Behind the Curtains: Roles in Theatre Production

1. Jobs of Theatre

2. Playwright • Writes the play • Come up with Idea • Decide genre and style • Diagram Plot/Dramatic Structure • Develop Characters and Dialogue • Research Subject/Relevant issues presented in the play

3. Producer • Handles business and legal matters • Hires playwright, stage manager, etc. • Oversees production

4. Director • Leads creative team • Works together with all creative staff

5. Costume Designer • Works with designers to balance color, texture, etc. • Collaborates with wig masters, hair stylists, makeup artists • Creates solutions for costume changes and choreography

6. Lighting Designer • Works with other designers to create atmosphere, time of day, etc • Uses Light plots • Scale drawings of light types and positions

7. Set Designer (Scenic Designer) • Starts with Drawings • Creates set and scene elements to support director’s artistic goal

8. Composer • Authors music • Uses musical notation • Various forms and instruments

9. Lyricist • Writes lyrics (words to music) • Not responsible for melodies • Works closely with composer

10. Music Director • Artistic leader of the band, orchestra, or choir • Leads rehearsals with musicians

11. Choreographer • “Dance writing” • Works to make dance moves for theatre, music ensembles, movies, video games, etc.

12. Stage Manager • Organizes and coordinates rehearsal and show • Needs to know every detail of show • Needs to know cast • Notates blocking in Script • Collects attendance

13. Stagehands • Behind the scenes • Works with Scenery, lights, props, and special effects

14. Actor • Performs a character in the show • Formerly male exclusive job • Actors study different methods of performing • Stanislavski System: uses own emotions • Method Acting (Strasberg Acting): using own experiences to sympathize with character • Meisner technique: actor focuses on moment to make it seem real