The stage manager oversees all aspects of the production backstage and ensures the show runs smoothly through scene changes, cues, and crew tasks. The deputy stage manager cues the lighting and sound operators during performances based on cues prepared during rehearsals. Other important roles include the assistant stage manager, stage crew, lighting and sound designers/operators, and those responsible for costumes, props, and front of house duties.

1. Stage Manager Front of House Manager
Lighting Deputy Stage Sound Props & Front of House
Designer Manager Designer CostumeCrew
Lighting Sound Mics
Operator Operator
Assistant Stage
Manager
Stage Crew

2. Stage Manager: Overseeing every show each time it is performed and being ready for mic changes / quick costume
changes. – They may also have their own copy of the script. They must communicate the director’s wishes with the
designers and DSM. Another role is ensuring stage crew + ASM know what they are doing by giving them specific tasks
which is good for efficient backstage management. The SM should attend rehearsalsto have a strong understanding of the
show and liaise with the director about what he/she wants and making it happen. And finally, they are responsible for the
organisation of backstage: e.g. scene changes and where people should be at what time, mic changes, which props are
used and when and also costume changes.
Deputy Stage Manager: Perhaps one of the most vital roles in the production. They are responsible for cueing the lighting
and sound operators on the night which is important because the timing must be correct in order for the performance to
work. They communicate via coms and follow the script. Their cues will have been filled in during rehearsals that they
have attended prior to the show. On the night however they are also communicating with backstage, with people such as
the SM (asking them to turn down the haze machine for example) or telling them that a certain mic isn’t working.
Assistant Stage Manager: Backing up the Stage Manager on the night, running errands and usually is in charge of the
Stage Crew (making sure they understand what they are doing.) For example on WWRY, the ASM assisted a stage crew
member with the sliding doors because 2 people were needed. In Footloose the ASM helped with the quick changes and
mic changes. As well as moving props into the right position in time for a scene in which they were required.In the theatre,
the ASM is usually in charge of props – keeping them safe but fixing / replacing them if they break.

3. Stage Crew: The stage crew are also very important because without them backstage would not run smoothly. They are
responsible for what seems like the smallest jobs, such as moving props to the props table or answering a performer’s
question / helping them with a concern - however they are most definitely not insignificant. Without them, backstage
would be chaotic and the performers’ scene changes / costume changes would not be as quick – creating an
unprofessional show. They also play an important role in the get ins and get outs – sometimes set can be difficult to move
and the stage crew are there to effectively set up / take down a set.
Lighting Designer: Liaises with the director and creates the overall lighting plan for the production, within the allocated
budget. Then they must be present at the rigging and focussing sessions to ensure everything is done as the director
wishes. They are also on hand incase an issue occurs, for example if a gel frame runs out. The must have good knowledge
about the place at which they work, (e.g.knowing what lights are available, what gels and gobos they have, be familiar
with the rig, etc.)
Lighting Operator:Is involved in the rehearsals and plotting sessions. Sometimes writes their own cues and operates the
lighting desk on the night of the performance. They can sometimes be responsible for setting up and shutting down
equipment at the start / end of the show.
Sound Designer: For the shows this year we have not had a sound designer. The sound effects have been sourced by the
sound operator. Usually they will liaise with the director and collect all of the sound for the production within the
allocated budget. They would also be responsible for the position of speakers, mics and mixers. Like the lighting designer,
they will be present throughout the rehearsals to ensure everything works how it should and if a problem occurs they try
and resolve it.

4. Sound Operator:Like the Lighting operator, the sound operator operates the sound desk (Mac – Qlab) on the night of the
performances. For WWRY, the sound operator was also responsible for the projection as well. Must carry out pre-show
checks, and switch on / off equipment at the beginning /end of every show. And prior to the show, attend the rehearsals
in order to be familiar with the cues and when the music / sound effects are played during the performance.
Mics:Operates the desk. Good knowledge about how they work and how they are fitted – may train stage crew / ASM
backstage how to fit mics.
Props and Costume: Responsible for sourcing / making most of the props and costumes for the production, within the
allocated budget. Also backstage on the nights of the performances to help if a costume is ripped or a prop is broken. They
also help with the quick changes.
Front of House Manager:In charge of everything that is not going on in the auditorium. Including refreshments, tickets,
seats, programmes, music, the foyer / ‘Box Office’s appearance and how it will run and any decorations required. The will
also be responsible for counting the money after the interval and keeping it safe until passed over to a member of staff (at
college).

5. Front of House Crew: Back up the FoH Manager and help them with any tasks that need doing promptly, and assisting
them on the night with setting up, selling programmes, drinks and sometimes tickets and also checking that the tickets are
valid, whilst welcoming the audience to the college / theatre.