Drama AQA GCSE theatre roles, staging and lighting

director

• responsible for the overall creative vision of the show

• lead rehearsals

• interprets the script

• direct the performers and help them develop their characters

playwright

• writes the script/performance text

• sometimes are commissioned by theatre companies or producers

• write the play in advance to rehearsals

• present during rehearsal process

• work with the director to develop ideas, making notes and writing the script organically

understudy

• a performer who learns the lines and blocking of a regular performer in a production

• if the regular performer is ever unable to perform, the understudy can cover their part

• sometimes a smaller role while covering one of the lead roles

• when an understudy goes on to perform a lead role, a performer called a swing will cover the understudy’s part

stage manager

• responsible for backstage during production

• usually lead a stage management team of deputy stage manager, assistant stage managers and a company stage manager

• they are involved from before the first rehearsal until after the show is finished

• they organise the rehearsal schedule and sit in the rehearsal room making notes that need to be passed onto the design team

• they are responsible for organisational aspects, such as setting props and calling the show during the run of a show

performers

• an actor, singer or dance who perform in a production

• they usually audition in front of the director and a casting director for their part

• they begin their work in the rehearsal room with the director, before performing on stage in front of an audience

• they must maintain a high-quality performance during the run of the show nights

technician

• there are multiple different types of technicians involved in theatre

• may be involved in setting up the lighting, sound equipment and set

• they may also operate technical equipment during a show, controlling lighting, sound or other aspects of the set

theatre manager

• repsonsible for front of the house team

• usually a permanent employee of a theatre building

• they ensure a smooth running performance by looking after the audience

front of the house manager

supervises audience services like tickets, seating and refreshments

producer

oversees the business, legal, and financial side of the production

marketing manager

promotes the show and engages with the audience

deputy stage manager

usually calls the cues during performances

assistant stage manager

assists with props, set changes and backstage needs

set builder

constructs the set according to design specifications

prop maker

makes or sources props

wardrobe supervisor

oversees costume maintenance

choreographer

designs and arranges movement and dance

puppet designer

designs and arranges movement and dance

designers

• often brought together by the director of a production

• work together closely to help deliver the director’s artistic vision

• some of their work may be done in advance of rehearsals, but they will often continue to work on a show until it opens

set designer

• responsible for designing the se

• works closely with the director and the design team to create the world of the show

• they may begin by providing the director with a concept before moving onto the technical drawing stage

• once the design us complete, the set is constructed and completed by various departments that specialise in materials such as metals, wood and paint.

costume designer

• responsible for designing the costume, hair and makeup for a production

• they work closely with design team to ensure the costumes match style of the show

• they often create designs ahead of the production being cast and then make changes once met the performers

• works closely with the costume department who are responsible for making the outfits and wigs

lighting designer

• responsible for designing the lighting within a production

• works closely with the director & design team to create lighting states for atmosphere and mood on stage

• initially has an idea about the lighting, and then will make adjustments during the rehearsal process

• once their design work is complete, technicians will set up and programme the lights

puppet designer

• designing puppets within a production

• ensure that puppets match the set and costume design, and the general aesthetic of the show

• must ensure the puppets work efficiently when operated

staging

what is the thing to remember about the staging?

the actor’s right = your stage left

staging types

Spotlight

• A strong, focused beam of light.

• Draws attention to a specific actor or object.

• Used in monologues or to isolate key characters.

Floodlight

• A broad, unfocused light source.

• Covers large areas; no sharp edge.

• Used for general stage lighting.

Fresnel

• A soft-edged spotlight with adjustable beam.

• Creates gentle washes of light.

• Used for background or atmospheric lighting.

Profile Spot

• A hard-edged, focused spotlight.

• Lights specific areas with precision.

• Often used with gobos or gels.

Parcan

• Intense, narrow beam of light.

• Little control over focus; harsh effect.

• Used in concerts or strong mood lighting.

Gel

• A coloured plastic filter placed in front of lights.

• Changes the colour to reflect mood or time.

• Blue = sadness/night, Red = anger, etc.

Gobo

• A stencil placed inside a lantern.

• Projects patterns (e.g. windows, trees).

• Used to create setting or atmosphere.

LED Lights

• Digital lights that change colour and brightness.

• Energy efficient; smooth transitions.

• Used for modern effects or mood shifts.

Follow Spot

• A movable spotlight controlled by a technician.

• Keeps a performer lit while they move.

• Used for solos or main characters.

Backlighting

• Light from behind the subject.

• Creates silhouettes or depth.

• Used for drama, mystery, or symbolism.

Side Lighting

• Lighting from the sides of the stage.

• Highlights shape and movement.

• Common in dance or physical theatre.

Uplighting / Underlighting

• Light from below the actor or object.

• Distorts the face for a spooky or dramatic effect.

• Used in horror or symbolic scenes.