K Milne PMD 1 Production Team Roles

Stage Manager The Stage Manager is responsible for the running of the stage during production. They are required to call for the cueing of lights, sounds, sets, props, and actors during the show. The stage manager is constant communication with the following departments. · The Director · The Actors · The House Manager · The Production Manager · The Assistant Stage Manager · The Running Crew Starting salaries for assistant stage managers range from £16,000 to £17,000, with deputy stage managers earning slightly more. Regular stage managers usually start around £20,000. Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience, e.g. after years in the role: £20,000 - £40,000+.

Typical work activities for a Stage Manager: Roles vary depending on the size and type of organisation, but the tasks stage managers will typically be expected to carry out include: setting up and running rehearsal schedules; procuring all props, furniture and set dressings. In small companies, the theatre stage manager may also assist in set construction; arranging costume and wig fittings; distributing information to other theatre departments; managing the props and possibly the design budgets and liaising with the production manager regarding costs; supervising the 'get in' to the theatre, when the set, lighting and sound are installed, and the 'get out', when all the equipment is removed; compiling and operating prompt copy - also known as the 'prompt script' or 'the book' - which notes actors' moves and the requirements for props, lighting and sound; making changes to the set between scene changes, prompting actors and cueing technicians; ensuring the company's welfare and maintaining a good working knowledge of all relevant health and safety, legislation and good working practice; running the backstage and onstage areas during performances; liaising with the director, stage personnel and other technical departments, e.g. costume, lighting, sound; calling actors for rehearsals and performances; during a long run, maintaining and replacing props and costumes as required; liaising with resident staff at other performance venues (if touring).

Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) The Assistant Stage Manager provides assistance to the Stage Manager. The support will be determined in concert with each other, and may specialize in any of the production areas. Salary £15,000 + Basic Job Description: The Assistant Stage Manager does assist the Production Stage Manager with all of their responsibilities. This can include attending production meetings, running rehearsals, clerical organization, and insuring the smooth execution of the performances. The ASM is part of the management team of the production. His or her behavior should reflect this. The ASM should set an example in punctuality and professionalism. It is important that the ASM is flexible and will take initiative. Because each production is different, an ASM’s specific responsibilities will change.

A theatre director has responsibility for the overall practical and creative interpretation of a dramatic script or musical score, taking into account the budgetary and physical constraints of production. They are involved at all stages of the process, from the design and pre-production stages and rehearsal right through to the final performance. Directors work closely with their creative and production teams, the performers and the producer to create a performance which connects with the audience. They therefore need to be able to coordinate effectively across a wide range of disciplines and with artistic vision. Most directors are usually employed on a freelance or fixed-term contract basis. They can also be employed as artistic or resident directors in repertory companies. Some directors are also writers, designers and performers and may write, devise, design and act in their own work. Theatre Director Typical work activities Most theatres are headed by an executive administrator or general manager answerable to a board, a local council or both. Large theatres may also have an artistic director who selects the plays to be produced in the theatre each season (and the director for each) and is responsible for managing the company and its finances together with the administrator. In the case of a small performing company, such as a touring fringe company or a theatre-in- education group, the director may also act as administrator or producer.

Technical Director Salary. A Technical Director earns an average salary of £57,530 per year. Most people in this job have more than five years' experience in related jobs.

Production designer, theatre Production designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. They realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes, while working closely with the director and producer. Once the concept is decided, designers usually appoint and manage an art department, which includes a design and construction team. They often form a strong partnership with a particular director with whom they may work on many productions. Designers tend to specialise in either film, television or theatre, although there may be some overlap. In the theatre, production designers are also called stage or set designers.

Lighting Board Operator The light board operator is responsible for operating the lighting control system for a specific production. The light board operator is responsible for knowing how to turn on and boot up the computer(s) used to control the lighting. He/she must know some basic programming commands. He/she participate in the light check held before each performance. The light board operator attends all technical rehearsals and performances. Technical Rehearsals usually begin the weekend before opening. The entire weekend should be kept clear. On performance days, the light board operator’s call is usually 1 1/2 hour before curtain time. He/she are expected to participate in any strike following the closing performance. Average Light Board Operator Salaries. The average salary for light board operator jobs is £27,433 a year. Average light board operator salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.

Sound Engineer The sound engineer uses the sound equipment to play back sound effects for a specific production. The sound engineer is responsible for knowing how to use each piece of sound equipment involved in the production. He/she must be able to create and maintain clear cue sheets. There can be complicated sound effects, which require quick thinking and hand/eye coordination. The sound engineer attends all technical rehearsals and performances. Technical Rehearsals usually begin the weekend before opening. The entire weekend should be kept clear. Some productions may have complicated sound effects. For those shows, he/she should expect to start even a week earlier than techs. On performance days, the sound engineer’s call is usually 1 1/2 hour before curtain time. He/she are expected to participate in any strike following the closing performance The average salary of an Audio Engineer is £37,000. Salaries start from £14,180 and go up to £67,840. Please note that the average salary for an Audio Engineer may vary depending on several factors, like level of education, amount of experience, industry, company size and location.

Production Manager What does a theatre Production Manager do? The Production Manager ensures a project is delivered on time and on budget. They are exceptional problem solvers and forward- planners - often having to strategies for every conceivable pitfall! A typical day involves s and telephone calls, dealing with queries, productions meetings and going get ins and get outs if on tour. Production Managers tend to move on to bigger productions and work for bigger venues as they develop their skills and experience. The Average Salary of a production manager is £35,000 - £ a year

Responsibilities of the production Manager: Oversee and coordinate all aspects of physical production and the production process. Supervise and oversee all production staff and crew. Organize and manage production design and scheduling and set rentals. Provide cost estimates on designs submitted and account for commitments and expenditures in budgets for materials and labor in scenic, stage, lighting, sound and special effects, capital equipment and other special projects. Establish technical schedules and coordinate all activities related to theater productions including scenery construction, property construction, painting, maintenance and improvements. Organising rehearsal props, sets and costumes. Preparation of all show paperwork. Video and music management and production for rehearsals and performances. Develop equipment and procedures for stage effects and changeovers. Coordinate and oversee the installation, maintenance and inventory of technical equipment and facilities. Assist in contracting dancers, choreographers and designers. Facilitate communication between designers, directors and staff. Maintain supervision of theatre use. Manage carpentry, electrical and property staff.