Theatre Companies & Play Production

A Guide to Structure

Theatre Guide Homepage

Theatre Company Administrative Staff

Technical Staff

Design Staff

House Staff

Return to My Homepage

Creative Staff

Director

The Director is solely responsible for the artistic unity of the production, based on his/her overall concept or vision.   His/hers is the final responsibility for every aspect of the show, including, but not limited to, the overall look, the specific characterizations and staging, the music, dance, set, props, costumes, lighting and sound.  All design plans are created under his/her supervision, all actors are under his/her direction.  The director's work includes:

  *   when working on a new play, using his/her knowledge of theatre to work with the

                  playwright (and possibly composer and lyricist) to shape the play,

  *   research and analysis of the play material,

  *   interpreting the script through the use of actors and designers, defining the style,

                  mood, pace and arc of the action,

  *   holding auditions and casting the show with the advice of the musical director and

                  choreographer, when appropriate, and the help of the stage manager,

  *   coordinating and supervising the work of the musical director, choreographer,

                  designers and performers,

  *   planning the rehearsal schedule, with the help of the stage manager,

  *   approving sets, lights, sound, costumes, props, make-up and hair styles,

  *   rehearsing the performers, creating the blocking and musical staging, developing

                  characterizations with the actors.

The Director cannot be responsible for the administrative, financial and day to day workings of the production and still be expected to do his/her job well.  Creating a world out of words, bodies and thin air is a totally time consuming occupation and any extraneous responsibilities only diminish his/her effectiveness where s/he is needed most.  It is the job of the Producers and Stage Manager to make sure these details are seen to, efficiently and without bother to the director or performers, in order to assure the best possible show.  The director is sometimes assisted by an Assistant Director.

Assistant Director

This is a position that really has no clear job description or job responsibilities.  It tends to be whatever the specific Theatre or Director decide it will be.  The Assistant Director works with the director, who designates the AD's duties.  Every director works differently.  However, in general, the Assistant Directors responsibilities may include the following:

  *   assisting the director with background research for the show,

  *   taking notes during rehearsal - usually on such areas as specific problem areas,

                  character and relationship problems, actor-related blocking and acting problems,

                  line notes, and so on,

  *   working with the ensemble or chorus on blocking or scene work, while the

                  director works with the principals.

The Assistant Director sometimes takes on some of the responsibilities of Stage Manager or ASM such as being on "on book" during rehearsals, taking blocking, or acting as liaison for the director.  Occasionally, especially in community theatres or small theatre companies, the jobs of Assistant Director and Stage Manager may be combined and both positions held by one person.

Musical Director

The Musical Director is responsible for every note of music in a musical theatre production.  His/her responsibilities include:

  *   recommending to the director the number and vocal range of singers needed,

  *   holding singing auditions and advising the director on casting of singers,

  *   deciding on the instrumental configuration of the orchestra,

  *   assembling the orchestra,

  *   supervising all singing and orchestra rehearsals, teaching the music, harmonies

                  and dynamics to the singers,

  *   may also act as rehearsal pianist and/or play, as well as conduct the orchestra for

                  performances.

Choreographer

The Choreographer is the heart and soul of the dance in any musical.  S/he creates the style and form of the dance routines and teaches them to the cast.  His/her responsibilities include:

  *   recommending to the director the number and type of dancers needed,

  *   conducting dance auditions and advising the director on casting of dancers,

  *   rehearsing everyone who dances,

  *   assisting in additional musical staging at the director's discretion.

Fight Choreographer (Stage Combat Director)

The Fight Choreographer is the designer and director of the physical conflict of any play.  S/he is a person trained to create and teach the art of Stage Combat, including everything from simple slaps,  hand-to-hand combat, swordplay, the use of other weapons, etc., so that all physical conflict in a play can look real and yet be performed safely.  S/he creates the style and form of the fight routines and teaches them to the cast.  His/her responsibilities include:

  *   insuring the safety of the cast, crew, and audience in any sequences requiring

                  aggressive physical contact,

  *   recommending to the director the number and type of fighters needed,

  *   conducting fight auditions and advising the director on casting of fighters,

  *   rehearsing everyone who fights,

  *   assisting in additional combat/movement staging at the director's discretion.