TECH THEATREIntroduction

Theatre Safety

Before we do anything technical, we need to talk about Theatre Safety

Theatre safety means keeping the crews, cast and audience free from harm, danger, injuries and risk.

Theatre safety requires that every member of the company develop a “safe attitude”—always thinking, feeling, and acting in the safest manner for everyone concerned.

Since every theatre is different, every Theatre should have a different set of safety guidelines

What kinds of hazards might show up in our space?

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

When a cast for a play is announced, the director also

announces the production team.

Production Team

The stage manager reports directly to the director and is the person in charge of all backstage work—scenery, props, lighting, music, special effects, costumes, and makeup.

During rehearsals, the stage manager acts as the director’s assistant, supervising everything backstage.

The stage manager is also responsible for handling the promptbook and prompting the actors when they forget their lines.

Once a performance begins, the director’s job is over, and control of the show is left entirely to the stage manager.

Production Team

Another important behind-the-scenes position is that of assistant director. As the name implies, the assistant director serves as the director’s assistant, helping the director with various jobs.

These jobs include warming up the cast before rehearsal, checking roll, collecting production contracts, posting rehearsal schedules, photocopying notices to parents or cast members, writing directorial notes during rehearsal, running campus errands, and filling in as an understudy when an actor is absent.

It is important that the AD be dependable and self-motivated. The assistant director should be someone willing to take responsibility for seeing that the routine tasks are not forgotten during rehearsal.

Production Team

The backstage production team also includes various crews.

A crew is a group of people, other than actors, who work behind the scenes to prepare the technical aspects of the show.

A director selects crews according to what is needed for a particular show.

If there is a technical director, he or she is in charge of the production crews. Otherwise, the director or stage manager is in charge.

A leader, call the crew head, is usually assigned to each technical area: stage, props, costumes, makeup, sound, lighting, publicity, and house.

THE STAGE CREWThe job of the stage crew is to

transform the empty stage into a suitable setting for the play.

The Stage Crew

Through the use of scenery, anything hanging or constructed to create a background for the play, the setting is established for the audience and the actors.

Scenery serves several purposes. It helps to create the stage setting, showing the

audience where and when the play takes place. It defines the acting area, giving the actors a

basic plan for entrances, exits and movement and providing background for their work.

Scenery can create a mood or atmosphere for the paly or even make a statement about the theme.

The Stage Crew

The stage design should enhance the total production by working in harmony with the costumes, props, lighting and acting.

It is the job of the stage crew to work with the director or technical director to interpret the overall concept of the play and to support that interpretation through the set.

It is the stage crew’s responsibility to construct and complete the scenery.

The Stage Crew

Completing the set also means finding or building set pieces.

Set pieces are large, portable pieces of the setting.

It is the stage crew’s responsibility to have the scenery and set pieces ready by the scheduled time. This will give the actors ample time to become comfortable working on the complete set.

The Stage Crew

Establishing sight lines is an important part of the stage crew’s job.

Sight lines are imaginary lines on the stage that indicate those areas where the actors can be seen by the audience.

The stage crew must be sure that each member of the audience can see all of the stage is being used. People seated in the back rows will have a different view from those seated near the front of the house.

The Stage Crew

Another job of the stage crew is to be sure that the backstage areas are hidden from view of the audience.

This is called masking, and it can be accomplished with curtains, flats, or screens.

During rehearsals and performances, the stage crew will move any set pieces or scenery that need changing during set changes.

The Stage Crew

At the end of each rehearsal, the stage crew head should note any changes or repairs that need to be made before the next rehearsal.

The stage crew will also clean the stage floor before the next rehearsal.

The final job of the stage crew is to strike the set. All usable set pieces and scenery items should be

stored under the guidance of the stage manager Borrowed items should be returned and

appreciation letters written and mailed.

THE PROPS CREWThe prop crew is the name of the

crew in charge of stage properties.

The Props Crew

Props (stage properties) are all articles handled by the actors or used to “dress,” or decorate the set.

Props help reveal information about the plot, help the audience place the play’s action, and they aid the actor with stage business. They also enhance characterization and they often add symbolism to a play.

The props crew is usually responsible for obtaining and maintaining all props.

The Props Crew

The prop crew’s first job is to carefully read the script to determine the needed props.

