Construction Chief

Description of Position

The Construction Chief is second in command to the Technical Director. The Construction Chief responsible for overseeing the construction of the set, maintaining the shop, and keeping accurate accounts of all tools and materials. The Construction Chief should be trained on using power tools to build, and assembling all scenic elements of the set (i.e. flats, platforms, doors etc.), props etc. The Construction Chief may be called to assist in the design of the set or set pieces. They will help teach other crew members’ proper tool use and construction techniques and should maintain a safe environment at all times. The Construction Chief should be “on call” on show nights to provide quick fixes to set pieces. They may also be responsible for operating the fly system.

List of Responsibilities

Pre-Production

• Read the script.
• Create a “Design Book” in a three-ringed binder. A copy of the script with available space for notes and other resources to assist with the design process.
• Attend production meetings. At meetings, record concerns or needs and communicate these to the Stage Manager.
• Discuss set ideas with Tech Director. Make sure you understand the over concept of the set and the details of each piece that needs to be constructed.
• Create an inventory of lumber, paint, and set supplies. Create a list of these materials and give to Technical Director.
• Attend trips to purchase lumber and supplies.
• Be present at all Wednesday and Saturday set construction days.
• Teach crew how to operate power tools properly. Review safety procedures with all people operating tools.
• Take lead on major set construction projects. Help teach and train newer students working with power tools and set construction.
• Report to Technical Director construction progress and needs.
• Oversee the clean up of the stage and shop everyday. Delegate clean up responsibilities. On a daily basis, the following tasks MUST be accomplished:
  1. Brush washing
  2. Paint stored properly
  3. Saws properly cleaned and vacuumed
  4. Sweeping and vacuuming of stage and shop
  5. Lumber stored and organized
  6. Tool stored and power cords wrapped and stored
• Close and lock up shop daily
• Report problems and needs to Tech Director on a regular basis.
• Help keep up cast and crew moral! Have fun!

Tech Week/ Dress Rehearsal

• Attend all rehearsals.
• Become extremely familiar with the script and the needs of the entire production.
• Support the Stage Manager; offer help with their daily duties. .
• Organize any “quick fix-ups” that need to occur on set.
• Be prepared to run fly system and curtains, if needed. Take certification test.
• If on headset, confine all headset conversations to cues, emergency situations and production questions. Limit all other talk.
• Communicate with Stage Manager and directors promptly if problems arise.

Show Nights

• Wear blacks and carry a small flashlight.
• Report at 6pm and sign in.
• Communicate with Stage Manager promptly if problems arise.
• Confine all headset conversations to cues, emergency situations and production questions. Limit all other talk.
• Perform all post show duties. Make sure stage is set for opening the next day and all other materials are proper put away, turned off, and stored.
• Supervise your assigned area during clean up. Report to Stage Manager when all tasks have been accomplished.
• Assist other members of Production Team with their nightly duties, if necessary.

Strike

• Help directors and Stage Manager maintain organization during strike.
• Oversee the de-construction of the set.
• Remind crew of proper safety precautions.
• Oversee proper storage of lumber and paint.
• Oversee the proper cleaning of shop and stage.
• Create a post-production inventory of lumber and paint. Supply list to Technical Director.
• Using a checklist, make sure your duties have been accomplished. Keep cast and crew occupied with appropriate tasks.
• Check out with Stage Manager.
• Compliment and thank crew.
• Store and lock up all tools, supplies and shop

SET DESIGN FORMS