Exploring the hierarchy of a theatre production crew and the basics of producer, director and stage manager

1. PRODUCTION TEAM
A. La Barrie 2022

2. TASK
Look at the names below.
Can you place them on the
map in the order of
priority?
Stage
hands
Director
Stage
manager

3. TASK
How many did you get
right?
Producer
Director
Lighting
designer
Sound
designer
Stage
manager
Stage hands

4. ROLES AND FUNCTION- PRODUCER
• Person who makes financial contributions to the
play an in many cases is the person who owns the
play/ production.
• This may be a person/ a company that is
responsible for the hiring of the director and stage
manager
• Their main aim is to ensure that the production
makes a profit from its run.

5. ROLES AND FUNCTION- DIRECTOR
• Hired by the Producer, they ensure that the script given
comes to life through the actors and other members of crew.
• They add their own artistic vision, after approval by the
producer.
• They direct the other members of the team and actors.
• They are responsible for the guidance of the play up to the
final day before the opening night.
• Holds auditions for suitable actors and cast them for the
roles in a play. Those selected are often invited to a call back
for a final decision to be made.

6. ROLES AND FUNCTION- STAGE MANAGER
• In many cases hired by the Producer, they are responsible for management of the offstage team
and the general running of the off stage activities.
• These activities my include but not limited to,
- Ensuring actor attend rehearsals
- Ensuring that all prop items are available before and during production run
- Records all stage blocking given by director. This is placed in a prompt book
- Manages all other off stage crew
- Usually the first to arrive and the last to leave
- Is in charge if the director is absent
- Is in charge of the production during its run.

7. CAN YOU REMEMBER WHAT THESE WORDS
MEAN?
Producer Director
Stage
manager
Casting Blocking
Prompt
book
Rehearsals Auditions Props Call back

8. PLEASE REVIEW THE
ROLES!
• Next session: exploring the roles of other members
of the production crew.