Jobs of Theatre

Playwright Writes the play Come up with Idea Decide genre and style Diagram Plot/Dramatic Structure Develop Characters and Dialogue Research Subject/Relevant issues presented in the play

Producer Handles business and legal matters Hires playwright, stage manager, etc. Oversees production

Director Leads creative team Works together with all creative staff

Costume Designer Works with designers to balance color, texture, etc. Collaborates with wig masters, hair stylists, makeup artists Creates solutions for costume changes and choreography

Lighting Designer Works with other designers to create atmosphere, time of day, etc Uses Light plots Scale drawings of light types and postitions

Set Designer (Scenic Designer) Starts with Drawings Creates set and scene elements to support director’s artistic goal

Composer Authors music Uses musical notation Various forms and instruments

Lyricist Writes lyrics (words to music) Not responsible for melodies Works closely with composer

Music Director Artistic leader of the band, orchestra, or choir Leads rehearsals with musicians

Choreographer “Dance writing” Works to make dance moves for theatre, music ensembles, movies, video games, etc.

Stage Manager Organizes and coordinates rehearsal and show Needs to know every detail of show Needs to know cast Notates blocking in Script Collects attendance

Stagehands Behind the scenes Works with Scenery, lights, props, and special effects

Actor Performs a character in the show Formerly male exclusive job Actors study different methods of performing Stanislavski System: uses own emotions Method Acting (Strasberg Acting): using own experiences to sympathize with character Meisner technique: actor focuses on moment to make it seem real