1st Year Production Assignments

Collaboration and contribution are core values of theatre. The faculty of the Theatre Program believe they are also core tenets of theatre training. This creed manifests itself in first years being assigned to one or more third year thesis productions, and making that assignment serve as a graduation requirement. This vital work provides hands-on experience in - and education on - the production process, as well as filling crucial roles in the productions themselves.

    During Orientation, all first year students will have the opportunity to list their preferences for crew assignment characteristics such as time of year and role. Taking those preferences into account, crew assignments will be emailed during the first month of the semester. The possible assignments include serving as: 

    • run crew in one (1) Directing or Acting Thesis - first day of tech through final performance
    • light board operator in two (2) Director or Acting Theses - Final Dress through final performance
    • run crew in two (2) productions of the New Plays Festival - first day of tech through final performance
    • company manager for one (1) Directing Thesis - usually reserved for Theatre Management and Production students

    Note: 1st year Stage Management Students will be assigned an ASM position on a thesis show. Part of this position includes serving as a member of the run crew on that show.

    These assignments have been crafted with the aim of equity of both time (approximately 10-14 days) and workload. That said, the needs of each production are different and cannot be predicted. The Production Department expects every crew member to treat their assignment and their team with respect and professionalism. Though working with friends and colleagues, students are expected follow the instructions of the stage manager at all times. To that end, Production Management reserves the right to change crew assignments of students at any time.

    Students are not allowed to miss any calls of the crew assignment and attendance will be taken each time. The only exceptions are:

    • curricular (with advance notice and in coordination with the faculty member and Production Management)
    • a positive COVID-19 test result, or
    • illness or injury, with a doctor's note.

    Any absence that does not fall under one of the exceptions listed above will be considered unexcused and may result in the student failing this graduation requirement.

    General Job Descriptions

    Production Management and the production stage manager for each show will provide specifics for each position and may require students to take on more than one role, depending on production needs.

    Run Crew

    Primary responsibility is the smooth running of the show backstage. This can include, but is not limited to: wardrobe maintenance, quick changes, prop setup and strike, prop hand-offs, scene changes, and giving/taking cues for action on- and off-stage, preparation of and/or cleaning and restoring stage and backstage areas for rehearsals and performances. Those assigned to wardrobe will receive specific instruction prior to the first crew call. For Directing and Acting Theses a member of the run crew will also be assigned as weekend AM laundry support, which largely consists of arriving before matinee performances to change laundry from the washer to the dryer so all the costumes are dry in time for the performance. This is the position with the most varied duties over the course of a performance.

    Light Board Operator

    The light board operator will receive basic training on the operation of the light board, so they may cue the lights as called by the PSM during the show. In addition to that primary duty, they may also be asked to help preset and reset the space if the extra assistance is needed by the run crew. During the New Plays Festival, the Light Board Operator will also be assigned as weekend AM laundry support.

    Company Manager

    The Company Manager crew position oversees ticketing for the show in conjunction with Front of House at Lenfest and the Operations Manager. They are also the point person for the playbill creation, headshot boards, and marketing copy. Priority is given to TMP students for this role. This position's duties start earlier than the other roles, as the marketing and ticketing process begins fairly early during the rehearsal process.

    Stage Crew Policies

    1. Only persons authorized by Theatre Program Production staff are allowed access to the stage.
    2. Closed toe and heel shoes must be worn at all times.
    3. No loose or hanging jewelry is permitted while working on stage.
    4. No loose sleeves or clothing is permitted while working on stage.
    5. Persons must receive training from the Technical Director (TD) and/or Assistant Technical Director (ATD) before using any machine or tool.
    6. All machines and tools must be operated in the manner in which they are intended.
    7. Persons must be aware of the location of the fire extinguishers, exits, circuit breaker panels, and first aid kit.
    8. There is no running, roughhousing, or play on stage.
    9. Amplified music will be kept at a low level while work is performed on stage.
    10. Stage doors must remain closed while construction operations are being performed.
    11. All tools and hardware must be properly stored at the end of work.
    12. No headphones may be used while on stage.
    13. Cell phones, tablets or other distracting devices are not to be used while on stage.
    14. Use of aerial work platforms must be consistent with the manufacturers and industry protocols.
    15. No person shall interrupt the work of another while they are performing construction operations – wait until the person is done working with a machine before beginning an interaction.
    16. There will be no amplified music, talking or distracting behavior while rigging operations are being performed.