Applications
Assistant Director Job Description
The main job of the AD is to work with the Director and learn! You will have the opportunity to help make directorial decisions and implement them. You will give notes to the cast throughout the whole process. As Assistant Director you must be able to separate yourself as a student and see yourself as a member of the production team, but you cannot do this in such a way that is demeaning to your performers or makes them resent you and your authority. You are another member of the production team, and must help envision the show, and help carry out the vision. There may also come a time when you must be strict with the cast, and you must be able to do this in a respectful way.
A great Student Assistant Director is someone who is:
1. Organized
2. A great leader
3. A great problem solver
4. Creative
5. Understands the different aspects of theater
6. Has a firm, polite, respectful, and calm manner and can encourage and lead many people to achieve a phenomenal show.
Preparation (Before Auditions):
Make yourself very familiar with the show, the setting, and all the characters. It is smart to watch the production (via YouTube etc.), listen to the soundtrack (if available), and read the script. You should meet with the other Directors to have a common vision for the performance and discuss the plan for auditions. You also should create a plan as to how you’re going to critique auditions (notebook, laptop, specific form, etc).
During Auditions:
This is one of the hardest parts of being Assistant Director. As a peer, students are going to attempt to bargain with you to know what is going on with the cast list, etc. You must separate yourself from this and understand that as AD, these are things that only you can know. Things that are discussed, in regard to other students, by the production team are to stay within the production team. Please make sure you are at every audition, and constantly be taking notes and looking out for people who you think may be able to play the parts in the show.
*** When the cast list is posted, do not respond to anyone attempting to question you about the list, and be prepared for negative feedback. Prepare a standard answer in your head beforehand (example: we have a vision and have picked the people who we best see fulfilling it). Understand that you are a member of the production team, and cannot fall to their begging.***
Before Read-Through
Before the read-through, you must work with the Production Manager to create a Rehearsal Calendar (online), and a Remind for the show. Be sure to insert all rehearsals until the end of the run of the show into Team-Up (or other approved calendar). Know the join codes for both apps so that you can have the cast and crew join at the read through. You are also in charge of going over the contract, taking attendance, and reviewing the calendar. Make sure you are familiar with the contract and everything it says.
Rehearsals:
Take attendance at every rehearsal. Create a system for taking and tracking attendance. Have absence forms available for cast members to use. It is important to keep careful track of everyone at rehearsal and the reasons for absences.
You are in-charge of writing down blocking. In your script, you should have legible blocking for every cast member so that at any time, you can tell them their blocking. You almost must be very familiar with their blocking, and everything happening at rehearsals. If for some reason the Director could not be there, you must be ready to run rehearsal at any time. Once you begin running the show, be sure to take lots of constructive notes, both positive and negative, that you are prepared to tell the cast. Once the cast is off-book, you are in-charge of answering when actors call “line.” Keep track of performers who are calling line too many times, and have a respectful conversation with them.
If you have any problems with cast members, discuss it with the Director and then approach the cast member calmly and with respect.
Be involved in the process! Discuss with the Director how to take and give notes. Remember that although you are an Assistant Director, you are also still a peer, and it is important to be kind!
Click HERE to complete the Assistant Director Application before 6/12/21!
Stage Manager Job Description
The Stage Manager is key to creating an efficient and positive a production. Your ability to successfully lead and work with the company, although at times possibly stressful, will be of utmost importance. Your overall purpose is to work directly with the directors, cast, and production people to move a show from inception to closing. Aside from the obvious technical aspects of the positions, in many cases you will be involved in tasks that call on human relations skills and diplomacy.
A great Stage Manager is someone who:
Is organized.
2. Knows the auditorium – backstage, house, sound booth, etc.
3. Knows how to solve problems.
4. Has a basic understanding of the technical demands of a production: lights, sound, props, set changes, and special effects (or is willing to learn).
5. Has a firm, polite, respectful, and calm manner and can encourage and lead a large number of people to achieve a high standard of backstage discipline.
6. has stamina and a sense of humor.
Preparation:
Communicate with the Director to discuss the set and determine how many crew members you will need. Meet with the other Stage Managers and the Production Manager to go over Stage Crew Applications and create a plan.
Analyze the script and discuss staging with the Director. Make notes of set changes, lighting needs, special effects, sound needs, and any special needs. Also, make notes of costume and make-up changes, especially those that happen back stage. Start to make notes on how to best move set pieces, as this will have an impact on number of running crew required.
Additional Preparation:
Get to know the layout of the auditorium. Part of your job description is the safety of the cast and crew.
Check the backstage first aid kit and replace any missing supplies.
Know the location of the tool cabinet and the location of the key.
Know/learn the basic operation of the following:
o Operation of main curtain.
o Work lights, running lights, house lights, rehearsal lights, stage lighting console.
o Sound system.
o Head set intercom system.
Rehearsals:
Encourage respect. Make sure behaviors on stage and in the wings are appropriate and cast and crew members are focused and ready for their cues. Make sure all set pieces and props are ready for the start of rehearsal (once available).
Take crew attendance at every rehearsal. Create a system for taking and tracking attendance. Have absence forms available for cast members to use. It is important to keep careful track of everyone at rehearsal and the reasons for absences.
No "visitors" are allowed in backstage area or in auditorium during rehearsals. If someone should enter, introduce yourself and ask them if you can help them. If not, explain why it is important for them not to be where they are. For example, “I’m sorry, but safety regulations do not permit backstage visitors.”
Record all cues in your script, including set movements, props, lighting, and sound. You will be helping call the shows and you need to be familiar with all aspects of the performance.
During the Run:
You are the one responsible for everything and everyone to be ready and to maintain the director's intentions. Meet with the Production Manager to review the list of expectations and work with the other Stage Managers to share the responsibilities. Make sure all of the Directors' needs are met.