Production Staff

Production Staff Information

Below, you can find information about each role in the production staff for a TMT Production!

The Mainstage show is the only show in which outside Directors and Music Directors propose to direct at the end of the previous academic year and are selected by a vote of the active membership. Details on TMT’s proposal process can be found in the updated constitution. 

Production Manager

Production manager is a position that requires an application and is elected by the TCNJ Musical Theatre executive board. Production Managers are responsible for overseeing the entire production process - from its inception to after closing night. This responsibility involves everything from contracting ticketing and house management services, working with the Treasurer to apply for funding, distributing budgets, securing rights, contracts, and other professional materials, booking rehearsal and performance spaces, developing and implementing load in and strike plans, managing the entire production staff and working on the many logistic and administrative challenges of a full scale production. 

Stage Manager

Stage Managers are responsible for the organization of many of the production processes, specifically those related to the cast, rehearsal, and performances. SM’s work with the creative team and Production Managers to organize and facilitate the logistic aspects of auditions and casting. During the rehearsal process, SM’s facilitate the scheduling of rehearsals between the cast, director, music director, and choreographer, maintain the organization of rehearsals, create rehearsal reports, and serve as the communication bridge between cast and production staff. During the technical and performance phases of a production, SM’s are responsible for managing the cast as well as their backstage assistants; recording, directing and executing all technical cues and scene changes; managing any performance related obstacles and maintaining the safety of the run. 

Director

The student director is responsible for the creative vision for one of TMT’s full scale productions. As director, you will work closely with the lead designers and other members of the production staff to develop the vision together. Directors are responsible for the creative aspects of casting, blocking the production, and working closely with the choreographer and music director to lead rehearsals.

**All student directors propose to direct at the end of the previous academic year and are selected based on a vote by the active membership. Details on TMT’s proposal process can be found in the updated constitution. 

Music Director

The music director facilitates all music rehearsals with both cast and pit orchestra of every production including sitzprobe and all dress rehearsals in the performance space. Additionally, the music director is responsible to work with the production managers in securing instrumentalists for the pit and conducting the pit during all performances. 

Choreographer

On top of choreographing dance numbers for the production, the choreographer is responsible for teaching and evaluating the dance portion of auditions, leading all dance rehearsals and working with the cast to adjust spacing within the performance space. The style and level of dance is largely dependent on the production and the creative vision of the director.

Set Designer

Set Designers are responsible for working with the director to develop the creative vision for the set. Part of this responsibility involves proper planning, sketching, and the use of VectorWorks to solidify said vision. Set Designers work closely with the Master Carpenter, Theater Coordinator, and Production Managers to ensure that a safe and accessible plan is developed that meets all regulations set forth by the performance space. Set Designers are responsible for all aesthetic components of the set and utilize a large array of materials and a team of assistants to accomplish this task. 

Master Carpenter 

Master Carpenters work with the Production Managers to oversee all technical aspects of the production. They work with the set team to develop and execute a safe and effective plan for build week, load in, and strike. During build week and load in, Master Carpenters lead their team of assistants and other production staff members in the construction of the set. Additionally, they are responsible for creating any technical effects during a production.

Lighting Designer 

​The lighting designer is responsible for designing lights and special effects, hanging and focusing lights as needed, and programming light cues in compliance with the creative team's aesthetic vision They will manage all lighting rentals, and will reset the lighting plot at the end of the process. They will create a schedule for their team of who will operate the lights at each dress rehearsal and performance. 

Sound Designer

Sound designers are responsible for obtaining and/or designing all sounds and pre-show and post-show music that the production may require and ensuring that there is proper equipment to play them during the production. They are responsible for working with the music director to set up the pit orchestra and balance those sounds, making sure the cast can be heard. They will create a schedule for their team of who will operate the sound at each dress rehearsal and performance.

Costume Designer

Costume designers are responsible for fitting all cast members, working with the director and utilizing their own creative vision to provide and assign clothing, accessories and shoes to all performers. Costume designers utilize their own personal resources as well as those provided by the Kendall costume shop and other outside vendors, rental or otherwise. During dress rehearsals and performances, costume designers may be responsible for dressing performers and maintaining the condition of all costumes throughout the run.​

Properties Master

Prop Masters are responsible for retrieving and/or designing all of the necessary properties for the production that align with the creative vision of the show. As property needs may change over the course of the rehearsal process, the prop master must be flexible in their working process. Additionally, prop masters must maintain the quality of all props (both perishable and non) throughout the production run. Like costume designers, prop masters utilize their own personal resources as well as those provided by the Kendall prop room and other outside vendors, rental or otherwise. 

Hair/Makeup Designer

Hair and Makeup Designers work closely with the director on the creating the proper look for the aesthetic of the show. Hair and Makeup Designers are responsible for managing their team of assistants in working on cast members during all dress rehearsals and performance runs. Depending on the show and vision of the director, Hair and Makeup Designers may be responsible for the implementation of wigs, fake blood, special effects, cosmetics, prosthetics, etc. 

Program Designer

The Program Designer collects biographies from every cast member and production manager, and complies show information and bios into a program. The Program Designer may also create a headboard of the cast for the lobby for performances. 

Build Crew

Build crew helps the set and carpentry teams to construct the set. This may include painting, drilling, and other tasks. Build crew sign-ups come out closer to build week, and anyone is welcome to sign up!

Assistant Production Staff

Assistant positions are available for all of the production staff positions listed above. The role of assistants is to aid their lead designer/production staff member in executing their responsibilities and to acquire the skills necessary to do so throughout the ongoing production process. No previous experience is required to be an assistant as one of our production goals is to facilitate the education of new members and potential production staff members.