After completing the props list, the prop crew head attends the blocking rehearsals to find out how the props are used in the play

The crew then checks to see what is available from the storage cabinets or prop room.

Then the crew makes a list of all props they need to locate. Different crew members may take responsibility for acquiring certain props.

The Props Crew

Props can be acquired in several ways: Buying Renting Borrowing Making

One rule to remember: never borrow anything too expensive to replace

Accurate records should be kept of all props that are borrowed, and the props should be returned immediately following the final performance.

All props need to be ready by the first rehearsal after blocking.

The Props Crew Some props will be easy to find; others will be more

difficult. While your crew is busy locating and creating props,

you will need to supply substitute props for the actors. Another responsibility is to have all props in place and

ready for each rehearsal. It helps to organize hand props by scenes. Crew members should have specific responsibilities to

ensure that all props are in place when they are needed. It is best if the same crew members set up the same props at each rehearsal or performance.

If there are many scene changes or arrangements, place photographs of the finished arrangements in the promptbook to serve as reminders for the crew head.

The Props Crew

After rehearsals or performances, the prop crew will gather up all the props and store them behind a locked door.

It is the prop crew head’s responsibility to make sure that all props are found and returned to the proper storage place at the end of each reahearsal or performance.

If props need to be repaired, the prop crew head sees that it Is done before the next rehearsal or performance.

After the production it is the prop crew’s responsibility to collect all of the props and clean, return and store them for later use.

THE COSTUME CREWThe costume crew prepares the

costumes for the play.

The Costume Crew

A costume is any outfit worn by an actor in a production. The costume also includes accessories.

Costumes are a vital part of any production because they carry such strong meaning for the audience and actors.

Costumes help the audience “see” the characters—help them to know the age, personality, tastes, social standing, and even occupation of a character.

The Costume Crew

Costumes can be obtained by renting, borrowing, making, or buying.

the responsibilities of the costume crew will vary, depending on the type of production.

The first responsibility is to study the play for all references to costume, paying close attention to what the playwright says about characters’ clothing (check both dialogue and stage directions).

Some clothing needs may be determined by the period of the play, the time of day, or the season of the year.

The Costume Crew

Next, the costume crew makes a costume plot.

A costume plot is a costume chart listing every character in the show and each scene in which the character appears. Beside each character’s name is the actor’s name and every garment, undergarment, and accessory needed for that scene.

This gives the crew an idea of the outfits needed, the type of garments required, the number of changes for each character, and any special requirements.

The Costume Crew

After the costume plot is created, the costume crew meets with actors individually to see if they can provide any of their own personal items.

This is especially helpful with items such as shoes and tights.

These individual meetings could also include a measurement session. Having accurate measurements for each actor is vital for the

correct sizing in costumes. The next stop is costume storage to evaluate the

collection of costumes from previous shows. Basic costumes can be embellished, and many costumes can

be “put together” in different ways. The costume crew will need to think creatively!

The Costume Crew

The next step may be a trip to local thrift stores, where for very little money, many garments can be found to restyle into great costumes.

Look for fabric and accessories that can be turned into costumes.

Once all costumes and accessories are completed, the actors should try them on to be sure they fit properly.

Then the crew irons or steams the costumes and hangs them neatly on clothes hangers.

All accessories for each ensemble can be grouped together and placed into bags. With permanent marker, label the bag with the character’s name, and hang the bag on the hanger with the correct costume. The actor’s costume in then organized.

The Costume Crew After each rehearsal or performance, group the costume

and the accessories together and hang them up. The costume crew head is in charge of checking out and

in all of the costumes to and from each actor. Before any dress rehearsals, the costume crew should

assist the actors when they need help. If an actor has a quick change between scenes, a member of the

costume crew should be there to help the actor make the change.

The costume head should be prepared with a costumes first aid kit containing safety pins of various sizes, needles, thread, masking tape (for quick hems), a glue gun, glue sticks, and even a stapler and staples.

After the final performance, the costume crew is responsible for checking to see that each actor has checked in all costumes and accessories, returned all borrowed items and stories all accessories.

THE MAKEUP CREW

Working on a makeup crew is one of the most exciting parts of backstage theatre. It brings out the artist in every crew member.

The Makeup Crew

Stage makeup is more than just cosmetics added to the face or body. It also includes beards, goatees, mustaches, wigs, hairstyles, hair color, scars, warts, and fake noses.

