EasyStagecraft · Tier 1A — Anatomy of a Production

Who's who on a production

The creative team decides what the show is; the production team decides how it gets built, run & paid for.

Producer Creative Management Departments / crew Performers FOH

⤷ The Production Manager is intrinsically linked to the whole creative team — managing budget, schedule & feasibility. On smaller shows the Producer & PM can be the same person.

ProducerMoney · rights · the venture

DirectorOwns the artistic vision
- Associate / Asst Director
- Musical Director
  - Orchestra / Band
- Choreographer
- Set / Scenic Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Sound Designer
- Costume Designer
- Video / AV Designer
- CastPrincipals · Ensemble · Swings

Production ManagerBudget · schedule · safety · delivery

Production CoordinatorLogistics, paperwork & scheduling

Stage ManagerIn charge of the stage & crew
- Deputy SMCalls the show
  - Assistant SMOn deck · often runs props
- Head MechanistStaging · "Head Carpenter"
  - Deputy Head Mechanist
  - Fly crew (flymen)
  - Stage crew / mechanists
  - Floor crew
  - Rigger
  - Automation operator
  - Scenic carpenters & artists
- Head LXLighting · Head Electrician
  - Deputy Head LX
  - Programmer / Board op
  - Followspot operators
  - Electrics / LX crew
  - Rigger
- Head of SoundRealises the Sound Designer's vision
  - FOH Engineer (A1)
  - Monitor engineer
  - Radio mic tech (A2)
  - Sound technicians
  - Playback / QLab op
- Wardrobe SupervisorCostume · realises Costume Designer's vision
  - Head of Wardrobe Maintenance
  - Dressers
  - Cutter / maker
  - WHAM (Wigs, Hair & Makeup)
  - Costume runner
- Props Master
  - Props maker
  - Props buyer
  - Stage props crew / runner
- Head of AV
  - Projection / LED tech
  - Camera operators
  - AV crew

Company ManagerLooks after the cast & company
- Chorus ManagerHelps manage ensemble moves

Front of House ManagerThe audience's side
- Box Office
- Ticketing
- Ushers
- Bar staff

The Tier 1A point: one show is easily 50–120+ people. Designers are creative roles under the Director; each Head of Department is a production role that crews & runs it. Designer dreams it; HOD delivers it. The Stage Manager runs the show & the DSM calls every cue; the Company Manager looks after the people and Front of House looks after the audience.