DESCRIPTIONS OF PRODUCTION STAFF

 

Every CKSS musical relies on a small army of people who, although they don’t appear on stage, are every bit as important to the success of the production as the cast.  For example, they build the set, design the costumes, provide food during show week, and promote the show in the community.  Here are several job descriptions of departments that take place outside of the limelight.  Each department has a co-ordinator and a support team of volunteers to share responsibilities.

 

COSTUMES

 

Responsible for designing, making, and obtaining costumes and accessories

Select costumes from what is available at CKSS, and locating others that can be borrowed or rented

Organize and co-ordinate a team of sewers to build the costumes for the show

Take actors’ measurements for garments and accessories, such as shoes and hats

Shop at fabric, craft, charity, and clothes shops

Arrange costume fittings, dressing actors, helping with difficult costumes, making alterations as necessary

Organize and co-ordinate a costume parade

Clean and repair costumes

 

MAKE-UP / HAIR

 

Research hair styles appropriate for the time period of the show

Acquire wigs/hair pieces if necessary

Arrange for a team of hair stylists if necessary

Ensure that all makeup, supplies, and toiletries are available for performances

Implement special makeup effects, such as aging, where necessary and help teach cast members how to do their own basic makeup

 

PROPERTIES

 

Responsible for obtaining, operating stage props 

Props include all stage items except furnishings and set décor…anything that will need to be carried by actors on stage

Locate props and/or borrow from other theatre groups or the cast

Make or build some props which cannot be obtained

Instruct cast in proper handling of delicate items

Prepare props tables backstage, and ensure that props are in place and replaced properly afterwards

Ensure that al borrowed or rented props are returned

 

SET CONSTRUCTION

 

Obtain working drawings from set designer and turn construct set pieces as needed for the show

Prepare materials list: lumber, hardware, unique materials, paint, etc. and arrange for delivery

Plan out and schedule work parties and co-ordinate actual construction

As set pieces are completed, hand over to set décor

Organize and supervise load in and manage installation of the set into the performance space

Maintain the integrity of the set through the run of the show

Ensure that all borrowed or rented pieces are returned

Co-ordinate strike following the last performance

 

SOUND

 

Responsible for amplifying the performers’ voices and musical instruments

Responsible for booking head microphones, as well as the installation and supervision of these microphones

Responsible for all sound effects required during rehearsals, performances, and intermission, as well as the supervision and operation of related sound equipment.

 

HOSPITALITY

 

Co-ordinate and/or provide nutritious food snacks for cast and crew during show week

Co-ordinate the lasagna lunch in conjunction with costume parade

Arrange for food and beverages for cast/crew party following closing night performance

 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIAISON

 

Co-ordinate group sales to elementary schools for three student matinees

Prepare seating plans for matinees

 

PROGRAM

 

Responsible for assembling the program that will be handed to all audience members

Obtain an accurate list of all people associated with the production

Collect information and bios from cast, crew, and orchestra members

Arrange for cast pictures to accompany program bios, as well as crew group shots

Manage the sale of program ads, lay out the design of the program, and arrange for it to be copied

 

PUBLICITY

 

Responsible for advertising the show through community outlets such as newspapers, radio, businesses, community centres, and other schools especially feeder schools

Obtain all relevant information from producer and/or director

Arrange for and co-ordinate posters, flyers, portable signs

Contact media and arrange for press coverage

Arrange interviews and photographs of the cast

Co-ordinate public announcements

Co-ordinate crew to deploy publicity materials

 

SET DESIGN

 

Responsible for creating the setting design for the production

Provide colour choices, simple elevations and suggested ideas for construction

Ensure that the design is consistent with the director’s artistic concepts and can accommodate any technical needs

 

ORCHESTRA

 

Provide musical support for the actors

Conductor helps recruit members for the orchestra and ensures that all aspects of the show involving the orchestra run smoothly

Conductor schedules and co-ordinates orchestra rehearsals as necessary

 

LIGHTING

 

Plan the stage lighting

Designs the gel colours and positions

Supervise the placement and focusing of the lighting instruments

Oversee the setting of the lighting levels and operation of the control board