Crew Hierarchy Org ChartEasyStagecraft Course · Tier 1B · Module 3 (Speak Stage Management) · v1.0 · who reports to whom on show day

Why this matters. During tech-week + show run, who has authority over what? The SM has performance authority — during the show, every operator + crew member follows the SM's call. The Producer has business authority. The Director has artistic authority (but mostly hands off after opening). This chart shows the standard structure + lines of command for a school musical.

The production hierarchy

PRODUCER (business + budget authority) DIRECTOR (artistic vision · rehearsal phase) STAGE MANAGER (performance authority during show) ASM × 2 (stage SR + stage SL) LIGHTING DESIGNER (LD — tech week only) SOUND DESIGNER (SD — tech week only) SET DESIGNER (rehearsal phase) MD + CHOREO (musical only) DECK CREW (reports to ASM) LX OP (reports to LD, SM-led on show) SOUND OP (reports to SD, SM-led on show) FLY OP (reports to SM directly) FOLLOWSPOT × 2 (reports to LD/SM) CAST (performers — student / community) FOH MANAGER (audience-side · reports to Producer) Solid line = direct authority Dashed line = matrix / advisory

Who has authority over what · simplified

PhaseDirectorProducerStage ManagerDesigners (LD/SD)
Rehearsal (8-12 weeks pre-show) Artistic authority. Blocking. Acting. Pace. Schedule. Budget. Venue. Records blocking. Manages rehearsal logistics. Designs cue stack. Works with director on vision.
Tech week (1 week pre-show) Steps back. Note-giver only. Available for budget decisions. Authority transitions to SM. Manages tech-week schedule. Programs cues. Tunes the rig.
Show run (performances) Audience-side. Doesn't intervene. Available for crises. Full authority. Calls show, manages incidents. Step away. Sound op + LX op handle show.

Key role descriptions

RoleOwnsHours / Pay band
ProducerBudget, venue contracts, supplier contracts, cast contracts, marketing, FOH oversightFull project · usually unpaid teacher / volunteer for school work
DirectorCast direction, blocking, artistic decisions through opening30-60 hrs over 8-12 weeks · paid project fee A$3,000-8,000 for community / school
Stage Manager (SM)Prompt copy, cue calling, tech-week schedule, show-day call sheet~70-100 hrs over tech-week + show run · A$2,500-4,500 project fee
Assistant SM (ASM) × 1-2Deck management, prop pre-sets, cast tracking during show~40-60 hrs · A$800-1,800 per ASM
Lighting Designer (LD)Plot, cue design, focus, console programming~25-40 hrs · A$2,500-4,500
Sound Designer (SD)Input list, output design, FX sound cues, system tuning~20-35 hrs · A$2,000-4,000
LX opOperates the console during shows4-5 hrs per show · A$50-75/hr
Sound opOperates the sound console during shows4-5 hrs per show · A$50-75/hr
Fly opOperates the fly system (lines + bars in/out)4-5 hrs per show · A$45-60/hr
Followspot × 1-2Manual spot operation4-5 hrs per show · A$30-45/hr each
Deck crew × 2-4Set moves, prop placement, automation during show4-5 hrs per show · A$25-40/hr each
FOH managerAudience entry, ushers, programs, foyer safety4-5 hrs per show · usually volunteer

The two important authorities to remember

  1. The SM has show-time authority. Once tech week starts, the SM calls the show. Even the Director defers in the moment. Don't undermine.
  2. The Producer has the cheque book. Budget decisions sit with the Producer. The Director can't sign off A$3k of extra movers without Producer approval.

Common authority breakdowns