1. Chapter 8
Producing the Play

2. Production Staff

3. The Producer Gains financial backing for the play
Finds financial investors called “angels”

4. The Director Gets the credit for the success or failure of the play
Molds all phases of production – onstage and backstage
His or her word is “law”

5. Director’s Objective
To produce the playwright’s intentions as faithfully as possible by an intensive study of the script
Consider style/theme/character relationships

6. Assistant Director Takes over if director is absent
A “go between” for director cast and crew

7. Prompter Keeps the prompt book (“the book”), notes, etc.
Marks pauses, blocking, interpretation, etc. (page 347)
Feeds lines

8. Scenic Artist
Designs sets (sometimes costumes)

9. Technical Director Executes the designs of the Scenic Artist
Has crews to build sets, paint, set lights, etc.

10. Stage Manager Takes charge of backstage
Has a cue sheet for sets, props, lights, curtains, etc. (page 463)

11. Backstage Assistants
Prop person or people – have the necessary items for the actors on stage
Crew to change sets (grips)
Make-up crew
Wardrobe person

12. Business Manager Responsible for the financial arrangements
Responsible for all funds
Pays bills
Handles printing and selling of tickets and printing of the program

13. Publicity Manager
Promotes the show - advertising

14. House Manager Responsible for the seating and comfort of the audience
In charge of ushers

15. Pre-rehearsal Activities
1. choose a play
2. secure the rights
3. plan the production
4. make the prompt book
5. cast the play

16. Auditions (page 350 – 351) Tryout information form
Types of auditions, tryouts, or readings
Open audition – pro non union or whole school
Closed audition – union or certain students
Prepared audition – use rehearsed material
Textual tryout – from a manuscript (prepared)
Cold reading – unfamiliar material
Improvisational audition - improvised

17. Rehearsals 1. reading 2. blocking (plan movement) (page 360)
3. working – interpretation is developed, memorization finalized
Essential – set by director
Accessory – actor’s interpretation
Bridging – adding words or actions to help get through troublesome lines

18. 4. polishing – “clean up” rough spots
5. technical – add sets, lights, make-up, costumes, sound, etc.
6. dress – just like the performance (may add an audience to time laughter and other audience reactions)