tech/production

There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a Black Theatre production. In order to put on a successful show, there are many moving parts that have to come together like: Stage, Set, Makeup, Costume, Lights, Sound.

Department head: stage manager. The stage managers work closely with the cast. They make rehearsal schedules, schedule build calls and STRIKEs, secure stage props, block the scenes, and call out cues during the shows. Stagehands then follow to help set up scenes or may help with costume and makeup.

Department head: set designer, who comes up with the creative vision for the set. They plan out the look of the set for each scene and lead build calls to assemble the props and design the set. Building and tearing down the set can be one of the most prolonged and intensive processes of production season, so the more hands-on-deck, the more efficiently the set gets built.

Department head: makeup artist, who plans out the cosmetic look of all the actors in the show. If there is an injury, decades theme, or a needed pop of color- a makeup team is there to apply makeup or remove it in between scenes.

Department head: costume designer. The costume department works to plan and create the costumes for each actor in the show. They work with the costume shop to select pieces from there or craft them themselves.

Department head: lighting engineer. They are in charge of running the lights for the show and mapping out the color, type, and angle of each light for each scene. They control the house lights and work closely with the sound department to ensure that both areas are in sync during the show. 

Department head: sound engineer. They are in charge of running sound for the production’s scenes. This includes curating music, sound effects, and voice recorded audio to be played during the show. They work closely with the lights department.