Any cosmetic effect that enhances or changes an actor’s appearance might be defined as stage makeup.

It is the responsibility of the makeup crew to plan a makeup design for each character and to apply the makeup for each dress rehearsal and performance

The Makeup Crew

Stage makeup helps create a visual character. It can help a character’s features show up from the stage or it can actually change an actor’s facial or body characteristics.

Basic makeup, or straight makeup, uses the actor’s natural features.

Character makeup alters the actor’s features. In movies, television and live theatre, we can

find many examples of character makeup used to age a character or turn the actor into something from the world of fantasy.

The Makeup Crew

The responsibilities of the makeup crew will vary with the director and the theatre.

The application of stage makeup, even in professional theatre, usually is the job of each individual actor.

Although the makeup crew does not really go to work until the first dress rehearsal, work should begin preparations earlier in the production process.

The first step is to read the play carefully, making notes about individual characters, plot, theme, time, and place

The Makeup Crew After reading the play, the crew should review

the techniques of basic makeup application, and if necessary, refer to a more complete makeup guide.

It is the makeup crew’s responsibility to compile a makeup plot for the play.

A makeup plot is a chart listing the makeup needs for each character.

The list should include basic makeup colors as well as any special effects—warts, scars, or hair additions.

The makeup plot should also include a makeup sketch showing how the makeup will be applied.

The Makeup Crew

Sometimes, it helps to support the sketches with magazine photographs illustrating the finished “looks.”

After the looks have been approved, there should be a conference with the crew heads from costuming and lighting to make sure that all of the technical aspects are compatible.

Once the makeup needs are determined, the crew needs to check the existing supply of makeup, making a list of all items that need to be replaced.

Although today’s theatre makeup causes few problems to the skin, it is still important to conduct a skin sensitivity check on each actor. Most students do not have any reaction, but occasionally a student will have a sensitivity or allergy to one product but not to another.

The Makeup Crew

For dress rehearsals and performances, the dressing room or a classroom needs to be set up for the actors.

Each actors needs a “spot” aside with the appropriate supplies.

To prevent eye infections, the makeup crew should encourage actors not to share eye makeup such as mascara or eyeliner.

All stage makeup needs to be checked under the stage lights before rehearsal.

After the rehearsal or performance, the makeup crew is responsible for putting all makeup in order and cleaning up the room where the makeup was applied.

After the final performance, the crew should clean up and store all makeup equipment and supplies.

THE SOUND CREWThe sound crew is responsible for planning and preparing all sound effects needed for a production

The Sound Crew In theatre, the term sound means artificially produced

sound effects and music as well as the amplification of voices so that they can be heard.

In addition to enabling the audience to hear the play, sound helps set the mood for the play, makes the play more realistic, and helps the audience understand the plot.

Depending on the theatre, the sound crew is responsible for setting up and running the sound system. This means setting up and taking down microphones and

setting the sound levels. The sound crew’s first responsibility is to read the play

carefully, making a sound plot or plan of all the sounds needed for the show. Many of the sound effects will be mentioned in the script. The sound crew will also look for other places in the script

where the addition of sounds or music would enhance the production.

The Sound Crew

Once needed sounds and music are determined, the sound crew decides the best way to create the music or produce each special sound.

Many sound effects can be obtained online from numerous companies, or tapes can be ordered from theatrical supply companies.

From some shows, such as a fantasy show, the sounds might need to be invented.

Music should be carefully selected to complement the mood and theme of the play.

Sound crews must remember to have backups of all recorded music and sound effects in case something goes wrong.

The Sound Crew

The sound crew needs to have all of the sound effects ready at least by the first technical rehearsal.

The technical rehearsals are vital to the sound crew if split-second timing for cues is to be perfected.

Sound cues should be marked in a copy of the sound crew’s script or on a cue sheet.

A cue sheet is a chart of all sound changes, when they occur and how long they last.

At the end of each rehearsal or performance, the sound crew should make sure that all electrical equipment is turned off and unplugged.

When the show closes, the sound crew will store all school equipment and return any borrowed items.

THE LIGHT CREW

Another vital area of a production is stage lighting—the illumination of the actors

and acting areas. Stage lighting helps the audience understand the location, time

and emotional mood of each scene.

