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
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____ Read the play
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Meet with the director, stage manager, set designer, lighting
designer, sound designer, and costume designer. Discuss production
concept, design, and plans.
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Together with the director and stage manager, select a production
team from applications.
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Review (with the director) all designs, drawings, and models
submitted by the core design team.
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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.
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Review the ground plan of the set with the set designer, stage
manager, master carpenter, and scenic artist.
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With the stage manager, set designer and master carpenter, list
everything which needs to be constructed.
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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.
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Submit a shop budget to the director.
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After approval, purchase the items needed to build the set.
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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
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____ Supervise the stage manager as the set configuration is
taped or marked on the rehearsal floor.
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Meet with the master carpenter to establish shop procedures.
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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.
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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.
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Assist the master carpenter in drawing exploded detailed sections
of the set.
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Meet with each member of the production team individually. Assist
them in developing a production time line with deadline dates for
their crew.
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Compile all above lists into one master deadline list.
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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
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____ Attend all meetings of the production team.
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Continue to supervise the activities of set construction, set
painting, props and furniture construction, lights, sound and
video. Remind them to meet deadlines.
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Continue to maintain safety and order in the shop.
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Review the lighting and sound designs.
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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.
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Supervise the choreography of scene changes.
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Supervise the lighting crew as they make adjustments prior to tech
week.
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Thank the production team and crew members for their efforts.
During Technical Week
Begun Done
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____ Continue to supervise all crews, especially lighting and
sound.
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Supervise all backstage running crews.
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Monitor the set for weak areas.
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Thank the production team and crew members for their efforts.
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Leave the building after everything is secure.
During the Run of the Show
Begun Done
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____ Arrive at least � hour before the first cast/crew call.
Assist the director in opening the building.
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Keep a lookout for alcohol, pot, and unacceptable behavior.
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Supervise the stage manager in sunning the cue check prior to the
show.
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Meet with the stage manager and master carpenter to make a strike
list.
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Using the post-production tool inventory, replace any broken, lost,
or stolen tools before the end of the present production.
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Thank the production team and crew members for their efforts.
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Leave the building after everything is secure.
During Strike
Begun Done
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____ Supervise strike.
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At a closing meeting thank the production team and crews for a job
well done.
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Guide the production team through their final responsibilities.
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Using a checklist, assist the stage manager in dismissing the
production team individually when their work is done.
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A hug for the director would be nice.
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Leave the building after everything is secure.
