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PAID STAFF JOB DESCRIPTIONS



The producer is responsible for the overall production of a show and represents the TSP Board of Directors in ensuring that the overall production and artistic presentation is consistent with and adheres to all of the provisions and restrictions contained in the contract for the rights to the production and with TSP Board policy. This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The producer shall:
  1. Obtain contracts for:
    1. Royalty rights (unless already secured by the President).
    2. Theatre management:
      1. tech week
      2. audition dates
      3. call backs
      4. pick-up dates
    3. Production staff as needed:(*Appointed by Board; **Appointed by Producer)
      1. *Director.
      2. *Orchestra Director.
      3. *Vocal Director.
      4. *Choreographer.
      5. *Stage Manager.
      6. **Technical Coordinator (when applicable).
      7. **Set Designer.
      8. **Property Manager.
      9. **Lighting Designer.
      10. **Set Construction Foreman.
      11. **Audition and rehearsal pianist.
      12. **Graphic Designer
      13. **Costumer.
      14. **Publicity Coordinator.
      15. **Photographer.
      16. **Light Board Technician/Sound Technician.
      17. **Make-up Artist.
    4. Audition space.
    5. Rehearsal space.
  2. Distribute job descriptions to each member of the production staff.
  3. Ascertain that each job description responsibility is fulfilled.
  4. Organize and supervise auditions and callbacks.
  5. Prepare and distribute the following forms:
    1. Audition forms.
    2. Cast/staff addresses and phone numbers.
    3. Rehearsal schedule.
    4. Program information requests.
    5. Cast and staff biographies.
    6. T-shirt order.
    7. Cast dinner.
  6. Make necessary arrangements with the theatre/venue for:
    1. Auditions notices;
      1. Provide information to the staff.
      2. Check on distribution.
    2. Reserve scene shop time, if necessary.
    3. Obtain technical assistance from theatre/venue staff, if necessary.
    4. Monitor ticket sales.
    5. Present set and light designs for approval of theatre/venue staff, if necessary.
    6. Coordinate lobby displays and information tables.
  7. Arrange production meetings.
  8. Coordinate production of programs after collecting necessary information.
  9. Arrange for opening night reception, cast dinner and entertainment,
    and meals between matinee and evening performances, when necessary.
  10. Obtain scripts and scores:
    1. Distribute scripts and scores, collecting deposits for each.
    2. Keep a list of cast members and assigned scripts and scores.
    3. Collect erased scripts and scores from cast members and orchestra director.
    4. Send scripts and scores back to royalty company via insured carrier.
  11. Follow the budget as approved by the Board of Directors:
    1. Notify each area of budget allocation.
    2. Approve budget expenditures.
    3. Present all bills to the TSP, Inc., Treasurer with purchase
      orders not more than 30 after close of production.
    4. Add purchased items to the SARA inventory, when appropriate.
  12. Attend all performances unless excused by the Board.
  13. Attend and supervise strike, when necessary.
  14. Keep production book of all records and correspondence to
    present to the Board of Directors upon completion of the production.

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The director is ultimately responsible for what the audience experiences consistent with the provisions of the contract for the rights to the production and TSP Board policy as enforced by the Producer. This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The Artistic Director will not be allowed to audition for the production they have been hired to direct. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the director shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur the following:
  1. Prepare for and conduct auditions, and callbacks if required.
  2. Select the cast (in collaboration with the vocal director and choreographer for musicals).
  3. Name understudies or possible replacements, when applicable.
  4. Prepare a prompt book with the stage manager to include all blocking, business, cues, and notes for the performance of the show.
  5. Attend production staff meetings.
  6. Establish a rehearsal schedule (in collaboration with the vocal director and choreographer for musicals).
  7. Attend and conduct rehearsals, and pick-ups when applicable.
  8. Approve technical aspects of the show (set, costumes, lighting, etc.).
  9. Coordinate all tech week activities.
  10. Attend all performances unless excused by the Producer.
  11. The director shall have final artistic authority within the provisions stated above.
  12. The director will not appear backstage after the final dress rehearsal, unless permission is granted in advance by the Stage Manager. All responsibilities will be turned over to the Stage Manager once performances begin. Cast notes will be given to the Stage Manager who will present them to the cast on behalf of the director.

