Theatre Positions Application

DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

A Director of a Play, or Theatre Director, oversees all creative aspects of a theatrical production to bring a playwright’s vision to life on stage. Their responsibilities include interpreting the script, leading casting, coordinating with designers for sets, costumes, lighting, and sound, planning and guiding rehearsals, and ensuring all artistic elements come together into a cohesive and compelling performance. The director serves as the primary visionary for the production, a collaborative leader who works with the cast and crew to achieve a singular artistic effect. The Director must maintain communication with the assistant director, musical director, choreographer, stage manager and communications director.

Key Responsibilities

• Artistic Vision: Develop and articulate a clear creative vision for the production, through study and analysis of the script. 
• Script Interpretation: Analyze the script to understand the characters, themes, and overall intent, forming the foundation for the production’s artistic interpretation. 
• Casting: Hold auditions, select actors best suited to embody the characters, and guide their work to bring them to life on stage. 
• Collaboration with Designers: Work closely with designers for sets, costumes, lighting, sound, and props to ensure they align with the overall artistic vision. 
• Rehearsal Management: Plan and lead rehearsals, providing direction and guidance to actors to help them develop their characters and performances. Organize the blocking to create movements in each scene.
• Unifying Production Elements: Bring together all complex elements—the script, actors, designers, and technicians—into a unified, cohesive artistic experience. 
• Artistic Leadership: Serve as the central creative force, coordinating the efforts of the entire cast and production team to maintain a consistent artistic standard and meet deadlines. 

Key Skills

• Interpretive Skills: An understanding of the play or musical and the ability to convey complex ideas. 
• Leadership and Communication: Ability to lead a large team, communicate clearly, and foster a collaborative working environment. 
• Creativity: The capacity to develop a unique artistic interpretation of a play and translate it into a compelling live performance. 
• Organization and Project Management: Skill in managing production schedules, coordinating various teams, and bringing all aspects of a complex project together. 

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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR DESCRIPTION & DUTIES

An assistant director (AD) keeps a production running smoothly, particularly in the director’s absence. A person in this position is responsible for being at every rehearsal and meeting and for filling in for the director when his/her schedule requires them to be in two places at once, such as at a rehearsal with the cast and at a production meeting with the technical crew. A limited amount of authority comes with the responsibility in this position, but in all things, the assistant director must answer to the director.

Pre-Production Duties

Before the production is cast (that is, before actors are selected), the assistant director must read through the script and become familiar with its technical needs as well as the director’s vision. The AD may help research items from the time period of the play or other details to make the production more realistic. Through meetings with the production staff, such as the producer and the technical director, the AD assists the director to make sure all administrative duties are taken care of, including cast and crew contracts, insurance contracts and venue rental fees and schedules, if applicable. During auditions, the AD provides a second set of eyes and ears so the director can discuss particular actors with the AD and make appropriate casting decisions.

Rehearsal Duties

During rehearsals, the AD and the stage manager often share the duties of making sure all of the director’s decisions and notes are written down. While the stage manager generally takes notes regarding the physical needs of the play, such as where the actors move and stand, the AD will often note the broader needs, such as additional staff or meeting space needed. The AD may also take actors who are not in a scene off into a separate space to rehearse, guiding the actors toward the director’s vision. Alongside the stage manager, the assistant director is responsible for making sure all needs get communicated to the appropriate people, including acting notes, technical notes and schedules.

The Assistant Director must take attendance for cast members at each rehearsal and performance. The Assistant Director must text or call those missing from rehearsal who have not provided a prior conflict..

Other Responsibilities

Preparing the stage for rehearsals and helping clean up afterward may also fall to the AD. The AD, like all cast and crew members, may be asked to assist with promotional efforts, such as distributing posters and printing fliers for the show.

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MUSICAL DIRECTOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

A Musical Director leads a cast during a performance.  They are responsible for bringing the music of a musical theatre production to life, guiding performers to create a cohesive, expressive, and engaging musical experience for audiences. A Musical Director must be able to sight read music and they are expected to play the piano.

