Production Crew 

STAGE CREW RESPONSIBILITIES 

For each production produced in a season, student volunteers take on the responsibilities of the various crew specialties. We believe students become stronger actors by participating in stage crew, which is the reason why we require every actor to participate in a minimum of three hours of set construction.

Stage Crew Leads work directly with the director in order to research, design, and manifest costumes, props, sound, publicity, archives, hair and make-up for an entire production. Crew head positions are as coveted as acting leads.

The following are stage crew positions: 

1. Stage Manager 

2. Costume/Makeup Manager 

3. Tech Lead 

   1. Tech Team 

4. House Manager 

5. General (Stage) Crew 

   1. Props Manager 

Stage Manager 

The Stage Manager is responsible for overseeing all the technical elements of the show. They will technically “run “ the show for every performance by calling out cues on the stage, or by managing scene changes and cast backstage. The Stage Manager will be given a copy of the Director’s Binder/Script, and will take rehearsal notes (attendance, cues, activities completed, etc.). The Stage Manager should attend all rehearsals and is responsible for communicating with cast and crew members who are absent. 

Costume/Makeup Manager 

The Costume/Makeup manager will invite crew and cast to make-up/hair work sessions, which will typically be after school. These sessions will be to inform the crew the general look for each of the characters. Each crewmember will be assigned two or three actors. Each worker will practice make-up and hair ideas on other crewmembers and then on the actors. Each make-up/hair crew member will be in charge of their assigned actors’ make-up and hair for dress rehearsals and shows.

Tech Team- Lights and Sound:

The Lights and Sound Leads are students who works directly with the Tech Director (usually an adult). Tech Team, who works directly under the Leads and Tech Director, is responsible for all the sound effects and lighting in a production. Tech Team also creates any music that is used prior to a show or during a show’s run. During a musical, the Tech Team will be responsible for running and monitoring actors’ microphones. No previous experience with sound is necessary to be on the Tech Team. The Tech Leads will inform cast members of work sessions’ days and times. Tech Team is asked to attend Stage Crew work hours because Tech work will overlap their crew time.

House Manager

The House Management team runs the ‘front of house,’ or ticket sales and intermission concessions before and during a play’s performances. House crew members and their manager will design and paint the ticket booth, and create a look for the lobby based on the nature and content of the current show. The House Management team also works with the Stage Manager in order to take head shots of cast and crew members. House Manager will contact their crew members. However, during performance weekends, House Management will work before and during each performance.

General Stage Crew/Props Manager 

The Props Manager will invite workers to props work sessions, which will typically be after school. These sessions will be to inform workers of the props necessary for the show.  Workers will then assist the student crew head in making, building, painting, and finding props. You may have to visit thrift stores or call various places to order props. This crew does not include set props such as furniture, but does include characters’ hand props and some set decorations such as a vase of flowers. 

General Stage Crew members will complete any tasks that may be needed under the direction of Stage Crew leads. This may include, but is not limited to, painting the set, creating props and costumes, helping with lighting, making posters, etc. Stage Crew will be expected to meet during lunch or after school per the direction of the Director or Stage Crew leads.