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The technical coordinator oversees all technical aspects of the production. This is generally a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The technical coordinator, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production and reports directly to the Producer. The Stage Manager, Set Construction Foreman, Lighting Designer, Set Designer, Properties Manager and Set Dresser, report directly to the Technical Coordinator on all technical aspects of the production. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the technical coordinator shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur the following:
  1. Attend all regular production meetings called by the producer.
  2. Oversee the technical budget of the production, facilitate material purchases for set construction and painting and, if necessary, arrange for technical staff to be on the authorized charge lists at Bohn's Ace Hardware and Woodstock Lumber while working as a member of the Production Staff.
  3. Arrange dates and locations for set construction, at SARA, the theatre/venue or other locations as necessary.
  4. Arrange for set construction, set painting, light hanging, load-in, and strike crews.
  5. Arrange for the theatre/venue to schedule a staff person during Tech Week, including the dinner hour, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
  6. Arrange dates for hanging lights with the theatre/venue staff, lighting designer, and crew; arrange load-in time on first day of Tech Week (or earlier if necessary and possible) with theatre/venue staff.
  7. Coordinate any move of set pieces from and back to the storage area or rental facilities with the set construction foreman and/or property manager, and the theatre/venue staff, including arranging for truck rental if needed.
  8. Obtain "double-booking" details from theatre/venue staff and arrange with Technical Staff to facilitate the required accommodations.
  9. Serve as a liaison between the Technical Staff and the theatre/venue staff for all technical matters of the production.
  10. Facilitate the coordination of all technical aspects of the show in cooperation with the artistic director and the stage manager during Tech Week to insure that all technical areas are completed.
  11. Facilitate the coordination of technical repairs, corrections, or alterations required during the run of the show.
  12. Assign and coordinate all aspects of strike.
  13. Facilitate communication between members of the production staff and serve as intermediary between the Technical Staff and producer.
  14. Communicate the policies of TSP to the Technical Staff and insure that those policies are carried out.
  15. Review job descriptions with Technical Staff members.
  16. Supervise and coordinate all aspects of the stage manager, set designer, lighting designer, light board operator/sound technician and set construction foreman.

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The orchestra director is responsible for the instrumental portion of the show. This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The Orchestra Director will not be allowed to audition for the production they have been hired to orchestra direct. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the Orchestra Director shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Teach and direct the instrumental portion of the show.
  2. Prepare for and conduct auditions for musicians if needed.
  3. Hire musicians, adhering to the budget.
  4. Distribute and collect orchestra scores.
  5. Set musician rehearsals.
  6. Coordinate music with the vocal director.
  7. Attend tech week rehearsals and pick-up rehearsals, as required.
  8. Conduct all musical elements during performance.
  9. Establish and maintain appropriate standards of conduct for musicians during rehearsals and performances.

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The vocal director is responsible for the sung portion of the show. This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The Vocal Director will not be allowed to audition for the production they have been hired to vocally direct. The vocal director, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director's goals for the production. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the vocal director shall:
  1. Teach and direct the sung portion of the show.
  2. Prepare for and conduct vocal auditions.
  3. Assist in the selection of the cast.
  4. Attend production staff meetings.
  5. Attend and conduct vocal rehearsals, tech week rehearsals, and pick-up rehearsals, as required.
  6. Coordinate vocal music with the orchestra director.
  7. Set vocal rehearsals in coordination with the artistic director and choreographer.
  8. Attend all performances unless excused by the Producer.
  9. Assign a cast or staff member the responsibility of conducting warm-ups prior to performances.
  10. As a rule the vocal director should not appear backstage after the final dress rehearsal.

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The Musical Director performs the duties and responsibilities of both the Vocal Director and Orchestra Director. This is a paid position, combining the pay of both director positions, with pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors.

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The stage manager supervises all cast and production crews during rehearsals and performances and has the responsibility to see that all scenery, properties, lights, and sound equipment are ready for use when needed and that all actors are on time for rehearsals and performances. This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The stage manager, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director, to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production and reports directly to the Technical Coordinator on all technical aspects of the production and the Producer on all other issues including personnel. The Stage Manager has no authority to change any aspect of the production during the run of the show. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the stage manager shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Attend all production meetings.
  2. Attend all rehearsals (at the discretion of the director) and performances.
  3. Run rehearsals in the absence of the director or assistant director.
  4. Take cast attendance during rehearsals and performances.
  5. Contact absent cast members.
  6. Maintain an accurate prompt book, which includes all blocking, cues, and notes for the performance of the show.
  7. Obtain of the running crew with the approval of the Technical Coordinator and Producer.
  8. Distribute and explain job descriptions to stage crewmembers.
  9. Assign and post dressing room positions.
  10. Provide flashlights for all crewmembers.
  11. Maintain a stage manager's first aid kit. Check to see if TSP has one available for performances.
  12. Maintain a stage manager's kit including items needed for quick repairs. Again, check to see if TSP has one available if you are not maintaining your own.
  13. Conduct a safety talk during tech week, giving a tour of the backstage area and explaining operating regulations for all cast and crewmembers.
  14. Sweep the stage before each performance.
  15. Complete a pre-show checklist.
  16. Call the show including cues for curtains and all technical aspects of the show.
  17. Remain in the theatre/venue until all members have left the building.
  18. Examine the backstage areas after all have left and report any damage to the theatre/venue staff and the producer immediately.
  19. Deliver notes to the cast and crew as requested by directorial staff during the run of the show.
  20. Prepare and post call-sheets and strike sheets; i.e., assignment sheets.
  21. Assist with strike in consultation with technical coordinator and producer.

