Theater Arts Overview

Performing Arts Forms

• Performing arts involve artists using their face, body, and presence to express artistic ideas.
• Major performing arts include spoken words, music, dance, opera, and theater.

Theater Arts Definition

• Theater is a collaborative art form using live performers to present an event to a live audience.
• Performers communicate through gestures, speech, song, music, and dance.
• Theatre, derived from the ancient Greek word "théatron," means "a place for viewing."

Theater Components

• Theatre encompasses acting, play scripts, administrators, scenery, costumes, makeup, and lighting.
• Drama refers to the play itself, while theatre refers to the entire production.
• Dramaturgy is the study of plays.

Production Organizations and Responsibilities

• Producer: Handles the transition of a play concept to a finalized presentation. Responsible for choosing the team, assigning roles, and overseeing the casting of actors & actresses. The producer manages logistical matters like the production schedule, venue, and potentially the budget.

• Director: Overall artistic coordinator of the production. Defines the vision for the overall performance and ensures a seamless experience. The director guides actors in delivering lines, stage movements, facial expressions, and conveying emotions, to bring the script to life. Works closely with other designers for the best overall result.

• Playwright: Writes the script for the stage performance, whether based on an existing story or developed independently. The script defines the dialogue, descriptions of the setting, props, and lighting for each scene and provides direction to the actors & other producers.

• Set Designer: Creates and designs the physical space for the play, including props, for the actors to inhabit and portray the play. It may be realistic or minimalist.

• Lighting Designer: Works with the set designer to coordinate lighting cues that establish the desired mood for each scene, highlighting specific actions or moments, or creating ambiance.

• Costume Designer: Designs and acquires attire to help the actors portray the correct character image and personality. Costumes enhance the overall setting.

• Sound Designer: Creates and manages the sound effects & music, creating or using existing pieces to enhance the atmosphere of the play's presentation.

• Production Manager: Oversees the technical aspects of staging. Ensures the necessary facilities, elements, and equipment are available, properly maintained, and in good order. They manage the crews.

• Stage Manager: Manages rehearsals and performances: Ensures communication and efficiency.

• Choreographer: Plans and rehearses dance sequences (if applicable), ensuring synchronization with the music to make dance sequences believable and skillfully enacted.

• Makeup Designer: Plans and implements hairstyles and makeup to support the overall portrayal of characters.

• Props Master: Manages all the props used in the production, ensuring they are readily available, correctly placed, and used effectively.

• Assistant Stage Manager: Facilitates communication between the stage manager and actors; helps with set changes; ensures performers' safety.

• Crew Chief: Oversees scheduling and workforce needs for the crew, coordinating with the master carpenter to ensure proper crew availability.

• Master Carpenter: Designs and builds the set, based on the working drawings.

• Master Electrician: Ensures lighting equipment is properly positioned and functioning.

• Master Painter: Paints the stage and set elements, assisting the set designer.

• Set Decorator: Designs and provides decor elements such as furnishings, not categorized as props.

• Sound Engineer: Makes the sound design come to life by creating, selecting and testing equipment.

Performers

• Performers include actors, comedians, dancers, magicians, circus artists, musicians, and singers.
• A "triple threat" excels in acting, singing, and dancing.
• Performers require talent, skill, stamina, dedication, and self-discipline.

Technical Director

• Acts like a shadow director, overseeing technical elements during the production.
• Ensures every technical element (actors & stage crew) is correctly coordinated to execute the director's vision.
• The technical director ensures the entire production runs smoothly and efficiently.

Marketing and Publicity

• This role manages public image, services, and promotes productions, using various methods (including different media outlets).
• They promote individual shows and the overall theatre company through publicity and marketing efforts to reach target audiences.