THEATRE JOB TITLES

Producer

It all begins here, with the Producer. Often the one who selects the script, the Director and secures funding, the production’s success relies heavily on the Producer. It is usually for this reason that the Producer will spend much of their time on set to ensure there are no glitches or setbacks.

Director

While the Producer may be involved in the day to day operations of the theatre, it is ultimately the Director’s responsibility to ensure all the creative elements are up to spec and in line with the story. The Director not only directs the performances of the talent from their auditions to closing night, but is also responsible for communicating with the production crew to meet and maintain the overall look, feel and sound of the play.

Scenic Designer

The Scenic Designer works with the Director to create a stage setting that reflects the story of the play. This includes consideration to stage parameters, lighting, colours and materials chosen to create objects of use in the scene. On larger productions the Scenic Designer may also create a scale model of the different sets to be used prior to construction.

Lighting Designer

Working with the Director and Set Designer, the Lighting Designer is responsible in helping to create atmosphere through selecting, positioning and sometimes moving the lights during production.

Costume Designer

The Costume Designer is responsible for selecting or designing the character’s wardrobe. This entails anything from purchasing clothing to designing clothing from scratch.

Technical Sound Designer

The Sound Designer is responsible for ensuring that every seat in the house has the same sound experience. This is accomplished through selection and placement of speakers, sometimes in addition to those already installed or provided by the venue. The Sound Designer is as responsible for the experience of the audience as they are in facilitating the Actors ability to hear themselves during performance.

Conceptual Sound Designer

Working with the Director, the Conceptual Sound Designer is responsible for choosing the music and sound effects to set the tone of the play.

Production Manager

Working with the Producer, Director and sometimes the Choreographer, the Production Manager ensures that the set, costume, lighting and sound design departments provide results in line with the Director’s and Producer’s vision. This may include hiring staff, booking venues, transportation logistics, etc.

Technical Director

The Technical Director of a Theatre house ensures that all stage equipment is working properly and that the varying production staff is capable of operating it. On some productions, the Technical Director works with the Scenic Designer to create blueprints for set construction.

Show Control Designer

Once the lighting, sound, video and rigging is in place, the Show Control Designer’s job is to coordinate them into a kind of an automated special effect during the performance. For example, starting a portion of video with a select piece of music or flashing lights to signify thunder accompanied by sound and maybe even some rattling windows for some flair.

Carpenter

Working with the Scenic Designer and Technical Director, the Carpenter builds essentially builds the set. This includes walls, stairs, columns, raised floors, etc.

Charge Artist

Working with the Scenic Artists renditions, the Charge Artist is responsible for bringing the concepts to life by completing and/or overseeing the painting process.

Master Electrician

The Master Electrician is responsible for safely fulfilling and maintaining the electrical requirements of the sound, lighting & video departments.

Load Electrician

The Load Technician is responsible for the initial electrical set up.

Deck Electrician

The Deck Electrician connects and disconnects light fixtures both on and off the stage.

Light Board Operator

The Light Board Operator operates lights during production. This includes adjusting levels, colour changes and moving the lights as per their relevant cues.

Moving Light Programmer

On larger productions a Moving Light Programmer is required to create and program lighting to change colour, create patterns, etc.

Followspot Operator

The Followspot Operator works from a select position opposite the stage and is responsible for keeping the performers in the spotlight during production. They may also be required to operate the Followspot in coordination with special lighting effects.

Wardrobe Supervisor

Once the costumes are received from the Costume Designers, the Wardrobe Supervisor is responsible for the care and maintenance throughout the production.

Sound Operator

The Sound Operator is responsible for operating the sound board during production as directed by the Sound Designer.

Mic Wrangler

The Mic Wrangler is responsible for the care, maintenance and distribution of microphones and headsets during production.

Rail Crew

Rail Crew, also known as the Fly Crew, is the personnel who operate the system of ropes and pulleys used to change the scenery.

Deck Carpenters

During a scene change the Deck Carpenters move set pieces off and on the stage.

Props

The Props person is responsible for the creation, maintenance and placement of props into their respective scenes.

Dresser

Working under the Wardrobe Supervisor’s direction, the Dresser helps Performers in and out of their costumes before, during and after the show.

Artistic Director

Working closely with the Producer, the Artistic Director maintains artistic control over the productions. Responsibilities include selecting and scheduling which productions will hit the stage, managing promotions and selecting cast members.

House Manager

The main responsibilities of the House Manager include promoting the production, ushering patrons and managing general maintenance of the building.