TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: PRODUCTION TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION
If I Had a Hammer, I'd Hammer in the Morning, I'd Hammer in the Evening...
by Tom McLaughlin
September 18, 2005
The technical director is an assistant to the director and supervises all technical aspects of the production including set construction, set painting, lights and sound. The following is a list of specific items which need to be done and a time-frame for accomplishing your tasks.
Before Rehearsals Begin
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Read the play
� ____ ____ Meet with the director, stage manager, set designer, lighting designer, sound designer, and costume designer. Discuss production concept, design, and plans.
� ____ ____ Together with the director and stage manager, select a production team from applications.
� ____ ____ Review (with the director) all designs, drawings, and models submitted by the core design team.
� ____ ____ Locate a ground plan of the stage for the stage areas you will be using or supervise the stage manager as the SM measures the stage.
� ____ ____ Review the ground plan of the set with the set designer, stage manager, master carpenter, and scenic artist.
� ____ ____ With the stage manager, set designer and master carpenter, list everything which needs to be constructed.
� ____ ____ With the stage manager, set designer and master carpenter determine the amount of lumber, hardware, muslin, Styrofoam, etc. you will need to build the set. Check the tool inventory at the same time.
� ____ ____ Submit a shop budget to the director.
� ____ ____ After approval, purchase the items needed to build the set.
� ____ ____ Together with the director and stage manager, make a master calendar for the production team, cast, and various crews.
During the First Weeks of the Rehearsal Period
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Supervise the stage manager as the set configuration is taped or marked on the rehearsal floor.
� ____ ____ Meet with the master carpenter to establish shop procedures.
� ____ ____ Meet with the entire crew from set construction, set painting, props construction, lighting, sound and video. Review shop safety with EVERYONE. Distribute RULES OF THE SHOP on handout sheets.
� ____ ____ Teach all members of the crew the proper use of the shop power tools. Have each crew member practice using power tools before they actually begin building the sets and props.
� ____ ____ Assist the master carpenter in drawing exploded detailed sections of the set.
� ____ ____ Meet with each member of the production team individually. Assist them in developing a production time line with deadline dates for their crew.
� ____ ____ Compile all above lists into one master deadline list.
� ____ ____ Supervise all instructional workshops and crew training sessions conducted by the crew chief for the various crew members.
During the Mid-Rehearsal Period
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Attend all meetings of the production team.
� ____ ____ Continue to supervise the activities of set construction, set painting, props and furniture construction, lights, sound and video. Remind them to meet deadlines.
� ____ ____ Continue to maintain safety and order in the shop.
� ____ ____ Review the lighting and sound designs.
� ____ ____ Meet with the stage manager and master carpenter to determine what jobs need to be done by the running crew for tech week and for the production dates.
� ____ ____ Supervise the choreography of scene changes.
� ____ ____ Supervise the lighting crew as they make adjustments prior to tech week.
� ____ ____ Thank the production team and crew members for their efforts.
During Technical Week
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Continue to supervise all crews, especially lighting and sound.
� ____ ____ Supervise all backstage running crews.
� ____ ____ Monitor the set for weak areas.
� ____ ____ Thank the production team and crew members for their efforts.
� ____ ____ Leave the building after everything is secure.
During the Run of the Show
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Arrive at least � hour before the first cast/crew call. Assist the director in opening the building.
� ____ ____ Keep a lookout for alcohol, pot, and unacceptable behavior.
� ____ ____ Supervise the stage manager in sunning the cue check prior to the show.
� ____ ____ Meet with the stage manager and master carpenter to make a strike list.
� ____ ____ Using the post-production tool inventory, replace any broken, lost, or stolen tools before the end of the present production.
� ____ ____ Thank the production team and crew members for their efforts.
� ____ ____ Leave the building after everything is secure.
During Strike
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Supervise strike.
� ____ ____ At a closing meeting thank the production team and crews for a job well done.
� ____ ____ Guide the production team through their final responsibilities.
� ____ ____ Using a checklist, assist the stage manager in dismissing the production team individually when their work is done.
� ____ ____ A hug for the director would be nice.
� ____ ____ Leave the building after everything is secure.
