The job begins when the play is approved by the Powerhouse Board. Early next steps:

  • Confirm Production, Play Reading and Audition dates with the VP Productions.
  • Obtain the Director Job Description Manual, which includes a copy of this document, from the VP Productions.
  • Clarify your potential interest or intentions regarding filming during the production process with the VP Productions.
  • PRODUCERS– The Powerhouse Board is responsible for finding the Technical and Administrative Producers for each play. Advise VP Productions if you would like any input to these positions.
  • DESIGN TEAM– It is advisable for you to recruit a Set Designer as early as possible so that a Set Design will be ready for the first Production meeting and prior to the start of rehearsals. You may also recruit or have input to the selection of Light, Sound and Costume Designers.
  • PRODUCTION TEAM– It is valuable to have a Stage Manager who you know you can work well with. Advise the Technical Producer if you have someone in mind.  The remaining members of the production team will be recruited by the Technical and Administrative Producers.

1 Planning

  1. Finalize with the Producers the selection of Designers, Stage Manager and other department/ committee heads. All positions which are artistic in nature and/or involve design elements must be run past the Director before being added to the team.
  2. With the Producers and the Stage Manager, set up a Production schedule. The Production Schedule is distributed to all Production Team members to ensure that they are aware of key deadlines. A copy will also be posted in the Club room.
  3. The Tech Producer will arrange a meeting with the Director and Designers to confirm the requirements for set, lighting, sound, props, costumes, special effects, etc. Advise the Tech Producer of any additional members of the Production Team that you would like to attend.
  4. The Admin Producer will arrange a meeting with the Publicity and Foyer Coordinators to share your vision and ideas.
  5. Complete a break down and analysis of the script before rehearsals begin.
  6. Given the number of pages in the script, calculate how many rehearsal hours are needed. Develop a rehearsal schedule with the Stage Manager.
  7. Meet with the Tech Producer and discuss in detail how you would like auditions to be organised

2 Working

  1. Audition Process – determine what information you would like posted on the Powerhouse website in preparation for auditions (e.g. character list/description, script excerpts or other readings, etc.). Online audition applications will be available for you to view prior to auditions. These can be printed and available on the audition date(s).  Advise the Tech Producer if you require head shots to be taken at auditions.
  2. Once the play has been cast, immediately confirm the rehearsal schedule with the Stage Manager. A copy will be given to each actor, department/committee head and the Producers, as well as posted in the Club Room.
  3. Encourage everyone connected to the production to be at the first read through. This is the opportunity for everyone to meet, and to hear the play read out loud. The V.P. Productions will also attend to clarify their position and role in the production and, along with the Director, to clearly explain Powerhouse’s policy regarding filming of rehearsals or productions as it applies to this production.
  4. Attend all production meetings. Stay abreast of requirements of all departments/committees at these meetings. If there are problems, this is the time to solve them.
  5. If you require any specific items for the production, please notify the Tech Producer in advance. S/he will work with department/committee heads to obtain them for you.
  6. Proceed with rehearsals. Try to organize your rehearsals so that actors do not sit and wait for lengthy periods before they are needed. Try to include the crew as much as possible. It’s important that the cast AND the crew have the opportunity to work together as a team.
  7. Make notes at rehearsals and share them with the actors and, if they are available, with technical team members at the end of each rehearsal.
  8. Communicate all additional technical notes to the Tech Producer, who will pass them on to Department heads. The Stage Manager will communicate with the cast and, once into tech week, with also take on communication with the technical crew.
  9. Keep the VP Productions informed as the play progresses and use this person as a resource for advice and to resolve issues/conflicts.
  10. The VP Productions will periodically observe rehearsals. Any suggestions or recommendations offered by the VP Productions should be taken seriously.  Any other persons who wish to convey their opinions or suggestions should be referred to the V.P. Productions for discussions.
  11. If there is an Assistant or Mentee Director, involve and encourage him/her as much as possible throughout the production process. Ensure that the cast and production team members are clear regarding their role.

3 Run

  1. When the play opens, it becomes the responsibility of the Stage Manager, who takes on the role of ensuring the play stays on track and maintains the intentions of the Director. Any suggestions for changes to the performance must be channelled only through the Stage Manager.
  2. It is the custom in our theatre for the Director to give thank you cards to the actors and production crew heads on OPENING NIGHT. (Note: An opening night basket is given to the cast and crew by the Powerhouse Board.)
  3. Return job description manual to the VP Productions.

4 Strike

  1. Attend and participate in the strike.

5 Post-Mortem

  1. Attend a de-brief meeting to review the entire production process as arranged by the VP Productions. Be prepared to share your input regarding what you think went well, the challenges you experienced and lessons you feel would be helpful for future productions.

 

There is to be no disposal or sale of any asset of Powerhouse Theatrical Society, without the express permission of a department head or director. There are no exceptions to this policy. This includes but is not limited to props, sound equipment, lighting equipment, tools or costumes.