GCSE Drama - Theatre Roles

Responsibilities/role of a director...

• is responsible for the overall creative vision of the show

• is responsible for designing the lighting within a production

• their job is to perform within a production

• is responsible for designing the set

• is responsible for directing the performers and help them develop their characters in rehearsals ahead of the final performance

Responsibilities/role of a performer...

• to direct the performers and help them develop their characters in rehearsals ahead of the final performance

• performing on stage in front of an audience

• ensure they maintain a high-quality performance each night, during the run of the show.

• they are responsible for backstage during a production

• should respond to direction from their director

Responsibilities/roles of a set designer...

• is responsible for writing a play

• is responsible for backstage during a production

• providing the director with a concept, before moving on to the technical drawing stage

• working closely with the director and the design team to create the world of the show

• solely responsible for building the set

Responsibilities/roles of a costume designer...

• solely responsible for making the outfits and wigs

• responsible for designing the costume, hair and make-up for a production

• responsible for designing the set

• working closely with the design team to ensure that the costumes match the style of the show

• responsible for designing puppets within a production

Responsibilities/roles of a lighting designer...

• responsible for designing the lighting within a production

• advise the director on whether the production requires microphones and other technical equipment.

• is responsible for backstage during a production

• solely responsible for rigging and programming the lights

• ensuring that the lighting states reflect the atmosphere and mood on stage

Responsibilities/roles of a sound designer...

• advise the director on whether the production requires microphones and other technical equipment

• responsible for designing the use of sound within a production, eg sound effects or music

• they are responsible for organisational aspects, such as setting props and calling the show

• they organise the rehearsal schedule and sit in the rehearsal room making notes that need to be passed onto the design team

• working with the director to create and develop sound that enhances a production

Responsibilities/roles of a puppet designer...

• responsible for other elements of costume design, in addition to being responsible for designing puppets within a production

• specifically responsible for designing puppets within a production

• ensure that the puppets work efficiently when operated

• ensure that puppets match the set and costume design and general aesthetic of the show

Responsibilities/roles of a playwright...

• direct the performers and help them develop their characters in rehearsals ahead of the final performance.

• responsible for writing a play

• always have to be present during the entire rehearsal process

• prepared to make small changes to the script as the show develops

• create a script that cannot be changed during the rehearsal process

Responsibilities/roles of an understudy...

• is a performer who learns the lines and blocking of a regular performer in a production

• they may take a smaller role within a production, while covering one of the lead roles

• only present when the regular performer isn't there

• not necessary during the rehearsal process

• takes responsibility for backstage when not needed for performing

Responsibilities/roles of a stage manager...

• responsible for backstage during a production

• are not involved in the the rehearsal process

• responsible for organisational aspects, such as setting props, organising the rehearsal schedule, making notes in the rehearsal room, and calling the show

• lead a stage management team of a deputy stage manager, assistant stage managers and a company stage manager

• responsible for the front of house team