WHAT'S THE JOB?

Are you interested in being a stage manager? Or taking charge of the sound or lighting? Maybe you'd like to give producing a go? If you think you might like to do any of these, or more, but you're not sure what they entail, have a read below and see if you want to try it out! You will have the full support of the committee.

If you're thinking 'whoa, I don't want all the responsibility just yet' and you'd like to shadow someone doing the job and find out more, that's also ok! We encourage our members to involve themselves in all aspects of the theatre world. So why not challenge yourself with a new skill?

Director:

The head honcho, the big cheese, the...er, Spielberg of the stage? As Director, you'll be running the show. You will meet with the committee to discuss your play and what you need and would like help with. Then it's up to you to assemble your team! Of course, the committee will help you by advertising positions and casting calls. If you are a new Director, you will be assigned a mentor. Someone who has directed before and can advise and guide you when you need a little assurance or ideas. You will also be responsible for organising the poster and programme designs.

Ideally needed: every rehearsal, technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, every show night.

Producer:

The Producer is often vastly undervalued - you have an important job! You will deal with the administration of the production and maintain the budget, pulling the Director in when they insist that they NEED working flame throwers and an animatronic dinosaur (although we'd like to watch that play!). You will also be in charge of ticket sales, advertising, taking rehearsal photos for online use, printing of flyers and programmes, and liaising with the venue.

Ideally needed: several rehearsals. Technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and show nights to be decided with the Director.

Stage Manager:

All the world's a stage....and someone needs to manage it! We can't have actors walking on during scene changes and props not being where they should be, now, can we? Your job will be to create the stage layout in coordination with the Director, manage the smooth running of the scene changes, correct prop placement, and make sure the set is in the right place. You will also be responsible for recruiting your backstage crew. And most importantly, wearing a headset so you can pretend to be Madonna when no one is looking (you know you want to!).

Ideally needed: couple of rehearsals, technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and show nights.

Sound and Lighting:

Although often managed together, for some larger productions, or some with many light and sound changes, this role may be split between two people. Your job will be to make sure we can see the actors and marvel at any amazing sound effects. Just imagine, you can get a whole audience to jump when you press a button to mimic a giant thunderclap!

Ideally needed: several rehearsals, technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and show nights.

Hair and Makeup:

Actors need to look good under those hot, bright lights. Unless they're not supposed to, but that makes your life easier! Are you a dab hand with a makeup sponge, or a whiz with a comb and a can of hairspray? You'll liaise with the Director to get their input of how they envisage their actors, and work with the cast to come up with ways to make that a reality (mostly). You'll most likely attend a couple of rehearsals to get a feel for the play and the characters.

Ideally needed: one or two rehearsals, technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and show nights.

Costume:

For smaller shows, or shows set in the current day, this may not be a role that is required. However, if it is a period piece or there are some 'interesting' costumes, then this will fall to you to source! You'll liaise with the Director to get their input of how they envisage their actors, and obtain the pieces necessary to create these looks. You'll most likely attend a couple of rehearsals to get a feel for the play and the characters.

Ideally needed: one or two rehearsals. Technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and show nights to be decided with the Director.

Props Manager:

Where can you find a pink teapot, or a clock shaped like a cat? Well, that’s your job as prop manager! You will be in charge of sourcing and maintaining all the props, both on set props and personal props for the cast. You will use your script to highlight what is needed, and meet with the Director to discuss any artistic changes they might have made (and they probably will, let’s face it!). A prop table will need to be set up backstage for the actors to quickly grab what they need, so you’ll need to be organised and strict!

Ideally required: one or two rehearsals, technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and show nights.

Stage Crew:

Ah, the glue of the theatre! Without a stage crew, the actors would be on a bare stage without any props, working on their mime ability. Scene changes need to be quick and seamless, so you will work as a group to coordinate your efforts, and your stage manager will give you your individual roles and responsibilities.

Ideally needed: couple of rehearsals, technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and show nights.

Front of House:

These people are the first people our audience sees and interacts with. You will help scan the tickets, answer questions (usually, "Where is the bar?" and "Where is the toilet?"), hand our programmes, and sometimes show people to their respective seats. You won't be required to stay the whole night, just until everyone is checked in and the show has started. Even if you can only make one show, every little helps!

Ideally needed: dress rehearsal, show nights.