DIRECTOR: PRODUCTION TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION
"The play's the thing..." --Shakespeare
by Tom McLaughlin
September 24, 2005
The director is the creative, artistic leader of the production and the production team. The director is the controlling force for unifying all crews working on the production. The director is responsible for interpreting the script, assembling the production team, auditioning the actors, selection a cast, blocking a rehearsing the cast, meeting with and coordinating the efforts of all crews, polishing the production, and presenting the artistic creation of an audience. 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
_______ ______ Select a play.
_______ ______ Secure performing rights from the play leasing agent or company. PAY THE ROYALTY IN RECOGNITION OF THE PLAYWRIGHT'S ARTISTIC CREATION.
_______ ______ Schedule and secure the performance space for rehearsal and performance dates.
_______ ______ Purchase the scripts.
_______ ______ Read the play several times. With each focused reading make notes on props, lights, costumes, etc.
_______ ______ Visit the rehearsal space and become familiar with the potential of the spaceas well as any legal requirements or restrictions for your locality.
_______ ______ Arrange a meeting with yourself and the technical director, stage manager, set designer, lighting and sound designers, and costume designer. Discuss production concept, design, and plans. Discuss master calendar for production team.
_______ ______ Organize a rehearsal schedule. Post it.
_______ ______ Together with the tech director and stage manager, select a production team from the applications.
_______ ______ Approve all designs, drawings, and models. Share with the core design team.
_______ ______ Prepare and monitor a production budget.
DURING AUDITIONS
_______ ______ Advertise auditions (or delegate it to the stage manager). Make copies of audition materials and applications.
_______ ______ Audition the actors
_______ ______ Select a cast.
_______ ______ Notify cast members.
DURING THE FIRST WEEKS OF THE REHEARSAL PERIOD
_______ ______ Meet with production team to explain and coordinate all production activities.
_______ ______ Arrange for first meeting of the entire cast and the entire production team. Discuss potential schedule conflicts.
_______ ______ Provide the cast with a rehearsal calendar. Revise calendar if necessary.
_______ ______ Provide "table talk" time with the actors.
_______ ______ Block and rehearse the actors.
_______ ______ Explore and discuss sub-text and character motivation.
_______ ______ Encourage actors to keep personal journals and character diaries.
_______ ______ Meet with the production team regularly.
_______ ______ Continue to monitor the budget.
DURING THE MID-REHEARSAL PERIOD
_______ ______ Encourage the sharing of journals and diaries.
_______ ______ Provide time for external and internal character analysis and discussion.
_______ ______ Arrange for special guests to share script experiences with the cast. (Members of the Center On Deafness could speak with the cast of Children Of a Lesser God.)
_______ ______ Begin taking notes on the actor's performance as you shape and mold their character concept to fit the concept of the show.
_______ ______ Encourage and thank the actors for their efforts.
_______ ______ Polish the performers and their performances.
_______ ______ Continue to meet with the production team.
_______ ______ Thank the production team and crew members for their efforts.
_______ ______ Monitor the budget.
DURING TECHNICAL WEEK
_______ ______ Arrive � hour before the first cast/crew call. Open the building.
_______ ______ Coordinate all activities of technical rehearsals with the stage manager and tech director.
_______ ______ Observe dress rehearsal and continue to make notes on items for the actors.
_______ ______ Monitor the budget.
_______ ______ Compliment and thank the technical director, actors, production team, and crew members for their efforts.
_______ ______ Leave building after everything is secure.
DURING THE RUN OF THE SHOW
_______ ______ Arrive � hour before the first cast/crew call. Open the building.
_______ ______ Attend all performances. Note any problems and see that they are corrected.
_______ ______ Monitor the budget.
_______ ______ Compliment and thank the technical director, actors, production team, and crew members.
_______ ______ Remind all crew heads to write a letter of advice to the person who will have that job for the next show.
_______ ______ Meet with the technical director, stage manager, and master carpenter to arrange a strike schedule.
_______ ______ Leave the building after everything is secure.
DURING STRIKE
_______ ______ Assist the stage manager in organizing strike.
_______ ______ Guide the production team through their final responsibilities.
_______ ______ Monitor the budget. Pay all bills. Prepare a financial statement.
_______ ______ Collect all production team 3-ring binders and store for the next show.
_______ ______ Gather everyone connected with the production for closing comments or closing ceremonies when strike is over.
_______ ______ Thank EVERYONE.
_______ ______ Leave the building after everything is secure.
_______ ______ Write any necessary thank you notes.
