So you want to put on a show…

How do you do it?

Imagine you’re the director of a theatre company. What things need to happen in order to put on a show?

How’d we do?

7 or more: Master4-6: ApprenticeFewer than 4: Amateur

First: choose your season and venue(s)

Where’s your show going to take place?

Who’s in Charge? The Executive Director and Artistic

Director

Executive Director

Generally the executive director of a live theatre is the manager of the physical building as well as the staff in the building.

Budgeting Hiring Fund-raising Working with the Board

Artistic DirectorThe artistic director is responsible for

conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic vision and focus of a theatre company

Deciding the season Hiring directors and other artistic

staff (actors, designers, stage managers, etc.)

Working with ED on show budget Directing shows

Second: Advertise

How are you going to let people know about your show?

Who’s in charge? Marketing Director

Marketing Director

Managing or assisting in promoting the productions, services, and public image of the theatre company.

Third: Sell Tickets

How will people pay for your show?

Who’s in charge?Ticketing Services/Box Office Manager

Ticketing Services/Box Office Manager

Develop subscription audience, customer/patron service, sell tickets, manage the seating assignment of audience members.

Fourth: Begin Pre-Production

What’s your show going to look like? Who’s in charge?

Director

Director

Responsible for the artistic vision of the show. All design and production decisions are made by the Director.

Fifth: Hold Auditions

Who’s going to be in the show? Who’s in charge?

Casting Director

Casting Director

In larger companies, a casting director will audition and hire actors based on the season’s productions schedule.

Sixth: Fundraising

How are you going to pay for your show?

Who’s in charge? Development Director

Development Director

Identifies ways for the theatre to raise money for its productions through events, sponsorships, grant-writing, and donors. Ticket sales alone are often not enough to fund a company’s season.

Seventh: Rehearse the show

Practice makes perfect! Who’s in charge?

Director and Stage Manager

Stage Manager

Stage managers support the director, actors, designers, stage crew and technicians throughout the production process.

scheduling and running rehearsals communicating the director's wishes to designers coordinating the work of the stage crew calling cues during performance overseeing the entire show each time it is

performed

Eighth: Design

What will the show look like onstage Who’s in charge?

Costume Designer-Designs the costumes

Tech DirectorSet Designer-Designs the set and propsSound Designer-Designs the soundLighting Designer-Designs the lighting

Technical Director

The Technical Director has the daily responsibility for the technical operations of a theatre or performing arts center, including lighting, sound, set design and construction, and coordinating necessary maintenance.

Ninth: Open the show!

Get the audience in their seats! Who’s in charge?

House Manager

House Manager

Responsible for the smooth operation of the lobby and house during the run of the show.

Who’d I Forget?

Choreographer Music Director Education Director Dramaturg Playwright