DIRECTOR: PRODUCTION TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION
"The play's the thing..." --Shakespeare
by Tom McLaughlin
September 24, 2005
9The 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.
