AYAA to the Rescure: Jobs in Theatre: Production (2/3)

Hey there, everyone! Welcome to the second post in my series about jobs in theatre. To read about jobs, in pre-production, you can click here. Last 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.

This series exists in order to introduce people to the diverse group of 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, I will be focusing on people working when the show is happening on stage. Last week, I discussed the pre-production staff and next week will be the final post on theatre staff.

• Actor -  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.
• Backstage crew - Sometimes referred to as the running crew. These individuals "run" -- meaning supervise and operate -- the various technical aspects of the show. Usually limited to those who work during the actual performance.
• Not necessary a position requiring a college education, but a technical theatre degree would work here.
• Carpenter/Master Carpenter - Someone who builds sets and elements on stage. The master carpenter is generally in charge of the other carpenters and knows the most about the craft/has the most experience. Brings the vision of the set designer to life.
• Not necessary a position requiring a college education, but getting a carpentry degree would be prudent. If you want a college education, technical theatre would work here as well.
• Charge artist - Oversees the painting of set pieces. Brings the vision of the set designer to life. 
• Not necessary a position requiring a college education, but a degree in art or technical theatre would work.
• Electrician/Master electrician - Electricians generally work with lighting. Translate the design of the lighting designer during the performance. 
• The Master electrician oversees the rest of the electricians. Generally the most experienced.
• Not necessarily a position requiring a college education, but knowing about lighting design and the way the equipment works is crucial. A technical theatre degree would work here, as well as a degree from a technical school.
• Paint crew - paints the set under the direction of the charge artist
• A college degree would not be necessary, but a degree/knowledge in art of technical theatre would be useful
• Playbill writer - creates the program for the production
• A college degree would not be necessary for this position. Sometimes this falls under a duty of a member of the theatre staff.
• Publicist - brings people to the production. Generates and manages the publicity for the show. 
• A degree in communications, marketing, or publicity would be useful here. Some colleges have specific degrees for art marketing or management.
• Stage manager - arguably one of the most important jobs for a production to run smoothly. Organizes and coordinates the elements of a theatre production. Coordinates communications between all personnel.
• Many colleges known for theatre are starting to offer specific Stage Management BFAs, but a technical theatre BFA would be helpful here as well. Must be well organized.
• 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.
• 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. Very versed in technical theatre; should know about all aspects of technical theatre, considered an expert. 
• Stagehands - part of the backstage crew. Works all aspects of the technical production during the run of the show
• Not necessarily a job requiring a college degree, but a degree in technical theatre would work here.
• Wardrobe supervisor - responsible for watching over all costuming activities during the run of a show. Job generally begins during the load-in of a production. Supervises all dressers. Coordinates when and where costume changes occur.
• Could use a specific degree in costume design, but as they are more based in organization, a degree in technical theatre would definitely suit this position.
• Dresser - Maintains costume quality during a show. Assists cast members with costume changes. Often primarily used for quick changes.
• Not necessarily a position requiring a college degree, but could use a specific degree in costume design, but as they are more based in organization, a degree in technical theatre would definitely suit this position.

Thank you for reading and learning! Tune in next week for a list of members of the theatre staff.

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