Theatre Companies & Play Production
A Guide to Structure
Design Staff
THE DESIGNERS
The Designers are the creative and technical personnel who conceptualize and create the scenery, lighting, sound, costumes and properties for a show, under the supervision and guidance of the director and with the goal of bringing his/her vision to life. They are assisted by, and their designs are built, operate and made practical by additional Technical personnel.
Set Designer
The Set Designer creates the scenic concept and supplies the specifications for the construction and painting of the scenery, set properties and special effects. S/he is assisted by the Master Carpenter, who oversees the building of the set by the Construction Crew.
Lighting Designer
The Lighting Designer plans the stage lighting, designs the gel colors and positions, acquires the lighting equipment, makes the lighting plots and instrument schedules, supervises placement and focusing of the lighting instruments, oversees the setting of th lighting cues and levels and the operation of the control board. He is assisted by the Master Electrician and Lighting Technicians.
Sound Designer
The Sound Designer is respponsible for amplifying the performers' voices and musical instruments, creating or obtaining recorded music and sound effects, and supervising the operation of the control console by the Sound Technician.
Costume Designer / Coordinator
The Costume Designer or Coordinator creates the "look" of the show. S/he acquires all the costumes and accessories, either designing costumes to be made, or purchasing, renting, or borrowing ready-made items. S/he supervises the fitting of the costumes, organizes and runs the dress parade, and may be responsible for performers' wigs, hairstyles, beards and mustaches. S/he is assisted by the Wardrobe Supervisor and Seamstresses.
Properties Coordinator
The Properties Coordinator (or Props Master/Mistress, as s/he is often called) supervises the acquisition or building of set and hand props. S/he may also run props backstage during rehearsals and performances, setting props on the prop table(s) and tracking their positions on and backstage during the show, or this job may be done by an ASM or Production Assistant.
