• Help determine where and how costume

changes are made• Decides whether a point in a production

requires a quick change backstage, or if there is time for a normal change in the dressing room

• Acts as primary liaison between dressers, the costumer and stage management

Props Mistress

• Responsible for purchasing, acquiring and/or manufacturing any props needed for the production

• Works with other members of the production, managing the physical appearance of the stage or set

• Develops the stylistic concept of the physical production

• Make a prop breakdown – the progression of each prop throughout the storyline

• Ensure the props are positioned correctly for each scene according to the prop breakdown

• Revise the prop breakdown if anything is changed

Sound Operator

• Set up and operate the sound equipment• Responsible for rigging, testing the sound and running

the audio during the show• De-rig at the end of the show

Assistant Stage ManagerThe role of the Assistant Stage Manager varies and is dependant upon the type of performance. General roles and responsibilities

are:

• Sitting in on rehearsals• Propping • Responsible for cues during the performance• Assisting the crew and actors• Must stay calm under pressure

Lighting Operator

• Prepare and rig before a performance • Rig according to the lighting designer’s plan• Test the lights• Operate the lighting during the show• De-rig at the end of the show

Assistant Costume Mistress

• Works closely with the Costume Designer• Learn techniques from the designer• Source materials that may be needed• Make repairs during rehearsals and the actual show if

necessary• Carry out fittings for the actors

Assistant Props Mistress

• Discuss with the director the look and theme of the production

• Discuss with other team members and the Props Mistress what ideas you have

• Carry out research to fuel ideas• Produce designs and show the director• Source materials that may be needed• Produce some of the props