Chapter 8Chapter 8

ProducingProducing thethe PlayPlay

Production StaffProduction Staff

The ProducerThe Producer

GainsGains financial backing for the playfinancial backing for the playFinds financial investors called Finds financial investors called

“angels”“angels”

The DirectorThe Director

Gets the credit for the success or Gets the credit for the success or failure of the playfailure of the play

Molds all phases of production – Molds all phases of production – onstage and backstageonstage and backstage

His or her word is “law”His or her word is “law”

Director’s ObjectiveDirector’s Objective

ToTo produce the playwright’s produce the playwright’s intentions as faithfully as possible by intentions as faithfully as possible by an intensive study of the scriptan intensive study of the script

Consider style/theme/character Consider style/theme/character relationshipsrelationships

Assistant DirectorAssistant Director

Takes over if director is absentTakes over if director is absentA “go between” for director cast and A “go between” for director cast and

crewcrew

PrompterPrompter

Keeps the prompt book (“the book”), Keeps the prompt book (“the book”), notes, etc.notes, etc.

Marks pauses, blocking, Marks pauses, blocking, interpretation, etc. (page 347)interpretation, etc. (page 347)

Feeds linesFeeds lines

Scenic ArtistScenic Artist

DesignsDesigns sets (sometimes costumes) sets (sometimes costumes)

Technical DirectorTechnical Director

Executes the designs of the Scenic Executes the designs of the Scenic ArtistArtist

Has crews to build sets, paint, set Has crews to build sets, paint, set lights, etc.lights, etc.

Stage ManagerStage Manager

Takes charge of backstageTakes charge of backstageHas a cue sheet for sets, props, Has a cue sheet for sets, props,

lights, curtains, etc. (page 463)lights, curtains, etc. (page 463)

Backstage AssistantsBackstage Assistants

Prop person or people – have the Prop person or people – have the necessary items for the actors on necessary items for the actors on stagestage

Crew to change sets (grips)Crew to change sets (grips)Make-up crewMake-up crewWardrobe personWardrobe person

Business ManagerBusiness Manager

ResponsibleResponsible for the financial for the financial arrangementsarrangements

Responsible for all fundsResponsible for all fundsPays billsPays billsHandles printing and selling of Handles printing and selling of

tickets and printing of the programtickets and printing of the program

Publicity ManagerPublicity Manager

Promotes the show - advertisingPromotes the show - advertising

House ManagerHouse Manager

Responsible for the seating and Responsible for the seating and comfort of the audiencecomfort of the audience

In charge of ushersIn charge of ushers

Pre-rehearsal ActivitiesPre-rehearsal Activities

1. choose a play1. choose a play2. secure the rights2. secure the rights3. plan the production3. plan the production4. make the prompt book4. make the prompt book5. cast the play5. cast the play

Auditions (page 350 – 351)Auditions (page 350 – 351)

TryoutTryout information forminformation formTypes of auditions, tryouts, or readingsTypes of auditions, tryouts, or readings

Open audition – pro non union or whole schoolOpen audition – pro non union or whole schoolClosed audition – union or certain studentsClosed audition – union or certain studentsPrepared audition – use rehearsed materialPrepared audition – use rehearsed materialTextual tryout – from a manuscript (prepared)Textual tryout – from a manuscript (prepared)Cold reading – unfamiliar materialCold reading – unfamiliar materialImprovisational audition - improvisedImprovisational audition - improvised

RehearsalsRehearsals

1. reading1. reading2. blocking (plan movement) (page 2. blocking (plan movement) (page

360)360)3. working – interpretation is 3. working – interpretation is

developed, memorization finalizeddeveloped, memorization finalizedEssential – set by directorEssential – set by directorAccessory – actor’s interpretationAccessory – actor’s interpretationBridging – adding words or actions to Bridging – adding words or actions to

help get through troublesome lineshelp get through troublesome lines

4. polishing – “clean up” rough spots4. polishing – “clean up” rough spots5. technical – add sets, lights, make-5. technical – add sets, lights, make-

up, costumes, sound, etc.up, costumes, sound, etc.6. dress – just like the performance 6. dress – just like the performance

(may add an audience to time (may add an audience to time laughter and other audience laughter and other audience reactions)reactions)