Actors perform onstage while many people run various operations behind the scenes.
Long since The Rose, The Hope, and the Globe Theatres began production in the mid-1500s, stage productions have entertained audiences around the world. Actors recite the playwright's lines, but behind the scenes a number of people commit to various tasks so the entire production comes off as smoothly as possible. Jobs vary according to the sizes or locale for which a performance will go up, from a small community theatre to a major production house for a Broadway show. Theatre company production teams might range from groups of five to 100 people or more. The general responsibilities are spread accordingly.
Pre-Production and Rehearsal Period
Costume Directors and Designers size, fit and create wardrobes for performers.
Once the Board of Directors and Executive Producers approve or budget a production, various personnel begin preparing. Producers find facilities, hire teams, finalize budgets and set schedules. The Artistic Director will work closely with Producers to hold auditions and cast the show, block scenes and rehearse the cast and crew until opening night. If the play or program is a musical, a Musical Director and Choreographer will join the team from the start. The Technical Director will bring together the technical team toward designing and building sets, adding lighting, special effects and so forth. Stage Managers coordinate teams and oversee the details. Wardrobe Mistress or Costume Director and costume builders set about designing costumes and outfitting all the cast. Ticket and box office personnel may be involved with the Public Relations directors toward selling tickets to audience members. This period is about planning and practice to hone the production.
Production
Lights, sets, props, sounds and effects are operated by production crews during a show.
When the curtain goes up, directors and producers typically step back. Backstage, wardrobe and makeup teams make sure each actor is properly costumed and made-up for the role. The Stage Manager takes on key responsibilities, and calls times for people to be onstage, and the various light, set, sound and other changes. Lighting crews run stage and spot lights; technical crews move set pieces; property crews place and remove props; wardrobe teams help actors with costume changes and any repairs or adjustments. In musicals, orchestras play, dancers dance and actors sing under the guidance of the Musical Director or Conductor.
Striking
Once the curtain falls or the performance has ended, each department replaces all the costumes, props, makeup kits and set pieces. Items that need laundering, cleaning or repair are given to the appropriate production helpers. Adjustments to lighting or technical problems that arose during a show are made by the technical director and various crew members. The stage is cleared of all unneeded items until the next performance. Book-keeping is carried out between the box office and ticket staff, general office help and the producers, and reports are prepared after a show closes to be given to the Board. On the last show of a run, everything is packed up and hauled away, at which point the producers usually hold a cast or farewell party for all people involved in the production.
Notes on Touring
Touring can be fun but often involves a lot of extra production staff.
Theatrical production teams are the same whether on a Broadway stage or for a touring play or show. However, when touring, many more people may be needed depending on the size of the production. Budget issues demand more attention and usually a Tour Manager runs the operation, working closely with the Stage and Production Managers. Many new factors come into play, including hotels, transportation, airfares, equipment trucking, problems incurred by weather and so forth. Producers and directors may travel with the tour company, but once the show is running smoothly may no longer be needed. All the technical teams and "roadies" have new responsibilities. Production Managers and Assistants delegate tasks as needed for each stop, and send in daily or periodic reports to the Producers and Board. Production teams seldom change on tour unless a problem has occurred, but work with local teams at various theatres where the shows are mounted.
Tags: behind scenes, closely with, Director will, during show, Musical Director, Production Managers