Job Role Research

General Manager: Responsible for overseeing the running of all elements of the theatre both, artistic and administrative

Artistic Director: Responsible for discussing artistic elements of the production with the General Manager and hiring Directors/Designers to put these elements into practice.

Director: Has overall artistic control over the production. Is hired to ‘direct’ performers and inform production departments as to the requirements of the production.

Administrator: Responsible for monetary aspects of the production. He/she accounts for the spending within the company and allocates budgets within each department and also responsible for the employee’s rights and wage.

Production Manager:  Employs and supervises the production staff and is in charge of all aspects of production ensuring none is in breach of Health and Safety regulations while maintaining the vision of the directors.

Company Manager: Employed to take on responsibilities such arranging travel, accommodation, budgets, wages, running extra rehearsals when a large scale production goes on tour.

Stage Manager: Has responsibility for all stage management team and their training, yet is not restricted to this aspect. Also in charge of arranging rehearsals, managing the production budget and managing and returning the props and furniture.

Deputy Stage Manager:  May be required to deputise the Stage Manager but is mainly responsible for setting up and running rehearsals and auditions, prompting during rehearsals and recording the performers’ hours with respect for the union agreement.

Assistant Stage Manager: Assists in setting up rehearsals and auditions. Covers responsibilities of the DSM if necessary or deputise him/her. Has a major responsibility for the setting of props and backstage work during a run so the SM can troubleshoot.

Set Designer: Works closely with the director to conceive the visual and stylistic elements of the production with regards to the set, furniture and props. After planning the set through floor plans, drawings and building a model down scale set, he/she oversees the building and painting and construction of the set.

Master Carpenter: Responsible for the building of the set and overseeing the assistants and training them if necessary while ensuring the quality of the set is maintained.

Scenic Painter: Responsible for the paint budget and ensuring assistants are adequately trained. He/She is also responsible for painting the set within the time allocated.

Props Master: Responsible for the props budget and are in control of the smooth running of the prop shop.

Lighting Designer: Working closely with the directors and designers, he/she will design/develop a lighting plan. They are also responsible for deciding on which lights to use (and where they are placed on the rig) for artistic, realistic and practical purposes.

Chief LX: Manages the smooth operation of the electrical department, maintaining all electrical equipment. When not overseeing the work of the assistants, they will rig, focus and plot lights.

Sound Designer: Working closely with the directors and designers to develop/design an overall sound for the production. Will work with the Production Manager and suggest appropriate types and positions for sound equipment. The Sound designer will also train the sound technician and oversee the tech/dress runs.

Sound Technician: Responsible for maintaining all in-house sound equipment and hiring or ordering new equipment if necessary. He/she operates the sound during tech/dress runs and the run of the show maintaining the quality and intent of the Sound Designer.

Costume Designer: Working closely with directors and designers designs and conceives the visual/stylistic design of the costumes. Will draw up plans for costumes for the Tailors and Cutters to work with and is responsible for the costume budget when buying fabrics or hiring costumes.

Wardrobe Supervisor: Manages the smooth running of the wardrobe, orders materials and costumes if necessary and is responsible for the delivery of costumes within the allotted times.

Cutters/Tailors: Works to the designs of the Costume Designer and builds/makes the costumes. Will also be required to attend tech/dress runs and make notes for possible alterations.

Dressers/maintenance: Responsible for costume changes during tech and dress runs and the shows run. Assists the performers should they have difficulties with their costume and maintains their quality of appearance.

Technical Stage Manager: Responsible for any element of the set that moves. Managing the crew, he/she designs scene changes whilst training assistants with regards to on-stage health and safety and technical work. The Tech Stage manager oversees the onstage work during the production week and the run.

Head Flyman: He/She maintains the fly floor and flying system and trains other crew members on how to use this. They will comply with the flying plot and operate on the shows run.

Crew: Mainly employed on a show-by-show basis to support permanent staff. They will assist with get-ins, fit ups, scene changes, flying, follow spotting etc.

Front of House/ Box Office Manager: Responsible for the auditorium/bar/restaurant, ensuring the health and well-being of the audience. In liaison with the Marketing Manager, may hang desired posters.

Marketing/Publicity Manager: Responsible for ensuring the show attracts an audience, raising the profile of both the show and the theatre. Working closely with the GM and directors attracts sponsorship in aid to raise funds and revenue. He/She will also produce posters, leaflets and advertise/organise their distribution. Occasionally may hold press/photo calls with the shows cast in liaison with the stage manager.