Theatre Practicum Job Descriptions

Commitment

Final Run Thru through Strike
Please see Theatre Practicum Rehearsal Details for further information on what to expect at each rehearsal call.

General - Everyone

For safety reasons, every member of the crew should be present for every rehearsal or performance call.
A successful crew member will be on time for show call and ready to work. If there is an unforeseen circumstance preventing a crew member from being on time, they will communicate that directly to stage management as soon as possible.
The crew should always be in proper attire at show call – black clothing (or provided costume) and closed toed shoes, long hair tied back out of the way.
The purpose of a crew member is to execute the director and designer’s vision for the show. They are respectful of other’s work, and do their best to support the team.
The crew will directly report to stage management through the run of the show. Instructions from stage management will be respected and followed.
Anyone assigned to be on com during the show will have their headset on at 5 minutes to top of show, and agrees to leave the line of communication open for business only. Always remember that anything said on com can be heard throughout the building.
If anything does not go as planned during the show, the problem will be immediately communicated to stage management, and the crew will defer to the stage manager regarding next steps.

What to Expect

Stage Management

Production Assistant

The Production Assistant is a member of the Stage Management team, beginning with Final Run Through. They report directly to the stage manager.

The PA will be on com, and will be an additional leader/coordinator backstage. They are a calming presence backstage, and work to support both the cast and crew in addition to ensuring the director/designer visions are adhered to. All black clothing is required beginning with Dress #1.

The PA, if assigned early, may be invited to First Read and Designer Run as well. Attendance is not required at these rehearsals, but may help you know the show better.

When the PA joins the team, the Deck/Props Run sheet will get passed to them to continue to update/edit/post during tech/dress.

Deck/Props

The Deck/Props Crew runs the show backstage, led by stage management. The goal of the Deck/Props Crew is to be the unseen magic that moves the show along. When visible to the audience, crew should move quickly and efficiently, with purpose. All black clothing is required beginning at Dress #1. Sometimes, Deck/Props Crew members will be on com.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Preshow: Sign in, sweep/mop, preset props & set, cleaning/sanitizing props, consumable preparation, other duties as assigned
Mid Show: tracking or moving props, furniture & set pieces as assigned. Executing shifts as assigned and as called by stage management.
Postshow: Cleaning/reset + other duties as assigned. Communicate any notes for the report to stage management. Always check in with stage management before leaving.

If running a show scheduled for the Crafton-Preyer Theatre, crew may be responsible for running the flyrail.

Sound

Playback Operator

The Playback (or Sound Board) Operator is responsible for the execution of sound cues as called by the stage manager. All black clothing is required beginning with Dress #1. The playback op will be on com. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Preshow: Sign in, turn on sound computer & necessary equipment and ensure everything is in working order.
Mid Show: on com at 5 minutes to show start, execute sound cues as called by stage management, troubleshooting as necessary.
Postshow: Turn off sound computer & necessary equipment. Additional postshow duties as assigned. Always check in with stage management before leaving. Communicate any notes for the report to stage management.

A2

The A2 is responsible for making sure any personal body mics are in working order at the top of the show and supports cast members in mic throughout the show. All black clothing is required beginning with Dress #1. It’s essential that the A2 recognizes and respects personal boundaries and receives consent whenever their job requires them to touch another student.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Preshow: Sign in, prepare mic elements & battery packs as instructed and ensure everything is in working order. Assist with mic check. Assist Sound Mixer with preshow duties as necessary.
Mid Show: on deck & findable at all times, troubleshooting unruly body mics as necessary. This includes, but is not limited to, replacing batteries, checking connections & assisting cast with mic tape.
Postshow: Assist cast with removing mic elements & packs as necessary. Charge batteries as necessary. Properly store body mics.

Wardrobe

The Wardrobe Crew is responsible for ensuring the cast is in the correct costume for each scene, as designed. All black clothing is required beginning with Dress #1. It’s essential that the wardrobe crew recognizes and respects personal boundaries and receives consent whenever their job requires them to touch another student.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Preshow: Sign in, check/set all costume pieces, assist cast with costume/hair/makeup as assigned.
Mid Show: tracking or moving costume pieces as noted on the run sheet. Assisting with costume changes as assigned, including executing quick changes.
Postshow: Laundry duties & ensuring all costume pieces have been returned and are in good condition. Communicate any notes for the report to stage management.

Production Management

Assistant Production Manager/ Crew Swing

The APM/Crew Swing works directly with the Production Manager as a runner/extra hand during the tech process, and shadows different show crew departments during dress rehearsals. If/when a crew member is ill/absent, the Crew Swing will jump in to perform that track. All black clothing is required beginning with Dress #1.

Lighting & Projections

Light Board Operator

The LBO is responsible for the execution of light cues as called by the stage manager. As the LBO is not in a visible position, they should dress comfortably but professionally. The LBO will be on com during tech & performance.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Preshow: Sign in, turn on light board and ensure everything is in working order. Set any practicals. Possible blackout check with stage management, putting us into the first show cue prior to house open, taking control of house lights
Mid Show: on com at 5 minutes to show start, execute light cues as called by stage management, troubleshooting as necessary. The LBO has eyes on the show at all times, and notes any cue that does not execute as planned.
Postshow: Charge batteries, store any practicals. Channel check, turn off light board. Always check in with stage management before leaving, and communicate any notes for the report.

Followspot Operator

The Followspot Operator is responsible for the execution of spot cues as called by the stage manager. They will run the show from their spot position. All black clothing is required beginning with Dress #1. The spot op will be on com.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Preshow: Sign in, turn on followspot and ensure everything is in working order. Assist Light Board Operator with preshow duties as necessary.
Mid Show: on com at 5 minutes to show start, execute spot cues as called by stage management, troubleshooting as necessary.
Postshow: Turn off spotlight. Assist LBO with postshow duties as necessary. Always check in with stage management before leaving.

Projections Operator

The Projections Operator is responsible for the execution of projections cues as called by the stage manager. All black clothing is required beginning with Dress #1. The projections op will be on com.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Preshow: Sign in, turn on projector & projections computer and ensure everything is in working order. Additional preshow duties as assigned.
Mid Show: on com at 5 minutes to show start, execute projections cues as called by stage management, troubleshooting as necessary.
Postshow: Turn off spotlight. Assist LBO with postshow duties as necessary. Always check in with stage management before leaving.