Production Staff Positions

When interviewing for production staff positions, it's often helpful to know what precisely we mean by a given title. Therefore, we present the following list of production staff positions and the duties they usually fulfill. Note that every show is a bit different, and sometimes part of one person's job is taken up by someone else. Much of this is negotiable, but the following is a good starting point.

Producer - Director - Music Director - Choreographer - Stage Manager - Technical Director - Set Designer - Costume Designer - Lighting Designer - Publicity Designer - Publicity Manager - Sound Designer - Master Carpenter - Master Stitcher - Master Electrician - Properties Manager - Program Designer - Advertising Manager - Reservations Manager - Box Office Manager - House Manager

Producer

The Producer makes sure that everything gets done, and that the Guild's resources (people, money, and materials) are used prudently to produce the best possible result. While most of the details are delegated to the production staff, several specifics are typically handled directly by the producer:

The Producer also has specific responsibilities under the Guild's Casting Notification Policy.

The Producer of the current show is especially encouraged to attend the weekly meetings of the Managing Board, to report on the status of the show and to request any needed assistance with outstanding issues.

When all is said and done, the principal role of the producer is to anticipate and address any problems that might arise during the production. The Guild has a separately maintained "Producer's Guide" which elaborates on the mechanics of these responsibilities.

Director

The Director is responsible for defining a coherent, consistent artistic interpretation (sometimes called a `concept' or `vision') for this production of the show (script and music). This interpretation might need to be revised during the early stages of production to accommodate casting or technical limitations.

The Director verbalizes the interpretation to the production staff to provide artistic coordination of their independent design efforts. Any specific technical requirements to accomplish this interpretation should be identified specifically as early in the process as possible.

The Director might articulate (elements of) the interpretation during auditions or at the first read through, but certainly continues to communicate it to the cast through the rehearsal process. The Director, while free to pursue any rehearsal techniques that are effective, must finalize the technical requirements and blocking in sufficient time to allow the production staff to complete their responsibilities.

At auditions, the Director works with the Music (Vocal) Director and Choreographer (if appropriate) to evaluate each candidate's capabilities and suitability for a role in the production. The Guild's casting policy requires that priority be given to members of the MIT community, and especially to MIT students.

Music Director

Because of the variety of skills required, the position of Music Director is sometimes split between two people -- Vocal Director and Orchestra Director. When this is the case, an extra effort is needed to ensure that they coordinate on tempos, musical interpretations, and optional variations in the music.

The Vocal Director runs the singing portion of auditions, evaluating each candidate's vocal range and singing ability. The Vocal Director is responsible for teaching the songs to the cast, including vocal interpretations that are consistent with the Director's artistic interpretation. It is common that vocal rehearsals dominate the earlier part of the rehearsal schedule.

The Orchestra Director is responsible for recruiting the instrumentalists needed for the show, which can range from a single piano or a small combo to a full-sized orchestra. Separate auditions (typically by appointment) should be held when practical. The Orchestra Director schedules and runs orchestra rehearsals separately, until rehearsals with the cast begin about a week before opening.

Choreographer

The Choreographer is responsible for designing dances that are consistent with the Director's artistic interpretation and coordinate with the cast's movements before and after the dance, and for teaching this choreography to the cast.

Depending on the requirements of the show, the role of Choreographer is sometimes filled by the Director or by a qualified member of the cast. For shows in which dance plays a major role, however, there will be a separate Choreographer who will participate in the audition process.

Stage Manager

The Stage Manager works through all phases of the production to encourage the best from the cast:

Auditions
While typically not involved in casting decisions, manages the process so that all auditioners are seen fairly and with a minimum of delay. May be involved in notifying auditioners of the casting decisions.
Schedule
Develops and distributes a rehearsal schedule that satisfies the requirements of the directing staff, while respecting the stated conflicts of each cast member and minimizing time spent unneeded at rehearsals. Releases (typically a week in advance) reserved rehearsal spaces that will not be needed.
Rehearsals
Ensures that all cast members are present, as scheduled. Provides representations of the designed settings (e.g., taped layout of floor plan in rehearsal space) and records blocking as it is developed. Prompts cast with lines and blocking, as needed, during off-book rehearsals and points out discrepancies in their performances.
Technical Requirements
Records any special technical requirements (props, furniture, etc.) identified during rehearsals and relays them to appropriate members of the production staff. Encourages and coordinates cast participation in the technical aspects of the production (e.g., set and costume construction) to facilitate their timely completion. Having the most complete knowledge of the technical requirements, can substitute for the Producer as chair of production staff meetings.
Prod Week
Assumes operational control of the production once it has moved into the performance space. Enforces (or adjusts, as needed) the schedule developed with the production staff so that the space is used efficiently, providing adequate time for both the performers and the crews. Ensures that incomplete technical work does not jeopardize the safety of the performers, issuing warnings or adjusting rehearsal conditions as needed.
Performances
Coordinates all aspects of performances. Ensures that the cast and run crew are present and that all presets have been completed. Controls the flow of the performance by calling all cues.

Technical Director

The Technical Director has overall responsibility for the technical aspects of the production:

The TD often functions as a second (or in place of the) Master Carpenter to facilitate set construction through the rehearsal period.

Set Designer

Costume Designer

Lighting Designer

Publicity Designer

Publicity Manager

Sound Designer

Master Carpenter

Properties Manager

Master Stitcher

Master Electrician

Program Designer

Advertising Manager

Reservations Manager

Box Office Manager

House Manager