Arts

Roles in a Play

Board of directors

  • Top level - they choose the Producer and Artistic Director

  • Final word - they approve the budget and settle big conflicts

Producer

  • Business manager - handles rent, theater labor, and performance fees

  • the Legal Hub - secures the “rights”; the organizer

    Producer = organizer

    Director = creator

Board of Representatives:

  • Fair judge - ensures the casting follows the official guidelines

  • Watchdog - reports casting issues back to the Board

Director

  • visionary: sets creative direction and interprets the script

  • coach: casts actors and guides the rehearsals

Artistic Director

  • responsible for all artistic decisions and the “over ruler” that can change a decision for the sake of the show’s quality

Musical Director

  • known as the Maestro; manages the orchestra, vocal coaching, and microphone sets.

Choreographer

  • the movement expert responsible for designing dance numbers and artistic stage flow.

Technical and Design:

Technical Director

  • The safety lead who ensures set construction is structurally sound and safe for the performance space

Stage Designer

  • The architect of the scenery who plans the layout and handles the logistics of set delivery and storage.

Costume Designer

  • A stylist and caretaker who creates, buys, and maintains all clothing for the actors.

Sound Designer

  • Creates the "soundscape" and uses audio effects to establish mood, time, and location.

Makeup Designer

  • Uses hair, makeup, and prosthetics to transform actors into their specific characters or mythical beings.

Properties Manager

  • Finds or builds objects carried by actors and is specifically responsible for body microphone batteries.

Performance:

Stage Manager

  • The "Brain" of the show who attends every rehearsal to call cues for lights and sound while maintaining backstage order.

Actors

  • Performers who use emotional honesty and rigorous physical, vocal, and psychological training to portray characters.

Marketing/Publicity:

Ticket Manager

  • The gatekeeper who handles the printing, sales, accounting, and distribution of tickets.

Publicity Director

  • Promotes the show and manages the marketing budget for advertisements and posters.

Production Photographer

  • Documents rehearsals and live performances to provide images for promotion.

Program Designer

  • The graphic artist who compiles cast bios and photos into the physical booklet for the audience.