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The choreographer is responsible for the dance portion of the show. This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The choreographer must convey dance and movement concepts consistent with the artistic director's concepts to all cast and staff and work in consultation with all areas. The choreographer, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the choreographer shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Create all dance and stage movements at the request and approval of the director.
  2. Prepare for and conduct dance auditions.
  3. Assist in the selection of the cast.
  4. Attend production staff meetings.
  5. Set dance rehearsals in coordination with the director.
  6. Conduct dance rehearsals.
  7. Attend and conduct tech week rehearsals and pick-up rehearsals when required.
  8. Attend all performances unless excused by the Producer.
  9. Arrange for musical accompaniment for dance rehearsals in coordination with the producer.
  10. Provide or arrange for physical warm-ups before rehearsals and performances.
  11. Assign a dance captain as needed.

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The lighting designer is responsible for designing lights to coordinate with set, costumes, and props and to create the effect needed by the director and reports directly to the Technical Coordinator on all technical aspects of the production. The lighting designer, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director and technical coordinator, when applicable, to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production. This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the lighting designer shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur the following:
  1. Order lighting equipment and supplies in keeping with budget limitations.
  2. Obtain lighting crew, when necessary.
  3. Assemble, hang, and focus lights.
  4. Train light technicians; light board and spot operators.
  5. Assist during tech week rehearsals.
  6. Provide a light plot for technicians that has been approved by the production manager of the Opera House.
  7. Coordinate the disassembly of lights during strike.
  8. Meet all established deadlines for the above requirements.
  9. Submit all production bills to the technical coordinator not more than 10 days after the last performance.

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The set designer is responsible for designing the set in coordination with the director's overview and within the production budget and the physical limitations of the theater/venue. This is a paid position with pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The set designer, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director, to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the set designer shall:
  1. Provide scale drawings, blueprints and fly plots for the set construction foreman that have been approved by the director and the staff of the theatre/venue.
  2. Provide color plot for painting the set, which has been approved by the director.
  3. Provide a set model/renderings to the director for cast viewing.
  4. Stay within budget limitations and utilize known SARA inventory.
  5. Be available for questions and information from the director, producer, technical coordinator, construction crew, and theatre/venue management.
  6. Meet all established deadlines for above requirements.

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The property manager is responsible for all props that are used during the course of performance. This is a paid position with pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The property manager, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production and reports directly to the Technical Coordinator on all technical aspects of the production. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the property manager shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Report to the stage manager during the run of the shows.
  2. Attend all production meetings when required.
  3. Secure all props needed for the show and maintain an inventory of them.
  4. Ensure all props are in their correct place before, during and after the show.
  5. Attend all rehearsals and performances at which props are used. (Check with the director to determine when hand props are required. This will help you to determine when you must begin attending rehearsals.)
  6. Select a prop crew, as required, in collaboration with the stage manager.
  7. Gather all props during strike and return them to their storage place or owners.
  8. Provide an inventory of all props that are returned to the SARA inventory and ensure that they are placed in their proper locations. Failure to return all items to their designated areas within one week of strike will result in a $25.00 fine to be deducted from he contracted salary.
  9. Submit all production bills to the producer not more than 10 days after the last performance.

We have found that the following steps help the property manager complete this job successfully. We ask you to follow them.
In securing all props:

  1. Read the script.
  2. Check with the director for additional props not listed in the script. Also check for details such as color selection, time periods, etc.
  3. Thank-yous may be placed in the program for borrowed props.
  4. Check with the stage manager regularly for any changes.
  5. A financial advance may be received from the producer for any props that must be purchased. You are required to stay within the allocated budget. Additional funds must be cleared through the producer.
To ascertain that all props are in place:
  1. Designate a supervisor for each side of the stage, as required.
  2. Coordinate with the stage manager to assign crew members to props for which they are responsible before and after each performance and during each scene change. Monitor to see that all props are pre-set on and off stage before the house opens and returned to the prop table after each performance. Also, survey the set after each scene change to be certain all props are in place before the action resumes.
  3. Make several announcements to the cast:
    1. No handling, eating or drinking props other than normal use during the performance.
    2. Each performer is to check their props before each performance.
  4. Check with performers to be certain that they have checked their props and that they have any props that they are to carry on their person; e.g., purses, pens, notes, cigarettes, etc.
In order to have the stage set by the time the house opens, plan to arrive at the theater one hour prior to curtain time, or as instructed by the stage manager. You and your crew should wear black, long sleeved clothing and black, soft soled shoes.

