AYAA to the Rescue: Jobs in Theatre: Pre-production (1/3)

Hey there, everyone! As the Christmas season comes to a close, I thought it was time for me to do another post about theatre education. Earlier in the year, I did a few posts on education, including a quiz about what theatre major to choose in college, out-of-state schools for theatre, and why it is important to participate in youth theatre.

Today, I wanted to do a post about the diverse theatre personnel. A lot of time when people think about theatre, their minds immediately jump to actors, director, producers, costume designers, etc. Obviously, those jobs are extremely important, but there are other jobs in theatre are essential to the creation of a successful show.

Today, we will be focusing on pre-production. Next week will be production and the following week, theatre staff:

• Theatrical producer - oversees all the aspects of mounting a production. Manages finances and other managerial functions, raises or provides money to back the performance, and helps hire the creative personnel. 
• Although some colleges do offer BFAs for Theatrical Production that teach skills like finances, many producers may major in business, economics or arts management. Even though the producers are working in theatre, their business sense supersedes their creative sense in many instances.
• Director - orchestrates the creative aspects of the production. Unifies all the various creative aspects, such as acting, music, costumes, lights, etc. Helps to realize the artistic vision of the piece. Collaborates with the team of technicians, stage managers, and actors.
• A handful of colleges offer BFAs in Directing, but it becomes more readily available as a degree in the Masters and Doctorate programs.
• Playwright - the person who write the piece
• Some colleges offer degrees in playwriting. Often times, the programs are combined with screenwriting.
• Scenic designer - designs the scenery for the production. Aim to draw the audience in with the visual environment.
• Colleges tend to not offer degrees specifically in "scenic design" but offer broader BAs or BFAs in technical theatre or theatre design. They sometimes fall under theatre production degrees.
• Sometimes referred to as a "set designer"
• Lighting designer - Works with the other technicians and the director. Aims to design lighting that will enhance the atmosphere of the play. Also coordinates technology needed with the stage managers.
• Similar to scenic design
• Costume designer - person who creates the costumes for the theatrical production. Helps to create the characters' images and create balance on stage. Works with the other technicians, includes wig and make up designers. 
• Similar to scenic design, but colleges often offer fashion programs which would also be well suited to a person gaining costuming skills. 
• Sound designer - generates and orchestrates auditory elements of a theatrical production. Usually requires the manipulation of previously generated audio to create or enhance the mood of the piece.
• Similar to scenic design, but sound programs at schools with large film programs can be more common
• Property master - in charge of purchasing, creating or building any props needed for the production. Collaborates with other technicians and the stage manager. Seeks to achieve set continuity (along with the scenic designer). Develops their design during pre-production, but also stays on as a part of the production crew.
• It is highly unlikely a school will offer a program specifically in property mastery/design. However, a technical theatre degree suffices for this job. They really need good organizational skills.
• Production manager - responsible for making the vision of the director and choreographer come true within the technical restraints of the theatre/budget. Coordinates all the technicians.
• A job highly versed in organization. Good to have a degree in technical theatre, theatre production or arts management. However, they also must have a good business and financial sense.
• Technical director - someone within the theatre who makes sure all the technical equipment is functional for a production. Responsible for overall organization of the technical aspects and making sure all tech components run smoothly.
• Similar to production manager, but very versed in technical theatre; should know about all aspects of technical theatre, considered an expert. 
• Show control designer - links together all of the technical operating systems (lights, sound, etc.) Coordinates all technical elements of the show with the given technology. Links together sound, visual and light cues. 
• Choreographer - designers to movement of the actors, usually in a dance setting. Very conscious of the overall aesthetic of the theatrical piece and enhances the atmosphere through human movement.
• Ingrained in dance, so a dance degree would be helpful here. Some colleges are starting to offer BFAs specifically for choreography for the stage and screen.
• Makeup designer - person who designs the make up for the theatrical production. Helps to create the characters' images and create balance on stage. Works closely with the hair and costume designers.
•  Similar to scenic design. However, make up design -- like costume design -- is very specific and although degree programs don't really exist for it, technical programs do, so training in one of these stage makeup programs although not necessarily required is incredibly useful.
• Actor/actress - portrays the characters created by the playwright. Interprets the role, keeping true to the vision of the director. 
• Many colleges offer BFAs in Acting, but a large percentage of general Theatre BAs have acting concentrations as well.
• It is important for actors to understand the technical positions as well.

Thank you for reading and learning! Tune in next week for a list of theatre jobs directly involved in show time!

Please e-mail mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or concerns! :)