Quick questions on Production roles: HSC Drama

The artistic chain of a theatre production runs roughly:

The most artistically powerful role in modern theatre. The director:

The producer enables the production. Roles include:

A dramaturg is the literary and research support to the director. Tasks include:

The stage manager (SM) is the operational backbone of the production. Tasks include:

Each design specialty is led by its designer (covered in detail in the design-elements-set-costume-lighting-sound dot point). The set designer, costume designer, lighting designer and sound designer.

Below the designers sit the production departments that build and operate the work:

In larger operations a technical director or production manager coordinates the technical departments and the budget. The role sits between the producer and the design and technical teams.

A typical production timeline shows the interactions:

The Group Performance and Individual Project are smaller-scale productions, but the roles still apply. Group Performance ensembles typically self-direct, but one student often takes a coordination role. Design Individual Projects work in the design specialties. Critical Analysis Individual Projects sometimes engage with production roles as a research topic.

Reads the play, develops a directorial concept (an interpretation, a setting, a tone, a central question), and articulates the concept to the design team.

Works with the producer (and casting director where one exists) to choose the actors.

Across four to eight weeks (rough industry standard, varies by company), the director leads the rehearsal room. They run readthrough, table work, blocking, scene work, runs, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals.

In ongoing conversation with the designers, the director approves the set, costume, lighting and sound choices.

Notes to the cast, calibration of pace, emphasis, and dramatic shape across the show.