613-831-4435Running the show
The set is built, the lights are set, the sound is cued, the actors are costumed. What could possibly go wrong? But there is plenty to do to run the show.
Director
The director's job is done. He or she has only to give a pep talk and retire from the scene, trusting the actors, stage manager and crew.
Producer (Production Manager)
The producer also has nothing to do but pay the bills (using money from the Treasurer) and ensure there is a crew available to remove the set at the end of the run, put away costumes, furniture and props, and clean up ready for the next production.
Stage Manager (SM)
The stage manager is analogous to the conductor of an
orchestra. In communication with the Assistant Stage Managers
(ASMs), she or he
conducts the flow of the performance,
- opening and closing the theatre
- calling the cues for the show and getting people to the right places at the right time,
- ensuring the safety of the cast and crew within the theatre
- making sure that everyone's needs are met, and that all are having a fun time in the process.
ASM with intercom headset, flashlight, and The Book (script)
Assistant Stage Managers (ASMs)
Most productions have one or two assistant stage managers (ASMs). They are the links between the SM and the backstage activity. They ensure that the actors are in position to make their entrances, advise the SM when they are ready and give them their cues. They co-ordinate scene changes, costume changes, props, and any special effects.
Stage Crew
Depending on the production, a Stage Crew may or may not be needed. If the production warrants it, the team needs to be prepared to strike and set furniture, set dressing and properties, and operate backstage equipment such as a fog generator.
Props person at props table
Properties
The
properties people must ensure the stage is set prior to each
performance, and make sure all off-stage props and actors' personal
props are ready. Often, a table will be placed just off-stage with all
the properties laid out on it, each piece always in its assigned
position ready for it to be picked up and used.
Operating the lighting console
Lighting and Sound
There will be one person from the lighting crew and one from the sound crew at their respective consoles, operating the controls according to cues from the Stage Manager, who is right beside them.
Costumes
Members of
the costumes team may need to act as dressers when there are quick
changes or when a costume is awkward to get into. And during the run of
a show, there is sure to be a button missing or a tear to be mended.
Make-up
The Make-up Artists assist the cast with the application of their make-up and make any adjustments that may be required during the performance. Although the actor relies on his or her ability to make a character come alive, make-up plays a role of its own. It is a tool that helps complete the picture begun by the actor and the costume. Lights absorb color so even the most basic of make up is important to give the actor's face definition. This is achieved by applying highlights and shadows (also known as contouring) appropriate to the facial structure.
And then there all the Front of House things to be done . . .
Front of House Manager and crew
Greeters and car-door openers,
in their capes and hats
This person arranges that for every performance, there will be people to
- greet the audience at the curbside or at the street door of the playhouse;
- tear tickets and count how many tickets were handed in;
- hand out programs
- act as ushers where needed;
- monitor re-entry, so that food and drink is not carried into the theatre;
- and, in winter, to staff the cloakroom.
Working at front of house is a good way to meet other people!
Checking and tearing tickets |
Handing out programs |
Cloakroom operations |
|
Selling refreshments
Refreshments Manager and crew
The Refreshments people work in conjunction with the
Front of House staff to provide coffee, tea, soft
drinks, and snacks to the audience before the show
starts, and in the intermission.
The box office auxiliary counter
Box Office Manager and crew
Even before the season starts, the Box Office manager and staff arrange for:
- the printing of tickets for all shows
- printing of brochures for the season
- the sale of season tickets by sending out reminders to previous subscribers, by taking in order forms and sending out the season tickets
For each production, the Box Office staff open the office two weeks before the first performance and for every night of the run, and sell tickets for the current production.
These are the people who answer the phone or pick up messages when you dial the Kanata Theatre number.
