PERFORMANCE PRODUCTION

CAST, CREW, PRODUCTION

Cast – the people on stage who bring the performance to life

Production Team – the people who are in charge of a production and

bring the creative vision to life

Crew – the groups of people who design, organise and administer

the technical side of the production and ensure it runs smoothly
CAST – THE PERFORMERS WHO
BRING THE STORY TO LIFE
 DIRECTOR – THE SHOW’S
CREATIVE COORDINATOR

• Interpret the script, develop a directorial

concept – includes overall vision of the
show and brief of themes highlighted,
characters, lighting, costume, set, sound,
style of performance, etc.
• Complete detailed analysis of the script
• Lead a group of actors and production team
through a process to performance
• Block the action of the play
 PRODUCER –
HANDLES THE
SHOW’S
ADMINISTRATION

• Negotiates and works with all

the different departments of
production
• Agrees and confirms
production timelines
• Also oversees finances,
obtaining rights and legal
compliance, etc.
 DRAMATURG

• Dramaturgs are experts in the study of plays,

musicals, or operas. It is their job to provide the cast
and crew with vital knowledge, research, and
interpretation about the theatrical work in question
so that they are—in turn—better equipped to do
their jobs.
 CHOREOGRAPHER MUSIC DIRECTOR

• Choreographs dances and teaches them to cast • In charge of creative expression for music
• Often the conductor of the band
• May be separate or also vocal direct the cast as well
CREW – THE GROUPS WHO DESIGN, ORGANISE
AND ADMINISTER THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF
PRODUCTION AND ENSURE IT RUNS SMOOTHLY
 SET DESIGNERS
(AND
BUILDERS)

• Design and build the

backdrops and set pieces on
the stage
• Must take into consideration:
• Appearance and style
• Use of colour, texture and shape
• Practical considerations
• They also create sketches of
the set as well as a 3-D scaled
version of the set
 COSTUME DESIGNERS (AND
ASSISTANTS)
• Design, source and make the outfits and accessories that the actors wear
• Consider: practical issues, time period, directorial vision
• Prepare and present renderings of costumes as well as fabric swatches
 LIGHTING
DESIGNERS (AND
OPERATORS)

• Design, program and operate the lighting

throughout the show
• Must take into consideration:
• Practical lighting issues
• Select lanterns, colours of gels and how they
contribute to mood and atmosphere
• Assess the effect of lighting on set and costumes
• Use lighting software to program and operate
lighting
• Create a scaled drawing of all the lights and
their positions
• Create a running cue sheet for all lighting
cues
 SOUND
DESIGNER AND
OPERATORS

• Operates the sound desk and

makes sure the cast and band
are heard
• Must take into consideration:
• Practical sound issues
• Balance between cast, sound
effects and band
• Find and/or record all necessary
music, sounds and sound effects
• Mic and de-mic actors
 STAGE MANAGER

• Controls and manages what goes on and off stage

and coordinates stage crew
• Record all details of blocking, set changes, prop
use, lighting and sound cues
• Use a ‘prompt copy’ during the performance to call
cues and ensure all the elements of production run
smoothly
• With stage crew – preset and reset the stage before
and after each show
 STAGE CREW

• Assists backstage with props, set changes, costume

changes, etc.
• Take direction from the Stage Manager or Assistant Stage
Manager
• Take set pieces and props on and off stage with minimal
disruption to the performance
 DRESSERS

• Assist actors with quick changes backstage

• May be in charge of particular costume pieces and the cleaning of costumes
 HAIR, MAKEUP AND WIGS

• Designs and assists actors with their hair and makeup

• May be before the show or during the show
• Care for wigs and put them on actors
 PROPS – MASTERS AND CREATORS

• Source, create and manage props for the show

• May be a member of stage crew or management or a separate person
BAND – THE ENSEMBLE WHO PROVIDE
MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE SHOW
 FRONT OF HOUSE AND
GR APHIC DE SIGNER S PUBLICISTS USHERS

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