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The costumer is responsible for securing all items needed for costuming the cast. These items may be designed by and rented from another agency or organization. This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The costumer, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director, to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the costumer shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Identify styles, colors, and other details with the approval of the director.
  2. Secure bids, where possible, to rent, purchase, or create all needed items within budgetary limitations.
  3. Make necessary arrangements for obtaining costumes once the Producer has approved the bid.
  4. Take all measurements of each performer.
  5. Recruit seamstresses for creating items as needed.
  6. Recruit dressers to assist with costume changes as needed.
  7. Assign dressers to specific changes or performers.
  8. Provide for cleaning and pressing of items as needed.
  9. Provide iron, sewing basket, and other costume care equipment during the run of the show.
  10. Return all rented items after the show closes.
  11. Establish prices for all costumes performers wish to purchase if applicable.
  12. Present all production bills to the producer within 10 days of the final performance.
  13. Attend production meetings as required.

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The make-up designer is responsible for all make-up requirements of each character's total body, including hair, based on the director's artistic vision. (It is permissible to elicit help with hair, if required.) This is a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP Inc., the make-up designer shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Attend production meetings.
  2. Design make-up for each character to the approval of the director.
  3. Provide a written design of each character's make-up if requested by the director.
  4. Recommend needed supplies to the cast before tech week.
  5. Recruit make-up crew to assist the cast as needed.
  6. Conduct a seminar for cast on application of make-up according to each character's design.
  7. Submit all production bills to the producer not more than 10 after the final performance

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The set construction foreman oversees the construction of the set as designed by the set designer. This is a paid position with pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The set construction foreman, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director, to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production and reports directly to the Technical Coordinator. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the set construction foreman shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Attend production meetings as needed.
  2. Obtain needed construction material.
  3. Recruit set construction crew and provide list to the producer.
  4. Construct all set pieces according to approved design plans.
  5. Use stock set pieces from the SARA inventory whenever possible.
  6. Paint the set according to set design plans and colors.
  7. Explain the procedures needed for movement of set pieces during the set changes to the stage manager before tech week.
  8. Attend tech rehearsals.
  9. Assist with major repairs during the run of the show.
  10. Assist with load in and strike.
  11. Return all equipment to storage.
  12. Ensure that SARA is left in a clean and organized condition for the next production's use. Failure to return all items to their designated areas within one week of strike will result in a $25.00 fine to be deducted from the contracted salary.
  13. Submit all production bills to the producer not more than 10 days after the last performance.

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The graphic artist is responsible for the artwork used to promote the show. The graphic artist needs to work in close communication with the publicist, director, and producer in order to understand and convey the theme of the show within the specific guidelines. This is a paid position with specific salary established by the TSP Board of Directors. The graphic artist, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director, to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the graphic artist shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Attend production meetings as needed.
  2. Report to the publicist.
  3. Create artwork and mechanicals for:
    1. Flyers and posters.
    2. Programs.
    3. Advertisements.
    4. T-shirts.
  4. Provide and select, with the approval of the director and publicist:
    1. Design used.
    2. Colors needed.
    3. Layout.
    4. Typesetting.
  5. Meet all established guidelines

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The light board operator/sound technician is responsible for the operation of all lighting equipment, soundboard equipment, microphones and sound effects media before and during performances. This is a paid position. The light board operator/sound technician, as with all production staff, shall work in consultation with the artistic director, stage manager and technical coordinator, when applicable, to achieve the artistic director's goals for the production and report directly to the Technical Coordinator on all technical aspects of the production. Upon execution of a signed contract with TSP, Inc., the light board operator/sound technician shall perform, delegate appropriately, or otherwise cause to occur (depending upon the requirements of the production) the following:
  1. Assist with the hanging of the lighting equipment and set-up of the sound equipment, microphones and sound effects media and the removal of the equipment during strike.
  2. Assist the lighting designer in preparing lighting cue sheets and the artistic director and stage manager in preparing sound cue sheets.
  3. Test all equipment before the house opens for each performance and ensure microphones are operable and provided to cast members, when applicable.
  4. Execute the lighting and sound cues as called by the stage manager during each performance.
  5. Retrieve microphones after each performance.

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Orchestra members are to enhance each performance by lending musical support to the actors and actresses. They are to perform their task as discreetly as possible under the direction of the orchestra director. This is generally a paid position with the pay for each production established by the TSP Board of Directors. The orchestra member shall:
  1. Attend all orchestra rehearsals.
  2. Provide his/her own instrument.
  3. Dress in a professional manner in accordance with the style of the show.
  4. Enter the pit when called by the stage manager before each act, and only when called.
  5. Remove all notations from his/her score before returning the score to the orchestra director at the close of the production.
The pianist shall be considered an orchestra member.

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