Head of Crew
The Head of Crew directly oversees the backstage crew and is responsible for set changeovers and all production elements on stage. They report directly to the Adult Stage Manager.
Backstage Assistant Manager
The Backstage Assistant Manager directly reports to the Head of Crew and assists in all on stage elements. They are the second student in command and will step in for the Head of Crew, if needed.
Costume/Make-up Prep
The costume crew is responsible for assisting in the construction of all the costumes, with the leadership and guidance of our Costume Director, for a production. A knowledge of sewing is helpful but not essential; sewing skills will be taught during crew hours. Depending on the production, a variety of non-sewing jobs is available. The work schedule for costume prep is arranged with the Costume Director.
The make-up crew is responsible for assisting the Make-up Director in applying base make-up and/or advanced character make-up on actors and/or backstage crew runners.
Scenic Prep
The crew builds and paints all scenery and properties for the show. Students may work under the guidance of the Set Director, Scene Designer(s) or Scenic Artist(s) depending upon the specific duties assigned and the needs of the production. The crew is geared towards those who have had no previous building experience. During the construction period, students will work with a variety of craft materials, and learn basic carpentry and painting skills.
Scenic/Prop Running (Backstage Crew)
The scenic crew moves all the scenery during the play, under the direction and guidance of the crew head (backstage assistant stage manager) and stage manager. The students learn various running techniques, organization, and timing. The crew person will need to be present for all the technical and dress rehearsals which occur during the week before the show, the week of the show, and each performance. This crew is dressed in all black or in character outfits for the play/musical.
The props crew, under the guidance of the Head of Props, and the stage manager, organizes and moves all the props during the production. In addition to the props on stage, the prop crew maintains prop tables backstage for all hand props. This crew requires a great deal of organization, responsibility, and patience. The crew person will need to be present for all the technical and dress rehearsals which occur during the week before the show, the week of the show, and each performance.
Light Prep/Operation
This crew member will set up all the lighting instruments under the guidance of the Lighting Designer. The crew learns about the different types of lighting instruments and their various uses. No previous experience is necessary. This one-person crew programs and runs the light control board under the guidance of the Lighting Designer and Stage Manager. The crew person learns the basics of lighting instruments and the set-up for the production so that they can fix malfunctions in the equipment, if necessary. No previous experience is necessary. The crew person will need to be present for all the technical and dress rehearsals which occur during the week before the show, the week of the show, and each performance.
Followspot Operator
This one-to-two-person crew is responsible for operating a followspot during the production under the guidance of the Lighting Designer and Stage Manager. No previous experience is necessary but the student must be comfortable with operating a heavy and hot spot machine. The crew person will need to be present for all the technical and dress rehearsals which occur during the week before the show, the week of the show, and each performance.
Sound Prep/Operation
This crew member is responsible for collecting and creating the various music and sound effects necessary for the production under the guidance of the Director and Sound Designer. This crew will learn to use editing and playback software. No previous experience is necessary. They will also learn how to properly mic an actor, perform mic checks, and set up the house for pre-show music and vocal recordings. This one-person crew programs and runs the sound board and sound computer under the guidance of the Director and Stage Manager. The crew person learns the basics of sound and editing. No previous experience is necessary. The crew person will need to be present for all the technical and dress rehearsals which occur during the week before the show, the week of the show, and each performance.
Projection Operator
This one-person crew is responsible for running the projection and media cues for a production under the guidance of the Lighting & Sound Supervisor and Stage Manager. No previous experience is necessary. The crew person will need to be present for all the technical and dress rehearsals which occur during the week before the show, the week of the show, and each performance.
Ushers
The usher is responsible for handing out playbills, showing patrons to their seats, and assisting in concessions (if needed). These crew members will need to be present for all the technical and dress rehearsals which occur during the week before the show, the week of the show, and each performance.