Theatre organization and job roles
Theatre Organization
- Theatre organization is the structural arrangement of departments, roles, and responsibilities in a theatre production.
- It involves coordinating the activities of various departments such as costume design, set design, sound, lighting, and stage management.
- Theatre organizations can vary in size and structure, ranging from small community theatre companies to large professional productions.
Artistic Director
- The artistic director has the overall responsibility for the choice of plays/musicals that will be produced.
- They work closely with directors, actors, and other theatre professionals to realize the artistic vision of the production.
- This role may involve fundraising, promoting the theatre, and building relationships with sponsors.
Director
- Directors are charged with the task of bringing a play to life for the audience.
- They break down the script, collaborating with actors to help them understand their characters and motivations.
- The director also works with the lighting, costume, sound, and set departments to create the desired atmosphere and visual elements of the play.
Production Manager
- The production manager oversees the technical aspects of a theatre production.
- This role requires coordinating the technical departments - set, lighting, sound, and costume – ensuring they're within budget and meeting deadlines.
- The production manager facilitates communication between all departments and is a key player in problem-solving throughout the production process.
Stage Manager
- Stage Managers are pivotal in coordinating all aspects of a theatre production.
- They manage rehearsals, keep track of props and costumes, ensure scene changes run smoothly, and deal with unexpected issues during live performances.
- The stage manager communicates with all departments, making sure everyone is on the same page.
Set Designer
- A set designer is tasked with creating the physical surroundings in which the action will take place.
- They collaborate closely with the director to create a visual environment that supports the storyline and characterisation.
- Set designers produce detailed blueprints, models, or drawings of the set, facilitating the construction crew's work.
Costume Designer
- Costume designers create the outfits worn by actors, aligning with the characters' personalities, the era of the play, and the director’s vision.
- They may also have to consider practical elements like the actors' comfort and quick costume changes.
- Costume designers can be responsible for either sourcing or manufacturing the costumes.
Lighting Designer
- Lighting designers create the lighting effects for a production, shaping the mood, setting, time of day, and focusing attention.
- They collaborate with the director and other designers to ensure the lighting complements the overall production.
- Lighting designers use a lighting plan to communicate their ideas to the technical crew.
Sound Designer
- Sound designers take charge of all the auditory aspects of a play, including sound effects and music.
- They work closely with the director to support the mood and atmosphere desired for different scenes.
- Sound designers prepare a cue sheet which outlines what sound is required, when, and its source.