Production Crew Opportunities

Any show that goes up needs crew to run the performances. In addition to the Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager(s), crew members needed for performances include the: Sound Board Operator, Light Board Operator, Backstage Run Crew, Costume and Hair & Makeup Run Crew, and Wardrobe Crew Head.

As a member of the crew for a Production you are an important and integral part of the Production Team. It is crucial to the success of the rehearsal and performance process that you thoughtfully fulfill your responsibilities.

These crew position descriptions are intended to help you understand your duties during the rehearsal and performance process—it is not intended to be comprehensive, and the Production’s Designers, Master Electrician, Technical Director, Costume Shop Manager, or Production Manager may have other specific assignments for you.

Technical Rehearsals usually begin the weekend before the opening performance. The entire weekend should be kept clear. Weekend tech rehearsals run as “8 out of 9’s” – this means that students are called for a nine-hour day with a one-hour break in the middle of the day’s schedule. Weeknight tech rehearsals typically run from 6pm-11pm. Please note that the tech process is extremely repetitive, and patience is required by all crew members and cast.

On performance days, the crew call is usually 90 minutes prior to curtain time. Crew members are expected to participate in strike following the closing performance.

Crew Members should dress in black clothing suitable to active work, including black shoes whenever possible—no high heels or open-toed shoes, please.

Crew positions are available for credit. Each crew member is evaluated at the end of the Production by the Production Manager who considers the students’ promptness, preparedness for work, execution, initiative, and follow-through. Course registration is filed by the Theatre Department Administrative Assistant/Academic Coordinator, Mary Rosier.

The time commitment for crew positions includes attending one run through (ideally the Designer Run), all technical rehearsals, every performance, and strike. You must be available for all tech and performance dates to sign up for one of these positions. Conflict coverage can be discussed with the Production Manager based on availability.

Crew Members report to Production Manager Adrienne Johnson-Lister.

The Sound Board Operator (or SBO for short) is responsible for assisting the Sound Designer in operating the sound board, sound equipment, and QLab on cue during technical rehearsals (“tech”) and performances.

Responsibilities include:

• Programming and operating the sound board or QLab under the supervision of the Sound Designer, Assistant Sound Designer, and/or Master Electrician (ME),

• Following instructions from the Stage Manager to execute sound cues during tech rehearsals and performances,

• Performing a channel check and sound level check before each performance and fixing any problems encountered, with help from the ME,

• Setting up and testing any microphones used in the Production,

• Powering down equipment after techs and performances as directed by the ME,

• Distributing and collecting/returning all crew headsets to the ClearCom charging station in the booth. Make sure com bases are charging,

• During strike: coiling cables, striking speakers, and other tasks as assigned by the ME or Technical Director.

Upon arrival for tech or performance sign in on the board in the hallway and check in with the Stage Manager and/or Sound Designer; except on announced breaks, do not leave the sound board without letting the Stage Manager know. After tech rehearsals, do not leave the theatre before checking out with the Stage Manager.

The SBO performs duties with the aid of a headset intercom system.

The Light Board Operator (LBO for short) is responsible for assisting the Lighting Designer in the recording and adjustment of lighting cues and for operating the light board or lighting control system on cue during technical rehearsals (“tech”) and performances of a specific production.

Responsibilities include:

• Programming and operating the light board under the supervision of the Lighting Designer, Assistant Lighting Designer, and/or Master Electrician (ME),

• Following instructions from the Stage Manager to execute light cues during tech rehearsals and performances,

• Working with the ME to perform a dimmer or channel check before each performance and to fix any problems encountered,

• Powering down equipment after techs and performances as directed by the ME,

• During strike: coiling cables, striking lighting instruments for return to storage, and other tasks as assigned by the ME.

Upon arrival for tech or performance sign in on the board in the hallway and check in with the Stage Manager and/or Lighting Designer (LD); except on announced breaks, do not leave the light board without letting the Stage Manager know. After tech rehearsals, do not leave the theatre before checking out with the LD and Stage Manager.

The LBO performs duties with the aid of a headset intercom system.

Backstage Run Crew help the Assistant Stage Manager to set up the stage before technical rehearsals (“tech”) and performances, move set pieces, operate the fly rail, and/or prepare and track props during techs and performances.

Crewing backstage is physical in nature and crew members must be able to lift at least 20lbs, and/or be capable of pushing, carrying, or pulling a certain amount of weight (depending on the show).

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing the stage for tech rehearsals or performance, including sweeping and/or mopping as needed,

• Preparing any special or consumable props,

• Placing (“pre-setting”) or checking the preset locations of all set pieces and props on prop tables,

• Tracking props and set pieces during tech and performances,

• Performing duties such as looking for actors, or knowing actors’ whereabouts for when SM calls places, (and repeating SM calls as necessary),

• Cleaning up onstage or backstage as needed after tech or performance, (returning all props to prop table or storage Road Box),

• During strike: performing tasks as assigned by the Technical Director.

Upon arrival for tech or performance sign in on the board in the hallway and check in with the ASM; except on announced breaks, do not leave the backstage area without letting the ASM know. After tech rehearsals, do not leave the theatre before checking out with the Stage Manager or Production Manager.

Backstage Run Crew members perform duties with the aid of a headset intercom system.

The Wardrobe Crew Head or Wardrobe Supervisor supervises the Costume Run Crew in maintaining costumes and assisting actors with dressing for productions. This position is available to students who have already served as a member of the Costume Run crew.

Responsibilities include:

The Wardrobe Crew Head attends the Designer Run Through rehearsal, dress rehearsals and performances, and supervises the Costume Run Crew in the following activities:
 

• Inventory costumes before and after each performance,

• Repair costumes as needed, inform Costume Shop Manager of major repairs,

• Supervise daily laundry and pressing for costumes,

• Assist Costume Designer with hairstyling and makeup (and special effects makeup),

• Help actors into costumes,

• Preset costumes and assist with quick changes,

• Strike the costumes at the end of the run.

A Costume Run Crew Guide will be provided prior to the start of tech.

The Wardrobe Crew Head performs duties with the aid of a headset intercom system.

The Costume and Hair & Makeup Crew help the actors get into costume and hair and makeup for technical rehearsals (“tech”) and performances and keep track of and maintain costumes when they are not being worn.

Responsibilities include:

• Setting up dressing rooms, moving rolling racks from Costume Shop, and carrying and setting out costumes for actors,

• Assisting actors with their costumes, hair, and makeup before and during tech rehearsals and performances,

• Upkeep, repair, cleaning, and running of all costumes during the run of the show,

• Assisting with quick changes or other backstage duties as assigned,

• Attending photo call,

• During strike: cleaning, sorting, and returning costumes as directed by the costume shop supervisor.

Upon arrival for tech or performance check in with the Wardrobe Crew Head; except on announced breaks, do not leave the dressing room or backstage area without letting the Wardrobe Crew Head know. After tech rehearsals, do not leave the theatre before checking out with the Costume Shop Manager.

A Costume Run Crew Guide will be provided prior to the start of tech.