Below is a list of possible production staff roles and duties. These are intended to give you an idea of the responsibilities that would be expected of you, but may vary from production to production. For example:
- Not all roles are needed in all productions and/or role responsibilities may differ.
- The list of duties may not be exhaustive.
- Often individuals hold multiple roles or have duties from different roles.
- Roles not listed may also be assigned during production, including assistant roles (e.g. Assistant Director, Assistant Stage Manager).
- Super-specific roles may be assigned as needed to support the production (e.g. seamstress).
- Musicals require additional roles not listed here (e.g. Vocal Director.)
In addition to the duties listed, all crew are expected to help with load-in and strike even if not explicitly listed, and must be available for all technical rehearsals and for all performances (unless otherwise excused.)
Please note that at this time, all roles are volunteer, unpaid positions.
Questions about your specific duties in any production can be directed to the Producer, Director, Technical Director, or Stage Manager, where applicable.
Producer
Reports to: Board of Directors
Responsible for all business and operational aspects of the production, continuously ensures that S&BTC policies are followed, and reports production status to the Board of Directors. Creates production budget and timelines and ensures adherence. Oversees casting decisions, helps staff the production, ensures legal compliance, and supervises production staff.
Some relevant experience preferred.
Light Designer/Technician
Reports to: Technical Director, Director
Designs lighting for the production. Runs sound and/or light boards during performances.
Some experience/training is typically necessary.
Sound Designer/Technician
Reports to: Technical Director, Director
Designs sound and music for the production. Runs sound and/or light boards during performances.
Typically, no experience necessary (training would be provided), except in absence of another experienced person on staff.
Publicist
Reports to: Producer
Creates publicity and marketing plans and is responsible for successful execution of those plans, which shall include both digital and print material. Designs playbill. May also participate in donation and sponsorship campaigns.
Typically, no experience necessary.
Stage Crew
Reports to: Stage Manager
Assists with various backstage needs during show, including but not limited to: setting and maintaining props; assisting cast with costumes and makeup; ensure cast are prepared for entrances; participating in scene changes; and other duties as requested by the stage manager.
Typically, no experience necessary.
Fight Choreographer
Reports to: Director
Choreographs fights, falls, and other potentially dangerous non-dance movements and oversees fight calls.
Some experience/training is typically preferred.
Choreographer
Reports to: Director
Choreographs dance and artistic movements and oversees dance rehearsals.
Experience typically necessary.
Intimacy Coordinator
Reports to: Director
Coordinates and choreographs scenes that involve intimacy between two or more characters or nudity by one or more characters. Ensures that all parties are comfortable and safe.
Some experience is typically preferred.
Director
Reports to: Producer
Responsible for artistic interpretation for the production, and makes casting decisions in consultation with Producer. Leads rehearsals and provide creative direction for production staff. Supervises production staff and reports to Producer.
Typically prefer some relevant experience for most shows.
Costume Designer
Reports to: Director
Designs and curates costumes for the production. May requires sewing/tailoring/etc. Ensures costumes are properly cleaned, maintained, and serviced throughout production.
Typically, no experience necessary except in more complex productions.
Props Designer
Reports to: Director
Designs and curates properties (props) for the production. Ensures props are properly cleaned, maintained, and serviced throughout production.
Typically, no experience necessary.
Production Assistant
Reports to: Producer
Assists the producer, director, and stage manager with various aspects of the production upon request. May fill in for technicians, stage crew, front of house staff, and others as needed.
Typically, no experience necessary.
House Manager
Reports to: Producer
Responsible for coordinating all front-of-house (FOH) needs for a production, including but not limited to: identifying FOH needs (e.g. box office, ushering, concessions, set up/clean up, raffles, etc.), recruiting volunteers to fill those needs, managing and communicating with all FOH volunteers, answering guests' questions, fulfilling any FOH duties as needed, enforcing organization policies and ensuring a safe and clean FOH, and managing the house during productions.
No experience necessary.
Front-of-house Staff
Reports to: House Manager, Producer
Assisting with front-of-hosue needs, including but not limited to setting up front-of-house before show, greeting guests, running the box office, answering questions, ushering, running raffles, cleaning up after shows, etc.
No experience necessary.
Live Musician
Reports to: Producer
Provides live music before and after show for audience. May also provide sound/music during performances in collaboration with the sound designer and Director. May be solo, duo, band, etc.
Experience required.
Graphic Designer
Reports to: Producer
Designs digital and/or printed materials as requested by the Producer and/or Publicist. May include marketing designs, accusation ballots, programs, etc.
Typically, experience/training preferred.
Technical Director
Reports to: Director
Coordinates all technical aspects of the production, including lighting, sound, and set, and ensures that all work is consistent with the artistic vision of the Director. Ensures communication is maintained among the technical and artistic crew and may manage schedules.
Some relevant experience preferred.
Stage Manager
Reports to: Director
Provides practical and organizational support to the production crew and actors throughout the production process. Acts as the Director’s assistant during rehearsals and as the Director's representative during performances, ensuring that the production runs smoothly and according to plan.
Some relevant experience preferred.
Makeup Designer/Artist
Reports to: Director
Creates looks for actors for productions, which make include makeup, prosthetics, wigs, etc. Assists actors with applying makeup and accessories during performances.
Some experience/training is typically necessary.
Hair Designer/Stylist
Reports to: Director
Creates hair styles for actors. Assists actors with hair styling.
Some experience/training is typically necessary.
Photographer/Videographer
Reports to: Producer
Fulfills photography needs of Publicist, Producer, and Board of Directors, which may include stills or action shots. May include videography. You may use our equipment or use your own; editing/processing expenses may be reimbursed at the discretion of the Producer.
Some experience/training is typically preferred.
Set Designer (Creative)
Reports to: Technical Director, Director
In consultation with the Director, creates creative designs for the set. Develops functionality requirements for technical design. May assist in set construction and dressing.
Experience is not necessary for simpler production; experience/training is typically required for more complex productions.
Set Engineer
Reports to: Technical Director, Producer, Director
In consultation with the Director and Set Designer, develops the technical designs and construction plans for the set. Oversees and leads the set construction. Ensures all safety measures are followed during set construction. Instructs cast and crew on how to interact with and operate with the set safely.
Relevant experience/training is required.
Construction Crew
Reports to: Set Engineer, Technical Director
Assists in construction of set pieces per engineering designs. Follows safety protocols at the direction of the Set Engineer. Conducts carpentry, assembly, hardware installation, painting, dressing, and other construction duties as needed.
Typically, no experience necessary if led by Set Engineer.