THEATRE PROFESSIONSPART 1

DIRECTOR

• Job Description: A Theatrical Production Director visually interprets the script; guiding the actors in vocal and physical direction and blocking the movement on stage. They coordinate all of the creative aspects of the production and prepare the show for opening.

• Median Salary: Up to $200,000+ per production.

• Locations: All over the globe and in any language.

• Types of jobs: Education, Community, Regional, Broadway, Restaurants, Outdoor shows, Disneyland, and others

SKILLS AND TRAINING• Creative vision for “Big Picture”

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree preferred, not but required

• Knowledge of theatre and space

• Ability to coordinate with others

• Detail-oriented

• Experience as an actor and technician is very helpful

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

• Job Description: Oversees all of the technical aspects of a play. He coordinates the technical designers, manages the budgets and oversees the quality and timeline of the technical work.

• Median Salary: Up to $100,000 per production.

• Skills and Training: Experience and knowledge in construction, lighting, sound, and metals. College degree not required, but preferred. Must be really good at math, engineering and budgeting. Most technical directors start in theatre in a specific area (like set construction) and learn all of the trades to move up in position.

STAGE MANAGER

• Job Description: Act’s as the director’s representative. Handles all scheduling, runs rehearsals, updates scripts, and stays on book for lines and blocking. During the run of the show, the stage manager calls all cues and is in charge of the show.

• Median Salary: $250 - $2500 per week

• Skills and Training: College degree is useful and a must for professional theatre. Practical training – usually as an assistant stage manager first. Knowledge of all aspects of theatre, personable and detail oriented.

ACTOR

• Job Description: Performing in theatrical productions.

• Median Salary - $0 – millions

• Skills and Training: EXPERIENCE. College degree is required for professional theatre. Must be able to memorize lines. Must be responsible and attend rehearsals, be in good physical health, and easy to work with for directors. Most actors also get specialized training in stage combat, fencing, dialects, singing, and dancing.

• Types of jobs: Educational, community, churches, regional, Broadway, summer stock, touring companies, cruise lines, Disneyland, etc. It is generally not a regular 9 to 5 job.

SET DESIGNER

• Job Description: Creating the set design for theatrical productions.

• Median Salary: $3,300 per production

• Skills and Training: Degree is required in professional theatre. Other places just need a creative vision, ability to draw or computer design skills, and knowledge of staging, color, and materials. Must be flexible and work well with others.