Introduction To Theatre

Theatre HierarchyPositions

DefinitionsTypes of StagesStage Directions

Pre ProductionHierarchy

ProducerArtisticDirector

DirectorPublicist

House Manager

Box Office Manager

Asst. Director

Tech. Director

Stage Manager

Sound Designer

Costume Designer

Lighting Designer

Scenic Designer

Tech. Director

CostumeMistress

Master Electrician

Sound Engineer

MasterCarpenter

PropsMaster

Make-Up Crew

Costume Crew

LightCrew

SoundCrew

SetCrew

PropsCrew

Production HierarchyStage

Manager

Actors Sound Engineer

Light Board Operator

Wardrobe Mistress

PropsMaster

Dressers

AudioEngineer 2

(A2)

Shift/Run Crew

Theatre HierarchyDefinitions

Artistic Director – Producer – Director – responsible for all aspects of production – all final say goes to

the direction Stage Manager – responsible for the disseminating of all rehearsal notes

to the proper people and during the run of production calls cues and keeps production running smoothly

Asst. Director – Assists director with all tasks during rehearsal period. Takes over in director’s absence

Technical Director – responsible for the successful and timely completion of all technical aspects.

Publicists– responsible for all materials printed and distributed to advertise the upcoming production. Also responsible for the appearance of the house and selling tickets.

Set Designer– responsible for the design of all scenic elements (including set and decorative props)

Master Carpenter – responsible for the construction of the set Lighting Designer – responsible for the design of electrical and lighting elements for

a show Master Electrician – responsible for the implementation of the design. This includes

hanging and focusing of all lights as well as the programming of the light board Sound Designer/Crew head – responsible for designing all sound effects and

underscoring all sounds needed in production. Sound Engineer – responsible for the amplification of all designed sound effects and

underscoring as well as voices (if necessary). Costume Designer- responsible for the design of all costumes used in the

production. Costume Mistress – responsible for the construction or procurement of necessary

pieces, including accessories. Wardrobe Mistress – responsible for the care of all costumes during the show. Dresser – responsible for making sure actors are appropriately dressed in correct

costumes during the show. Props Master– responsible for the construction, or procurement of all necessary

props used in the show and responsible for all props during the run of the show

Types of Stagesand

Stage Directions

Arena Stage Audience sits on all sides

Thrust StageAudience sits on on three sides

Proscenium Stage Audience sits one side

Arena StageStage Directions – Clock Method

12

3

6

9 C

Arena StageStage Directions – Compass Method

N

E

S

W

NW NE

SESW

C

Thrust Stage Stage Directions

C

USC

SR SL

USR USL

DSLDSCDSR

Proscenium Stage Stage Directions

C

USC

SR SL

USR USL

DSLDSCDSR