Responsibilities of the Musical Director:

Attend creative team meetings with the Director and Choreographer to develop the overall vision of the show

• Study the script and music
• Participate in auditions, evaluate the vocal abilities of all auditionees and offer suggestions on which individual might be best suited to each role based on vocal performance
• Teach music to the cast
• Attend rehearsals
• Lead regular warm-ups with the cast and before shows
• Normally serves as the conductor during live performances.
• Work with Actors to help them sing achievable keys and style

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CHOREOGRAPHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

A Choreographer designs and directs dance performances. The choreographer is responsible for developing the movement, style, and overall visual presentation of dance pieces. 

Duties and Responsibilities of a Choreographer are to:

• Create original dance routines and choreography for performances, ensuring they align with the artistic vision of the project. 
• Collaborate with directors, dancers, producers, and other creative team members to develop concepts and  themes for dance pieces.
•  Audition and select dancers for performances, providing guidance and feedback during rehearsals.
•  Teach choreography to dancers, ensuring they understand the movements, timing, and   emotional expression required.
• Rehearse and refine dance routines, making adjustments as necessary to enhance     performance quality.
•  Stay updated on current dance trends, styles, and techniques to incorporate into     choreography.
•  Organize and oversee rehearsals, ensuring that dancers are prepared for performances.
•  Coordinate with costume and set designers to ensure that the visual elements complement the  choreography.
•   Evaluate performances and provide constructive feedback to dancers for improvement.

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Stage Managers duties and responsibilities

• Work with Directors (Show, Music, Choreography) to get schedules from them & send to the Director of Communications to distribute via email and on the website
• Arrange a time to meet with set decoration and props persons to find rehearsal furniture and props before first read-though
• Set stage before each rehearsal & document rehearsals: taking note of blocking, props, and costume changes
• Ensure the safety of the cast and crew by maintaining a clean and hazard-free environment. Check the backstage first aid kit and replace any missing supplies.
• SM is responsible for maintaining quiet during rehearsals.  Must keep actors not in current scenes quiet.
•  The Stage Manager works with the sound engineer on audio cues as well as music needs.
• The SM meets with the director and AD  to determine what and when audio cues and music are needed and then presents them in spreadsheet form to the sound engineer.
• If sound does not have the appropriate audio cues SM provides them.
• The SM must document every task for the director for each rehearsal or meeting within their purview.
• Check the SM desk for flashlights and batteries. • Have a reliable watch or a clock at the SM desk
• Manage the backstage operations during performances, including set changes and cues
• Resolve any issues that may arise during the production process, ensuring the show runs smoothly
• Record and report any changes or problems during a performance
• Meet with the set designer and arrange a time to help tape the rehearsal area floor to indicate the layout of the set.
• Start to make notes on how to best move set pieces, as this will have an impact on the number of running crew required.

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Set design and construction

A set designer creates the look on the stage. This role is a combination of creativity and practicality as set design must create not only the design but also make sure it can practically come to life within budget and the requirements of the theater.

Responsibilities

Read through the script and get a rough draft from the director of what his set requirements are.

Create a drawing that includes the requirements of the director that you think can be created  within the budget and our people skills.

Review your drawing with the director and if it meets his requirements have him sign off.

Communicate your ideas to costume, make up, props and lighting departments so that everyone has the Clear Vision.

Oversee the construction and installation of the design.

Lead a team and distribute individual tasks to ensure you and your team are all working together to create the set for the requirements of the director.

Have a knowledge of set materials which can be used to create certain aspects of the set.

Must have Adaptability to adjust your design when required by the director.

Skills needed

Design skills and knowledge of set building.

Attention to detail.

Initiative.

Work well in a team.

Create new ways of doing things.

Work well under pressure.

Good math for budgeting and working with scale and proportion.