The Roles in a Show (Who's Who)

Summary

In this video, Nicholas Sachiani provides an insightful breakdown of the roles involved in producing and running a theater show. He discusses the hierarchy and communication lines among key figures like the producer, production manager, director, stage manager, assistant stage manager, designers, actors, and technical crew. Using a diagram, he explains how different departments collaborate to ensure the smooth execution of a production. He also highlights the variations in role structures depending on the theater or production, offering a comprehensive understanding of the backstage workings and essential communication processes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The roles in a production can be divided into technical artisan roles and production roles, with specific responsibilities for building and running a show.
• 😀 The producer and production manager work closely together, with the producer handling financial and space-related tasks, and the production manager handling contracts and scheduling.
• 😀 The director is responsible for the creative vision of the show, while designers work under the director to bring that vision to life through their design ideas.
• 😀 The stage manager maintains the director's creative vision after opening night and works closely with both the director and the production team, including the producer and production manager.
• 😀 The director may have a say in hiring the stage manager, but the stage manager is hired by the theater, represented by the producer and production manager.
• 😀 Actors communicate directly with the stage manager regarding any issues, and the assistant stage manager (ASM) assists the stage manager with backstage duties and supports the overall running of the show.
• 😀 The ASM’s role is to assist the stage manager, not serve the director, and their main focus is backstage operations, including working with actors and crew.
• 😀 Board operators are responsible for executing cues under the stage manager's direction and may also receive guidance from the designers regarding specific technical cues.
• 😀 Deck crew works backstage, interacting with actors and receiving cues from the ASM, and may report issues to the stage manager or the production team if necessary.
• 😀 In union shows, crew members such as actors, deck crew, and board operators communicate through their respective union representatives to address issues, ensuring safety and smooth operation during the show.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video presented by Nicholas Sachiani?

The main focus of the video is to explain the roles involved in producing and running a theater production, particularly the communication hierarchy among different positions in a theater show.

What is the difference between a producer and a production manager in a theater production?

The producer is responsible for securing funding and spaces for the show, often acting as the face of the production. The production manager, on the other hand, handles organizational tasks such as contracts, scheduling, and logistics.

How do the roles of the director and the designers differ in a production?

The director is in charge of the creative vision of the show, working closely with the actors and designers. Designers help bring the director's vision to life but report to the production manager or producer if they encounter issues.

What is the role of a stage manager in a theater production?

The stage manager ensures the smooth running of the production, maintains the director's creative vision after opening night, and works closely with both the director and the production team.

Who hires the stage manager in a production, and how is the director involved?

The stage manager is hired by the producer or production manager, not the director. However, the director may have input into the selection of the stage manager since they need to work closely together.

What are the responsibilities of the Assistant Stage Manager (ASM)?

The ASM assists the stage manager with backstage operations, manages communications between the stage manager and actors, and runs the backstage area during the show.

How do the actors communicate with the stage manager during a production?

Actors communicate directly with the stage manager, especially for issues like being late or unavailable for rehearsal. If an actor faces a significant issue, they may escalate it to the production manager or producer.

What is the relationship between board operators and the stage manager?

Board operators take cues from the stage manager during the show. They also receive instructions from the designers for specific technical cues, but the stage manager is the one ultimately calling the cues.

How is the deck crew involved in the communication hierarchy of a production?

The deck crew is responsible for backstage operations and is in communication with the ASM, who receives cues from the stage manager. In case of issues, they report to the ASM, then the stage manager, and potentially the production manager.

What is the difference in communication when working on a union vs. non-union show?

In a union show, actors and technical crew like deck crew and board operators report to their respective union reps, who then communicate with the stage manager. In non-union shows, communication typically flows directly through the stage manager and production team.