Theater Roles PDF

2. Follow-up Discussion and Introduction (15 minutes) a. Review the various jobs in theatre by using a categorization chart. A definitions handout is provided for you, and the roles are also on the slide deck. Students will guess some of these jobs right away (like director,...

2. Follow-up Discussion and Introduction (15 minutes) a. Review the various jobs in theatre by using a categorization chart. A definitions handout is provided for you, and the roles are also on the slide deck. Students will guess some of these jobs right away (like director, actor, stage manager), but they may not realize the business jobs available in theatre. b. Ask students: What would a business/general manager do as part of a theatre company? (i.e., They deal with the administrative side of budget, planning, and personnel.) Artistic Production Business Director Production Manager General Manager Actors Stage Manager Company Manager Playwright Technical Director Marketing Manager Scenic Designer Master Carpenter Box Office Manager Lighting Designer Master Electrician House Manager Sound Designer Props Master Concessions Manager Costume Designer Costume Shop Manager Ushers Choreographer Fight Director Music Director Composer/Lyricist c. Explain that while everyone involved in theatre is an artist, the categories help us to remember the various areas. Those listed under “artistic” create ideas. Those under “production” help to make those ideas a reality. And those under “business” make sure that those ideas are shared with the public. d. Explain to students that they’re going to look at some of the jobs in the business category. 3. Exercise: What Job Am I? (30 minutes) a. Create two to four sets of either index cards or Post-it notes with the following people listed: i. Director ii. Scenic Designer iii. Lighting Designer iv. Sound Designer v. Costume Designer vi. Actor vii. Playwright viii. Composer/Lyricist ix. Production Manager x. Technical Director Drama Teacher 2 © 2016, 2023 Karen Loftus ACADEMY  FRONT OF HOUSE / MARKETING THEATRE JOBS: DEFINITIONS ARTISTIC Playwright: Writes the script for the play Director: Analyzes the script, guides the production Actor: Creates characters, brings the story to life Designer: Interprets the script and the director’s vision to create the physical environments and characters of the play (e.g., lighting designer, set designer, costume designer) Choreographer: Creates movement and dance to help tell the story Music Director: Guides the singers and musicians to interpret the music used in the show Fight Director: Creates all violence for a production Composer/Lyricist: Creates music and lyrics for musicals and shows with songs PRODUCTION Production Manager: Oversees the creation of the production elements; manages budget and overall production schedule Stage Manager: Serves as a liaison to all areas of the production; guides rehearsals and creates the necessary documentation for the successful running of a show; oversees the run of a show after opening Technical Director: Works within budget and schedule to create a plan for the construction of the set designer’s vision; oversees scenic, electrics, props, and sound Costume Shop Manager: Works within budget to a plan for the construction of the costume designer’s vision; oversees people, equipment, and materials in the costume shop Prop Master: Responsible for making or acquiring all props used in the show Master Electrician: Prepares for and oversees the execution of the hanging and focusing of lighting instruments for the show Master Carpenter: Head carpenter in a set shop Scenic Painter: Paints the set pieces, backdrops, and large props Drama Teacher 5 © 2016, 2023 Karen Loftus ACADEMY BUSINESS General Manager: Oversees the budget of the entire company; handles higher-level administration of a theatre company, including negotiating contracts and royalties Company Manager: Oversees members of the company by handling payroll, contracts, and living or travel needs Marketing Director: Oversees all promotion of the shows and the theatre company Box Office Manager: Manages all ticket sales House Manager: Takes care of all patron needs; oversees front-of-house staff including concessions manager and ushers Concessions Manager: Manages all food, drink, and merchandise sold at a theatre Usher: Works with the house manager to assist patrons in the theatre, including guiding them to their seats and distributing programs Drama Teacher 6 © 2016, 2023 Karen Loftus ACADEMY