Producer
The Producer must be a member in good standing of the Musical Theater Guild of Butler He/She must be a good businessperson who knows enough about the artistic side of the theatre to retain the respect of the talented people with whom he/she works. The Producer is ultimately responsible for the entire production: artistic, technical, and financial.
DUTIES
- Draw up a workable budget and see that it is adhered to. This budget must be submitted to the MTG Board for approval prior to auditions.
- Be available for consultation with the Director, Musical Director, and Choreographer in selecting a cast and in arriving at a satisfactory rehearsal schedule. To notify all those who were cast and to call and thank those persons who were not.
- Appoint the following production staff personnel, when necessary:
Director* Scenic Designer
Artistic Director* Lighting Designer
Staging Director* Sound Designer
Musical Director* Costume Designer/Costumer
Choreographer* Properties Manager
Technical Director* Make-up Manager
Stage Manager Ticket Manager
Rehearsal Pianist Usher Coordinator
Publicity Manager
* Position must be approved by the MTG Board of Directors.
- Attempt to settle any disputes which may arise that involve the production. In case of an impasse, the problem shall be referred to the MTG Board for a resolution.
- Function in any area that becomes necessary for maintaining a smooth- running production.
- Be responsible only to the Executive Producer or the MTG Board of directors.
- Work closely with the Treasurer of the MTG Board of Directors to ensure the prompt payment of all bills and deposit of receipts.
- Acquaint the members of the production staff with their duties and conduct all staff meetings as needed.
- Open and close the Rehearsal Hall according to the audition and rehearsal schedules. This responsibility may be delegated to another authorized key holder. The Producer and his/her delegates are responsible for maintaining a safe and orderly Production Center during all activities associated with his production.
- Provide a list of cast and staff names and their contact information to the entire production staff.
- Provide a rehearsal and performance sign-in sheet for cast members.
- Keep an accurate record of individuals being issued show-rental materials and the collection and timely return of these materials to the rental agent.
If the producer has never produced a show, then an Executive Producer will be appointed by the MTG Board of Directors. This person must have produced an MTG show. The Executive Producer will advise, guide and help the Producer in any way to fulfill the duties outlined above. The Executive Producer must be a member of MTG.
Director
This individual must have a background in theater to enable him/her to assume the Director duties in a knowledgeable manner. The Director should possess the qualities of tact, perseverance, patience, understanding, and be able to communicate effectively with others. The Director must be a member of MTG.
DUTIES
- The Director needs to consult with the production staff to coordinate all auditions necessary for casting the show with singers, dancers, and actors. The final decision for casting is the Director’s in consultation with the Musical Director, Choreographer, and the Producer.
- The Director needs to consult with the production staff to set up a cooperative rehearsal schedule which must include dates for chorus, principals, music, and dance rehearsals. This schedule should also include when props should be used, when make-up should be used, when costumes must be checked, when scenery should be completed, the dates for technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and the agreed number of performances.
- To assure that rehearsals are started on time and in accordance with the established production schedule in order to make effective use of the time allotted for rehearsals.
- To block the show and help the cast interpret the script.
- To coordinate music, lights, make-up, costumes, and sets for the production. To be responsible for the entire artistic production.
- To be responsible only to the Producer.
Musical Director
The Musical Director must be an excellent musician who will be able to assume responsibility for all music connected with the production. He/She must possess a basic knowledge of both vocal and instrumental music. This person must display an ability to read and interpret a musical score and the ability to conduct same.
DUTIES
- Consult with the Director in casting the singers and actors.
- Select an accompanist and/or rehearsal pianist.
- Collaborate with the Director in arriving at a workable rehearsal schedule.
- Coach all singers, to teach the chorus, all ensembles, and to rehearse the accompanist in the tempi, rhythms, and interpretation of the music.
- Be responsible for any necessary transpositions, recordings and music cuttings according to the terms of the rental contract.
- Hire, with the approval of the Producer, the pit orchestra. All musicians must be covered by a written contract signed by the Producer. The amount of compensation for the orchestra must be approved by the Producer and within specified budget guidelines.
- Schedule, conduct, and supervise all orchestra rehearsals.
- Act as vocal coach or appoint a qualified individual to serve as vocal coach.
Choreographer
The Choreographer must be a competent dancer, capable of executing routines and teaching them to others.
DUTIES
- Audition all dancers and cast them with the approval of the Director. To audition other individuals for movement as requested by the Director. To assist the Director in the casting of the production.
- Collaborate with the Music Director on all dance music contained in the score. To conceive all dance routines and ballets in accordance with the artistic interpretation of the production.
- Conduct all dance rehearsals, working out an adequate rehearsal schedule with the Director.
- Teach all the dancers the appropriate routines and adapt them to the stage setting.
- Assist in staging as requested by the Director.
Technical Director
The Technical Director must be a versatile individual and an excellent craftsperson. This individual should have some experience in building and painting scenery. Prior training in scenic/set design is desirable.
DUTIES
- Become familiar with the show and consult with the Director and Scenic Designer to determine scenery needs.
- Assume complete charge of building and painting all scenery needed for the production.
- Coordinate lights, sound, props scenery construction, painting, special effects, and all other crews pertaining to the technical position. To set up crew calls and a construction schedule and adhere to it as much as possible.
- Have scenery ready to move from the construction area of the production center to the theater at the appointed time. The TD must be available to supervise strike after the close of the production. The TD must make arrangements for transportation of the scenery to and from the production location.
- Be present at all production meetings, crew calls, technical rehearsals, and performances or to make provision for their supervision during infrequent, necessary absences.
- Assume responsibility for tools, hardware, equipment, shop facilities, and the safety and conduct of the crews.
- Be responsible for scene shifts during technical rehearsals and performances.
- Be responsible for strike call, storage of tools, hardware, and scenery and to supervise the return of any borrowed tools.
- Put away all used scenery and materials upon the return to the production center after strike. To complete the clean up of the scene shop within one week of the close of the production. All materials used for the production including tools, flats, wagons, wood, hardware, screws, jacks, and etc. must be returned to the proper area in the scene shop.
- The TD must keep expenses within the budget limitations established for the production.