This article will attempt to explain who does what in a production and Codsall Dramatic Society as a whole.
Production Staff
The Director and Producer
The Director is more commonly referred to as the Producer in theatre productions. Some drama organisations and individuals (myself included) prefer to separate the two roles where possible:
The Director...
Gives the play it's dramatic and artistic direction, conducting the rehearsals and guiding the performance of the actors. Often, a director will have an overall vision for the play and will attempt to bring out any underlying messages and ideas that exist within the plot (or sub-plot) of the play.
To achieve their aims, the Director will have the final say on how the play is performed and how it will be presented in terms of lighting, sound (including music) and set design. The Director will appoint (and work closely with) the Sound, Lighting and Set Designers to ensure the desired result is achieved.
The Producer...
Working in direct consultation with the Director, they are the one that makes everything happen. They will help the Director organise the rehearsals, will appoint a Stage Manager and handle any behind the scenes tasks and problems that arise during the course of the production. They will also conduct rehearsals when the Director is not available for whatever reason. This helps give the Director more time and freedom to concentrate on the artistic, dramatic content and direction of the play.
Of course, as mentioned at the beginning of this section, if the Producer
is the Director, then they are responsible for all these tasks. They then become known as the
Producer of the play. They are called other things from time to time, but we won't go in to that!
Stage Manager (SM)
Once the Stage Manager has been appointed, they will work in close consultation with the Director and/or Producer. The SM is responsible for so many things, below is a list of just a few of their duties and responsibilities...
> Appointing the ASM, Props Master and backstage crews.
> Organise and source any properties required for the production.
> Organise any furniture required for the set.
> Organise rehearsals (including the technical and dress rehearsals).
> Organise the creation of special physical effects.
> Organise the set construction and dressing (in consultation with the set designer).
> Co-ordinate any set changes during the performance.
> Ensure that the actors enter the stage on cue.
Assistant Stage Manager (ASM)
Once appointed, they will work with the SM and assist with the duties and responsibilities of the SM given above. They will also be required to form part of the backstage crew.
Backstage Crew & Stagehands
A group of individuals that will perform any number of tasks...
> Set construction.
> Opening curtains and doors to allow actors to enter the stage.
> Helping actors get out of and in to costumes during performances.
> Moving sets and props at the appropriate times during performances.
> Operating any special physical effects during performances.
and of course the most important task in any production, making the tea for everyone! (God bless them.)
Front Of House Manager (FOH Manager)
The FOH manager, is responsible for a very important team of people. These are the people that meet and greet the public who come to see our shows. Below is a brief list of some of their duties and responsibilities...
> Ticket sales.
> Program sales.
> Seating allocations (Ushers).
> Interval refreshments.
> Safety and security.
> General help and information for audience members.
Lighting Designer and Operator
The Lighting Designer...
Is responsible for designing the overall look and atmosphere of the play from a lighting perspective in close collaboration with the Director/Producer. They will also check, hang and focus the lighting required for the production, devise and install any specialist lighting effects required, markup the lighting script and will program the lighting desk with the lighting cues for the entire play.
The Lighting Operator...
It is common for the Lighting Designer to operator the lighting desk for the performances. If not, a Lighting Operator is appointed to do the job...
They will operate the lighting desk and any other lighting effects and equipment during a performance and will also ensure that the lights and ancillary equipment are working properly and safely before each and every show.
Sound Designer and Operator
The Sound Designer...
Is responsible for designing and producing all of the music and sound effects for a production, in close collaboration with the Director/Producer. They will also setup and check the sound equipment required for the production, devise and install any specialist sound equipment required, and will markup the script with the sound cues required for the entire play.
The Sound Operator...
It is common for the Sound Designer to operator the sound equipment for the performances. If not, a Sound Operator is appointed to do the job...
They will operate the sound equipment during a performance and will also check that the sound equipment is working properly and safely before each and every show.
Set Designer and Dresser
The Set Designer and Dresser can be one and the same person depending on the organisation and the production.
The Set Designer...
(A.K.A. the Art Director in some organisations)
Produces the plan of the set that will be built. In consultation with the director they will work out what physical attributes the set will require. For example, how many doors and windows there are and where they will be. They will also work out the details of how the set will be constructed and will be heavily involved in the set construction from the start.
The Set Dresser...
Is responsible for the decor of the set and the colours used. This is dictated by the period of the play and where the play is set. It may also require the involvement of the Lighting Designer to ensure that there are no aspects of the set's appearance that could produce unpleasant results. For example, if a mirror is required on the set, then it has to be placed carefully so the lights are not reflected directly in to the eyes of the audience!
Props Manager (or Props Master)
The Props Manager is responsible for ensuring that all of the props required for a production are available. They also ensure that each actor uses the right prop(s) at any given point in a performance and if any props need to be repaired or replaced, they ensure that this is done.
In addition, they will organise and prepare any food and drink used in the action of a play.
Costumier
Is responsible for the look of the characters in terms of costume. This is dictated by the period of the play and the character, a policeman or a dancer for example. The Costumier will arrange the cast fittings and ensure that the actors have all of the costumes they require for the production.
They will also devise and/or source any specialist costumes required such as masks or particular types of hats etc. In addition they perform any repairs and/or alterations required.
Society Officials
No drama society or organisation can function properly without a committee, or some kind of coordinating body. Codsall Dramatic Society's committee currently consists of nine members elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. Committee meetings usually occur once a month. Within this committee we have four executive officers...
President
The visible face of the society and committee, essentially the figure-head of the society. While the President has no executive duties, their advice and support is greatly valued.
Executive Officers
Chairman
The spokesperson for the committee and leader of the society as a whole. The Chairman conducts the committee meetings, deals with any issues that require immediate attention and co-ordinates events and activities with various committee and society members.
Vice-Chairman
Assists the Chairman and handles any additional tasks, they also stand in for the Chairman when they are unavailable for meetings etc.
Treasurer
Without someone to manage our funds, this society wouldn't exist! They handle the production budgets and administrative expenses. They produce financial reports following each production and for the AGM at the end of each "society year". This is a thankless and huge task to under-take, and it requires someone with a good head for numbers!
General Secretary
Prepares the agenda and writes the minutes for the committee meetings, helps to organise the AGM and handles most of the society's correspondence. They also, assist the other officers where necessary.
Non-Executive Officers
Memberships Secretary
Responsible for collecting subscriptions, managing the membership database and assists any new members that require help.
Patrons Secretary
Liaises with the Patrons of the society and keeps them informed of upcoming events.
Publicity Secretary
Co-ordinates the publicity for current and upcoming productions, liasing with local magazines, newspapers and media outlets as required.
Health and Safety Officer
Ensures that the membership carry out their activities in a safe environment...
Building sets safely, ensuring that tools are in proper working order and are used correctly and safely and organising fire drills. They also produce risk assessments and make recommendations to the committee regarding safe working practices.
Webmaster/I.T. Supervisor
In charge of website design and maintenance, society email communications and on occasion handles any technical problems or security issues that arise with home computers owned by committee members.
