Crew Descriptions

If you have ever stayed to watch the end credits of a movie you may have noticed how many people it takes to make that production a success. While the talented cast normally gets a great deal of the credit, the show could not go on unless there is an equally talented production crew behind the scenes.  In fact, 2/3 of an entire company is made up of crew members.  So, if you want to be a part of the theater, but may be wondering if there is a place for you, consider joining the production crew! We have plenty of opportunities available!

THEATER TECH CLUB!!! We strongly encourage our backstage students, especially those interested in things like lighting, sound, fly, etc. to join tech club. This club will meet weekly on Wednesdays after school and learn all things backstage! This is a great way to learn a lot of things and discover what area you really like. Some crew members will be required to attend training with the tech club/BPCA staff if they work directly with BCPA equipment.

Acting Director’s Assistants

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Assist the acting director in taking attendance

• Keeping notes during rehearsal (blocking notes, props, misc. notes)

• Compiling preliminary need sheets

• Following along in script during rehearsal to assist with lines

• Communicating between director and production staff

Candidates need to attend most acting rehearsals. No experience is needed. Two assistants may be chosen to share the work.Great candidates will exhibit expertise in organization, good communication skills, will be able to embrace change, will be reliable and exhibit stellar teamwork. 

Sound Design, Audio/Sound Team 

• Create a cue list for sounds needed for the production.

• Coordinate cues with the director and stage management team.

• Create, record, or compile sound track or special effect sounds as needed. 

• Load audio files into QLab, creating fades, adjusting volumes, and layering files. 

• Run QLab to provide sound during rehearsals and performances.

• Work with the technical supervisor

• Assist in any technology installs and testing

• Attend to any housekeeping needs that arise (e.g. running, cable, collecting, mics, changing batteries, etc.)

• Being a script reader at the audio console during all tech and dress rehearsals and for all performances. 

No experience is needed and you can learn a lot about sound engineering! We will teach you to program QLab and mentor you through the process. Great candidates will be someone with a good ear, attention to detail, organization skills, flexibility, and a creative streak.

This team will have a fluid schedule to begin with. Meetings will likely begin early October and increase as we draw closer to tech week/load in. Attendance at all tech/dress rehearsals is required.

Lighting

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Assisting the technical supervisor

• Hanging and positioning all fixtures required for the show

• Any housekeeping needs each fixture requires (e.g. loading gels, taping cables, etc.)

• Running lights during all of the tech and dress rehearsals and during all performances. 

No experience is needed and you may have an opportunity to learn some lighting design! Great candidates will exhibit perseverance, a willingness to be ‘in the field,’ a safety mindset, and great teamwork skills!

This team will have a fluid schedule to begin with. Meetings will likely begin early October and increase as we draw closer to tech week/load in. Attendance at all tech/dress rehearsals is required.

Stage Management Team

These are usually more experienced crew who direct many elements of the show. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Writing cues in collaboration with Creative Team prior to set movement rehearsals 

• Ensuring various teams are ready prior to rehearsals and performances

• Calling cues during set movement rehearsals

• Directing technical staff when to make changes on stage and off during set movement rehearsals

Great candidates will have significant experience working in past shows, exhibit expertise in organization, perseverance, decisiveness, and exemplary teamwork skills.

Stage manager will be required to attend all rehearsals once full Acts are being run, likely beginning early October.

Set Build/Set Dress (Construction) 

Set Build*

This team constructs the set pieces. primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with wood, plastics, metals, plumbing, electrical components and a lot of common shop tools to make all of the wonderful elements for the show.

Construction/tool experience is helpful but not at all necessary; we can teach you a lot. Great candidates will exhibit a willingness to learn, an ability to follow directions and work independently, commitment to safety and stellar teamwork skills.

*Members of set build team will also be used to move/manage set pieces during rehearsals and performances. Must be present for all stage movement, spike marking, tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and all performances.

Set build and set dress work usually takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and sometimes on days off school.

