Module Overview: Who is Who in Technical Theatre
Introduction
You are scheduled to give a 1-hour presentation at a local theatre. Think small: maybe a one-person show, a Ted talk, or a brief speech. You have some simple needs and requests. You would like a stool to sit on occasionally (you appreciate an informal style) with a small side table to hold a glass of water. You picture a small area rug and a stand light, thinking they could be a fun additions to the space. You’d like a dressing room for before and after the show. You’ll supply your own clothes but it wouldn't hurt for them to get steamed or ironed before the show. Additionally, you'd like some lights so that the audience can see you, a microphone so that they can hear you, a simple and neutral background behind you so that everyone focuses on you, and you have some still images and videos that you want to play at key moments for emphasis. Oh, and the main curtain rising at the beginning of the show to reveal you would be a nice touch.
Seems simple enough, right?
Since you are renting the space and per your contract with the theatre, you know that you will need to pay hourly rates for the backstage crew needed to help, but so far you have no idea how many that will be. So, you reach out to the theatre's representative to ask.
Pause: what do you think?
Answer the poll below. (View the module summary at the end for the answer and rationale)
Before you select your answer, consider the following:
- What are the different jobs above that need to be done?
- How many people might be needed to accomplish each?
- Are there any jobs that you think can be done by the same person? Or do you need a separate crew member for each?
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this week's module is to introduce you to the people behind-the-scenes, the types of jobs they do, the departments they work for, and the structure in which they are organized (i.e. the hierarchy). Future modules will cover these people, their processes, and the tools and techniques they use in greater detail.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify and explain the major departments, positions, and hierarchical structure within the theatre.
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Determine the department responsible for a given task in a theatrical production.
Module Activities
Complete the following activities during Module 1. Click on the pages below or use the Next button at the bottom of this page to access the content.
Assessments
Complete the following assessments, which will cover material from Campbell Chapter 1 and the online module content.