The Light Crew

The people in charge of the stage lighting are the light crew.

Stage lighting depends on the available equipment, the way it is hung, and the way it is controlled.

Just like in your home, stage lights are controlled by switches and dimmers. A switch allows you to turn the light on and off. A dimmer is a device that allows you to control

the intensity of the light By using a dimmer, you can gradually fade the light

from brightness to darkness

The Light Crew The light crew needs to work closely with the director

to learn the lighting capabilities at your school. In preparing the lighting for a production, the light

crew studies the script to determine basic lighting needs as well as any special lighting effects that will be needed.

After determining the play’s lighting needs, the crew head will plan the lighting plot.

A light plot is a floor plan of the set showing the placement of basic lighting and any special lighting.

After the lighting plot is designed, a cue sheet is prepared for each member of the crew working the control board or special lights.

The lighting cue sheet is a list of all lighting changes.

The Light Crew

Under the guidance of the director, the lighting instruments will need to be cleaned, hung and focused on the appropriate areas.

Before hanging the instruments, the light crew adds the appropriate colors, placing translucent sheets called gels into metal frames in front of the lamps.

Gels are produced to withstand heat without burning, but they need to be replaced when they begin to melt or sag.

The Light Crew

When it is time to strike the show, the light crew will take down, clean, and store all equipment, according to the director’s instructions.

The light crew will also make a list of any repairs that are needed.

It is the light crew head’s responsibility to reset the control board for general stage use.

THE PUBLICITY CREWThe publicity crew is responsible

for organizing an advertising campaign and publicizing the

show.

The Publicity Crew

The advertising campaign should begin as soon as the cast is announced.

A short article announcing the paly should be the first story released to the school newspaper and the local newspaper. Include the playwright’s name and the publishing company, a brief synopsis of the plot, and the names of the director, cast, and crews.

After rehearsals begin, prepare several publicity photos and stories to release to the school and local newspapers.

Show members of the cast in rehearsal or crew members working on interesting parts of the show.

Every picture should look like fun and make all who see it want to be part of the audience.

The Publicity Crew

Photograph sessions of the actors in costume are usually scheduled closer to the dress rehearsals.

School-wide advertising is extremely important. Consider placing photos in the halls, classrooms, and cafeteria.

A handmade banner above the auditorium entrance, a decorated bulletin board in the hall, or an attractive lobby display can draw much attention to the upcoming production.

The Publicity Crew

The week tickets go on sale, try using short announcements or reminders on the school intercom and in the school bulletin. These reminders seem to help increase ticket

sales. Consider using a variety of advertising

techniques to reach as many people in your community as possible.

After the final performance, it is important for the publicity crew to remove all posters or advertisements for the production.

THE HOUSE CREWThe house crew is in charge of

printing tickets and programs and managing the box office and

house during the performances.

The House Crew

This crew can be combine with the publicity crew, or it can function as an independent crew.

The person in charge of this crew is known as the house manager.

Two types of tickets are commonly sold: reserved seating tickets and general admission tickets. Reserved tickets require that all rows have a letter and

all seats are numbered. When a ticket is sold, the seat must be recorded in the

master seating chart. The person purchasing the ticket has a guaranteed

seat. Selling reserved tickets requires more organization than

selling general admission tickets.

The House Crew

Keep your tickets in an affordable range – remember your target audience.

If your performance is to be held during the school day and your audience will be students don’t overprice your tickets.

Tickets sold before the show serve as a written reminder for the patron.

The House Crew

Most theatre tickets include the following information: Title of play Name of theatre Day and date of performance Time of performance Name of school and/or performing group Price Ticket number (for accounting purposes) Section, row, and seat number (when

reserved)

The House Crew Play programs can vary in size, color, and

even shape. They can be one sheet or several pages. The important thing to remember is that

the program is printed to share important information with the audience.

On the night of the performance, the house crew is in full force The printed programs are passed out to patrons

entering the theatre. Ushers might want to dress in similar attire

—”dressy” clothes or even costumes appropriate for the production.

The House Crew

If tickets are being sold at the door, a special table should be set up in the lobby, with several ticket sellers on duty. The crew head should be prepared with a cash

box and simple change. Once the production has come to a close,

the house crew is usually responsible for putting the house, ticket office, and lobby back in order.