Set Dress Team*

This team paints and decorates the set pieces as they are constructed. Any decorating that attaches to a set piece is completed by this team. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• rolling paint onto large walls

• painting details with small brushes

• creating special effects - like sparkling snow, fake brick facades, tree leaves, adding curtains to a house or flowers to a garden

*Members of set dress team will also be used to move/manage set pieces during rehearsals and performances. Must be present for all stage movement, spike marking, tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and all performances.

Set build and set dress work usually takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and sometimes on days off school.

Fly Rail

Set pieces are sometimes lowered onto the stage on steel pipes that are controlled by a rope system with counterbalancing weights. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Moving set pieces in preparation for rigging

• Flying in and out each batten to its appropriate trim during each tech and dress rehearsal, and for all performances

• An ability and availability to assist in loading and counterbalancing each line during scheduled installs. 

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Great candidates will exhibit high energy, a safety mentality, a willingness to ‘be in the field,’ and teamwork. This team is required to attend training sessions with the BCPA staff and begins work later in the process once fly pieces have been constructed. Mandatory attendance at all rehearsals and performances once pieces are “flown”. It is possible to work on set construction or set dress and then move to fly team.

Props Team 

There are usually a great number of small items needed in a show for realism, like a bowl of fruit, a sword, a flower bouquet, etc. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with the director to create a list of props needed in the show

• Procuring or making items used by actors on stage

• Knowing the details regarding each and every prop

• Ensuring all props are in their appropriate location prior to every dress rehearsal and all performances

• Properly storing each and every prop after every dress rehearsal and all performances. 

• Maintaining the props storage room

May also assist set dress team with items used on set pieces. Great candidates will exhibit creativity, expertise in organization, ability to follow direction and work independently, and teamwork. This team usually meets on weekends but may occasionally meet during the week. Mandatory attendance at rehearsals and performances once props are integrated.

Wardrobe/Costuming

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Costume procurement from existing stock

• Costume construction which can include cutting patterns and fabric, machine and hand sewing, making headpieces and accessories

• Tracking all costumes assigned to actors

• Handling repairs and alterations throughout the performances

• Organizing and maintaining the costume storage areas

• Presetting wardrobe racks in the dressing rooms and quick change booths

• properly cleaning and storing each costuming piece after its use

• Ensuring actors maintain their dressing rooms

• Assisting with quick changes when needed

No experience is needed, you can learn a lot on this crew. Crew starts work immediately and works about 2-3 days a week. Must be available for all dress rehearsals, and performances. Great candidates will exhibit expertise in organization, high energy, a willingness to ‘be in the field,’ positive attitude, work well under time constraints and teamwork. 

This team will typically work Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-6:30 and Sunday 12:30-3:30 beginning right away. Attendance at all dress rehearsals is also required.

Hair and Makeup   

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Assisting onstage cast with hair and makeup applications, wigs and hair accessories

• Preparing makeup room with required accouterments before all dress rehearsals and performances

• Ensuring your workstation is returned to a spotless condition after all dress rehearsals and performances. 

All crew members learn both hair and makeup but could be assigned one or the other for a show run. Must be available for all dress rehearsals and performances. Great candidates will exhibit high energy, a willingness to be ‘in the field,’ work well under time constraints/pressure of show night, patience and stellar teamwork. 

This team will meet one day a week, day TBD, until Oct 19. At that time it will likely increase to 2x week. Attendance at all dress rehearsals is also required.

Front of House

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Setting up the lobby (cast photos/displays)

• Secret encourager boxes

• Decorations in the lobby and photo booth

• Ushering and assisting ticket booth during the show

• Delivery of flowers/candy grams to cast members

• Assisting with concessions

Great candidates will exhibit high energy, excellent social skills, work well under time constraints/pressure of show night, patience, and stellar teamwork. 

This team will have a flexible, self managed schedule to begin with. Attendance at all performances is required.