Producer (Production Manager)
The Producer is responsible for the practical, as opposed to
artistic, aspects of the production. She assists the Director in
organizing auditions and, in consultation with the Director, selects
the production crew. She takes care of communications between
departments, passing on messages from the Director etc. She
coordinates portrait photography, sale of photos and videos,
notices in Greasepaint and on the web site. She handles the
business side of the production, keeping records of all production
expenses. She is not responsible for feeding the cast and crew
but sometimes does this in the absence of a Green Room Manager.
The Stage Manager (SM)
The Stage Manager is analogous to the conductor of an
orchestra.
In communication with the ASMs and the sound and lighting
operators, she conducts the flow of the performance. Working
with the Director from the beginning of rehearsals, she develops
the sequence of cues for lighting, sound, actors’ entrances, scene
changing and special effects etc. She is in charge of all activity,
on stage or backstage, during performances and is responsible
for the security of the Playhouse. During later rehearsals and
performances, she gives the cues over the intercom system. After
the final Dress Rehearsal, she takes over full responsibility for
the production from the Director.
Assistant Stage Manager (ASM)
The ASMs are the link between the SM and backstage activity.
Typically there is an ASM in the wings each side of the stage.
They ensure that the actors are in position to make their entrances,
advise the SM when they are ready and give them their cues to
enter, if necessary. They co-ordinate the scene changing, costume
changing, props and any special effects. Above all, it is the ASMs’
responsibility to maintain a sense of quiet calm efficiency in an
otherwise panicky backstage environment.
Stage Crew
Under the supervision of the ASMs, the stage crew strikes
and
sets scenery, furniture and props etc. A prerequisite for this role
is the ability to see in the dark and to move heavy furniture
silently.
