GC1: Job roles in the production arts industry

Hierarchical structure

Assistant props

mistress

Assistant stage

manager

Assistant costume mistress

Lighting

operator

Props mistres

s

Deputy stage

manager

Costume

mistress

Sound operato

r

FOH manag

er

Sound designe

r

Lighting

designer

Stage manag

er

Stage manager Roles vary depending on the size and type of organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include:

O Setting up and running rehearsal schedulesO Procuring all props, furniture and set dressings. In small companies, the theatre

stage manager may also assist in set constructionO Arranging costume fittingsO Distributing information to other mangers (e.g. FOH manager)O Managing the props and possibly the design budgets and liaising with the

production manager regarding costsO Supervising the 'get in' and the 'get out'O Making changes to the set between scene changesO Prompting actors and cueing technicians using the scriptO Ensuring a good working practiceO Running the backstage and onstage areas during performancesO Calling actors for rehearsals and performancesO During a long run, maintaining and replacing props and costumes as required

FOH manager O Roles vary depending on the size and type of

organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O Ensuring a high level of customer service O They are responsible for liaising with the Stage

managerO Briefing Front of House staff and Ushers on the show

and making sure they are aware of any important information for that evening's performance.

O They also deal with any problems or complaints on the night.

O At other times they complete administrative tasks and compile staff rotas

Sound designer O Roles vary depending on the size and type of

organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O Design – Designs the sound on equipment such as sound forge.

O Install – Installs the sound equipment and decides where it goes. For example speaker stage right.

O Operate – Operates the sound desk during shows. O Works extremely closely with the director or

choreographer. O To be able to evoke emotion, create and reflect mood

and underscore the action. O To be able to source the sound (record or find pre-

recorded sound).O To be able to edit and manipulate sound. O Diegetic sound – A sound an actor reacts to. O Non-diegetic sound – A sound that the audience hear

but actors don’t respond / react to. O To be able to layer sounds. O Know the difference between radio mics, ambient mics,

orchestral mics and backstage mics / radios. O To be able to take the script and analyse whats required

and when.O To be able to create cues. E.g. act 1 scene 2 – violins

fade in.

Lighting designer O Roles vary depending on the size and type of

organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O To be able to work with the director, set designer, costume designer, and/or sound designer to create the lighting, atmosphere

O To be able to rig and focus lights O Know how to draw up lighting plans and colour calls O To be able to operate the lights when needed. O To be able to program lights O To be able to evoke the appropriate moodO To be able to indicate time of day and locationO To be able to shift emphasis from one stage area to

anotherO To be able to reinforce the style of the productionO To be able to make objects on stage appear flat or three

dimensionalO To be able to blend the visual elements on stage into a

unified whole.

Sound operatorO Roles vary depending on the size and type of

organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O To have a good knowledge of cables and sound equipment

O To be able to know how to use QLAB O To be able to use editing software like Audacity and

Logic Pro. O To be able to create que’s (E.g. Fade down when

goodbye is said) O To be able to use a sound desk O To be able to rig sound equipment

Lighting operator O Roles vary depending on the size and type

of organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O To be able to use the lighting desk (Desks may vary depending on the size of the theatre and show.

O To be able to program the lights along with the lighting designer

O To be able to rig and focus according to the lighting plans and focus notes.

O To be able to read and use lighting plans, colour calls, focus notes and cue sheets

O If lights don’t work they will to be able to troubleshoot lights and be able to fix them.

O To be able to know all about the different types of lights (e.g. a Parcan, CCT Fresnel)

Costume mistress O Roles vary depending on the size and type of organisation,

but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O To be able to create the characters and balance the scenes with texture and colour

O To be able to work alongside the director, scenic, lighting designer, sound designer, and other creative personnel.

O The costume designer may also collaborate with hair stylist, wig master, or makeup artist.

Assistant costume mistress

O Roles vary depending on the size and type of organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O To be able to work under the supervision of the costume designer. O To be able to support the costume designer in his or her work

(e.g. script and costume breakdowns, helping produce and track the budget, and research.)

O The scope of the assistant’s responsibilities vary based on the needs of the designer, but typically include managing the inventory of costumes and materials, scheduling fittings with the cast.

O To be able to give creative input, and is responsible for taking notes for alterations, measurements and reference photographs.

Deputy stage manager O Roles vary depending on the size and type of organisation, but the

tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O To be able to work with the backstage crew, director and actors during ever performance and rehearsals.

O To be able to record everything in the script so that there is an accurate record of everything an actor does in the play from when they enter the door, to when they finally exit.

O To be able to create sound cues, lighting cues and cues for stage hands to move scenery of and on the stage

O To be able to help coordinate the rehearsals. O To be able to record everything that goes on in the script O To be able to call the actors and crew to the stage for the start of the

performance.O The DSM gives the first cues to the technicians in the sound and

lighting box O To be able to follow the script, cueing the lighting changes, sound

effects, music, scene changes and also speaking to the dressing rooms to let the actors know that their entrances are approaching.

Props mistress O Roles vary depending on the size and type of organisation, but the

tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O To be able to build, make and buy the props needed for a production. O To be able to make sure that the props are well-maintained for the

duration of the show. O To be able to liaise with carpenters, artists and other staff in the prop

department.O To be able to manage the props budget O To be able to make a list of the props needed, ordering or going out

to buy props, O To be able to liaise with the director and production manager,

attending rehearsals to assess changes to be made to props.

Assistant props mistress

O Roles vary depending on the size and type of organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include…

O To assist the props mistress in all of their roles O To be able to create a props tableO To be able to read the script and pick out important

information about all the props.