Jobs in the Theatre
Introduction
There are many people who make theatre happen. This guide will introduce you to the types of jobs and their responsibilities within theatre productions, whether artistic, technical, or business.
Terminology
- Artistic Decisions: These are any choices or decisions made regarding the artistic product of the theatre company. The artistic director guides the whole company, but the show directors, designers, and other leaders make decisions for each production.
- Business Team: The decision-makers for the every day business of the theatre, from budget to payroll to marketing.
- Production Team: The group of artists that makes decisions for the productions of a theatre company, and usually includes the artistic director, producer, show directors, technical director, and stage managers.
- Technical Theatre: Jobs such as lighting, set, sound, costume, props, and makeup. Technical crew will both design and build technical elements, as well as support and operate them during the run of the show.
Context & Analysis
Theatre careers are diverse. Whether working in an amateur community theatre or a large Broadway venue, the skills required to both maintain the company and put on productions are the same. While there are specific tasks for each job, the most successful theatre groups rely on communication and collaboration to ensure that everyone is valued in the dramatic process. This
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Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress