Different Roles in Theatre

In theatre there are many distinct but important roles. Each of these roles plays a vital part in the creation and execution of a successful theatre production, contributing to both the artistic and technical aspects of the performance.

Director

Role: The director is the person responsible for overseeing the artistic vision of the production. They interpret the script, shape the performance, and lead the creative team (designers, performers, etc.). They direct the actors, ensuring that the performances align with their vision, and work with designers to create the appropriate environment (set, costumes, lighting).

Key Responsibilities:

• Interprets the script and creates a concept or vision for the production.
• Casts the actors and rehearses them to bring the script to life.
• Guides the overall pace, tone, and style of the production.
• Collaborates with designers to create a cohesive look and feel.
• Gives feedback and direction to performers during rehearsals.

Performers (Actors)

Role: Performers bring the script to life by portraying characters on stage. They interpret the text, embody the characters, and create emotional and physical connections with the audience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse the script and develop a deep understanding of their character.
• Rehearse with the director and fellow actors to refine their performances.
• Perform with energy, clarity, and focus during live shows.
• Adapt their performances based on feedback from the director and audience response.
• Often work with designers (e.g., costume fittings) and the lighting/sound team for technical aspects of the performance.

Designers

Set Designer

Role: The set designer is responsible for creating the physical environment in which the performance takes place. This includes designing scenery, props, and set pieces.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interprets the script to create a set that reflects the time, place, and mood of the story.
• Collaborates with the director to align with their vision.
• Creates models or sketches of the set for approval before construction.
• Works with the production team to ensure the set is built and installed.
• Ensures that the set is safe for actors to use and move around.

Costume Designer

Role: The costume designer creates the clothing and accessories that actors wear on stage. This helps define characters, sets the tone of the production, and can indicate time period or social status.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs costumes based on the script, character analysis, and director's vision.
• Sources or creates costumes that are practical for movement and comfortable for the actors.
• Works closely with actors to ensure costumes fit properly.
• Coordinates with other designers to ensure a cohesive overall design.
• May also design makeup, wigs, and special effects for characters.

Lighting Designer

Role: The lighting designer is responsible for planning and controlling the lighting of the performance, helping to create mood, focus attention, and enhance the audience's emotional experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reads the script to understand the lighting needs for each scene.
• Designs lighting plots (placement and colour of lights) that work with the set and costumes.
• Coordinates with the director to ensure the lighting complements the tone and atmosphere.
• Operates lighting equipment during the show or trains a technician to do so.
• Adjusts lighting during rehearsals to ensure it works effectively.

Sound Designer

Role: The sound designer creates and manages the auditory elements of the production, including sound effects, music, and the overall soundscape of the performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs sound cues based on the script and director's vision.
• Creates or selects sound effects (e.g., door slams, footsteps) and music to support the action on stage.
• Works with the director to enhance the emotional tone of scenes through sound.
• Ensures the sound equipment is set up and works effectively.
• Operates or supervises the sound during the performance.

Puppet Designer

Role: In productions that feature puppetry, the puppet designer creates the puppets and ensures they function effectively in the performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs puppets that fit the characters in the script.
• Works with performers to ensure they can operate the puppets effectively.
• Coordinates with other designers (e.g., set and costume) to ensure a unified aesthetic.
• Tests and refines the puppets during rehearsals.

Playwright

Role: The playwright is the person who writes the script for the performance. They create the dialogue, characters, themes, and structure of the play.

Key Responsibilities:

• Writes the script based on their own ideas or commissions from a theatre company.
• Develops characters and scenes that convey the themes and messages of the play.
• Works with the director and performers during the rehearsal process to adjust the script as needed.
• Sometimes revises the play based on feedback or changes in interpretation.

Understudy

Role: An understudy is an actor who learns the roles of other performers so that they can step into those roles in case the primary actor is unavailable (due to illness, injury, etc.).

Key Responsibilities:

• Rehearses the script and learns the blocking, lines, and character traits for a particular role.
• Remains prepared to step into the role at short notice.
• Attends all rehearsals to maintain a high level of readiness.
• In some cases, understudies may perform in smaller or supporting roles during regular performances.

Stage Manager

Role: The stage manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the production, ensuring that rehearsals run smoothly and that the show runs without problems during performances.

Key Responsibilities:

• Takes detailed notes during rehearsals (blocking, cues, etc.) and ensures that all aspects of the production are organised.
• Calls cues during the performance, such as lighting, sound, and scene changes.
• Coordinates communication between the director, cast, and crew.
• Ensures that all props, costumes, and set pieces are in place.
• Manages the rehearsal schedule and keeps the production on track.

Technician

Role: A technician is responsible for the technical aspects of the production, including sound, lighting, and stage management. They may work under the guidance of the designer or stage manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operates sound and lighting equipment during the show.
• Ensures the smooth running of technical aspects, including special effects, scene changes, and sound cues.
• Works with designers to set up and maintain equipment.
• Solves any technical problems that arise during rehearsals or performances.

Theatre Manager

Role: The theatre manager oversees the running of the theatre space and is responsible for ensuring that performances go ahead smoothly. They deal with practical matters like audience services, ticket sales, and health and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees the operational management of the theatre, including front-of-house staff and audience experience.
• Manages the budget for the production and ensures that the theatre complies with legal and safety regulations.
• Works with the production team to ensure the performance runs on schedule and that the venue is properly maintained.
• Deals with any issues related to audience comfort, ticketing, and customer service during performances.