Theatrical Hierarchy and Phases

1. Theatrical Hierarchyand Phases

2. Production phases. Phase 1 Pre production. • Pre production – what happens before you ever hear about a show • Producer finds project • Sets preliminary budget • Finds backers • Hires crew • Sets timeline and schedule • Secures all rights etc. (legal agreements of all types)

3. Production – phase 2 “the work in progress” • Director oversees the “artistic crew.” • Stage or production manager is hired • Performers are hired • Sets lights costumes etc. designed and built • Performers practice and perform event • Run crew is trained • Performance is perfected • Script altered as needed to hone the show (in preview this could be months / years of work)

4. Production phase 3 – Performance! • Previews set – if needed go “back to work” • Preview with invited audience (often an invited audience) • View stage or “show.” where there is a paying audience • Show run (days months years???) • Often there will be an “A” cast and “B” cast • Long run shows rotate cast / crew • Show runs long - if it makes money!

5. Phase 4 – show close • When a show closes it isn’t over! • Producer must give full report financially • All contracts reviewed and “residuals carefully calculated” • All final pay outs done • Books balanced and audited • Production / stage manager signs off report • Final pay outs / bonuses done • Scripts and notes secured for possible publication

6. Knowing an organizational structure is vital to understanding your job…. • Sets limits • Adds safety • Lets everyone know what your job is. • Sets limits on power • Allows freedom • Gives a definite “job description” and expectations • Keeps you from making a fool of yourself

7. We start with the “Production Core, the folks at the center of any production.” Production “Core" Producer Director Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

8. “The Core” of the production team starts with the - Producer (both theater and film/tv) • The producer is the person or persons in charge of all production decisions • Finances – both before and after. • Hiring all the staff (directors, designers, etc. They have final say) • Monitor staff at all phases of production • Monitoring production schedule • Monitoring production costs • Doing a final “cash in / out” report to the backers • Finding projects to do

9. Production “Core" Producer

10. The Director • In charge of the “artistic vision” and production aspects of a show for the rehearsal and first views. • Is the Producers “go to” for all production values • Is allowed choice of vision (somewhat) • Is the person who directs actors • Approves all tech elements • Is responsible to see the vison carried out • Usually friends / colleges of producers

11. Production “Core" Producer Director

12. The Stage or production manager • Often nicknamed “god” • Oversees all communication to and from the director • Oversees all forms (medical contracts etc.) • Is in charge of day to day rehearsal and build • Is handed control at opening night • Keeps the show consistent • Has assistants as needed • Is one of the last folks on the production at reconciling of accounts

13. Production “Core" Producer Director Stage or production manager

14. Assistant stage manager • Report to SM and if designated to Director • Have the full authority of the SM on their job assignment • Assist the SM to do what ever jobs need to be done • Often change as needed • Will fill in all gaps • Report directly to and with assigned departments

15. Production “Core" Producer Director Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S)

16. Performers • The folks who are in front of the audience • Responsible to know lines blocking (songs etc.) • Have a very specific goal – communicate the story • Very affective • In the professional theater crew and performers are not allowed to talk unless it is job related • Interact with stage manager each rehearsal / performance

17. Production “Core" Producer Director Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers

18. Run Crew (stage) • Are responsible for the functioning of all tech • Includes props costumes etc. • Are not usually allowed to speak to performers except in execution of job • Report directly to Stage manager or ASM • Are responsible to secure tech after each performance • Are responsible to fix “errors or broken items” • Report to ASM or SM after each night is done before “clock out”

19. Production “Core" Producer Director Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

20. The Tech “Core” • Contains all areas of tech – sets, lights, sound etc. • Often hired by the producer with the input from the director • All folks designing, building and setting in a show are in this core • Does their job and turns the show over to the stage manager and run crew • Trian the run crew • Are on call for emergency repairs or re designs • Are usually working on multiple shows at once • Are needed but hardly ever “noticed”

21. Production “Core" The Tech “Core” Producer Director Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

22. The designers (all areas) • Are responsible to design all aspects of their area • Communicate with the Stage manager normally – director / Producer as well but all communication goes through stage manager. • Produce drawings / computer aided design / computer aided manufacturing coordinates for all elements to SM and Build Crew • Responsible to maintain and meet budget for their area • Responsible to see that build crew is correctly interpreting design. • Responsible to report all cost to the stage manager / director / producer • Responsible for all communications to and from the stage manager • Generate change orders on any needed modifications per director producer or stage manager signed off by director and producer

23. Production “Core" The Tech “Core” Designers Producer Build Crew Director Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

24. Build crew • Takes drafting's / cad/ and builds the designs • Tests all designs for functionality • Revises as needed • Assembles mockups as needed • Final assembly and preliminary assembly done • Turn finish units to set in crew to be installed

25. Production “Core" The Tech “Core” Designers Producer Build Crew Director Set - in crew Crew Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

26. The Set-in crew • Takes complete set to the rehearsal space / theater • Assembles all elements to do final rehearsals • Helps run crew get familiar with “running” objects • Completes all “punch lists” and leaves after walk through with stage manager • Files completion report with designers / build crews

27. Production “Core" The Tech “Core” Designers Producer Build Crew Director Set - in crew Crew Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

28. The business crew • Are the “heart” of any production • Are responsible for all finances – outgoing - and incoming • Are all bonded • Typically have a business background • Carry a huge burden of proof • Are always audited • Subject to federal, state, and local laws

29. Production “Core" The Business Crew The Tech “Core” Designers Producer Build Crew Director Set - in crew Crew Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

30. The Comptroller • Usually a licensed CPA • Is in total control of the money • Is bonded • Is audited by a third party • Answers all questions budgetary • Works closely with the Producer, director, Designers and stage manager • The comptroller is the one legally answering all financial questions. • Is the last person out with the Producers

31. Production “Core" The Business Crew The Tech “Core” The Comptroller Designers Producer Build Crew Director Set - in crew Crew Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

32. The business office • Directly responsible to the Comptroller • Work with the SM and build crew to fill orders • Pay bills • Work with SM • Report and record who spends what when and where • Cut payroll checks for all • Works closely with build crew on orders • Staffed for the entire run

33. Production “Core" The Business Crew The Tech “Core” The Comptroller Designers Producer The Business office Build Crew Director Set - in crew Crew Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

34. Box office • These are the folks who sell the tickets • Bonded • Usually a business background • Understand P.O.S. procedures • Can reconcile till • Can write a financial report • Good at costumer service!

35. Production “Core" The Business Crew The Tech “Core” The Comptroller Designers Producer The Business office Build Crew Director The Box office Set - in crew Crew Stage or production manager Assistant stage manager(S) Performers Run Crew

36. Ushers / “house staff” • Seat folks • Serve food / drinks • Sell product • In charge of audience comfort and enjoyment • Monitor audience • Make sure seating is correct • Clean house after show