{"id":2954,"date":"2017-04-18T02:17:22","date_gmt":"2017-04-18T02:17:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=2954"},"modified":"2020-04-24T18:32:08","modified_gmt":"2020-04-24T18:32:08","slug":"technical-theatre-roles-every-actor-should-fill-at-least-once","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/technical-theatre-roles-every-actor-should-fill-at-least-once\/","title":{"rendered":"Technical Theatre Roles Every Actor Should Fill (At Least Once)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Technical Theatre Roles Every Actor Should Fill (At Least Once)<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by\u00a0Ashleigh Gardner<\/p>\n

April 13, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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As performers, we love being in the spotlight — but we also have to remember that if it wasn\u2019t for a technician, there would be no spotlight. Actually, there would be <\/span>no <\/span><\/i>lights at all. No set. No sound. No costumes. No props. No organization. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important that, at least once, we step into the shoes of our technician friends to see exactly what kind of work they go through when they create something for a production. Sometimes, their jobs can be thankless because the audience doesn\u2019t see them — and that\u2019s one way to know they\u2019re doing what they do best — unseen, unheard, and unbelievably talented at making a production seamless. When you experience what it\u2019s like to be a technician, you can further appreciate the work they do. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Spot op.<\/h4>\n
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There\u2019s nothing like being a spot op in the rear or the top of the theatre. When actors, singers, and dancers are bounding about the stage, it\u2019s difficult to keep a mark on them while maneuvering a heavy instrument on wheels. Spot ops have strength, good aim, and great focus and concentration.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Costume technician.<\/h4>\n
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When actors go in for their first, fifth, or fourteenth costume fitting, there\u2019s always a technician to take notes, measurements, and orders from the costume designer. Sometimes, if an actor has a complaint, they\u2019ll throw it out, and the costume designer and technician might bear the brunt of some rudeness. A keen attention to detail, confidence (in standing up for the design), and organization are all challenges that a costume technician masters when dealing with wardrobe problems. They also must have patience when they must continually repair costumes night after night if an actor isn\u2019t careful while doing that high kick during the second act number.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0Prop runner.<\/h4>\n
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Talk about quick. Prop runners must deftly hand props and hand-held costume pieces to actors just in time for their entrance. They\u2019re organized, calm, and attentive. What\u2019s more, they have to make sure it\u2019s the <\/span>right <\/span><\/i>prop for the <\/span>right <\/span><\/i>scene in the <\/span>right <\/span><\/i>character\u2019s hands. If the stage manager or prop master doesn\u2019t do it, prop runners will make a detailed grid with everyone\u2019s scenes and props listed to keep the rotation of props organized.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4.\u00a0Construction hand or set painter.<\/h4>\n
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There\u2019s nothing like the smell of fresh cut wood on a Monday morning, and construction hands are adept at following precise measurements, using dangerous power tools, and doing, you guessed it — MATH. Set painters are masters of the paintbrush, creating antique wood floors from plain concrete slabs, marble benches from plywood, and aged exteriors of Victorian homes (to name a few). Their creative and strategic brains bring the director\u2019s wishes to life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5.\u00a0Sound board operator.<\/h4>\n
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If there\u2019s a show that requires copious amounts of sound cues, count on a sound board operator to catch the cue and hit \u201cgo\u201d at the perfect moment. They\u2019re attentive to the action onstage, patient, and adaptive — sometimes sound boards (and lighting boards) forget their programming, and operators must be flexible and reconfigure their cues at the drop of a hat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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6.\u00a0Stage manager or assistant stage manager.<\/h4>\n
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This is the big one. There is no one under more stress and pressure than a stage manager. They keep detailed prompt books, have the responsibility of contacting late arrivals or no shows, keep the rehearsal on schedule, and are responsible for giving line notes for every rehearsal. They call cues backstage and must make tough decisions if a mistake happens. Once the show starts, the stage manager is in charge, and their skill at handling situations under pressure is unmatched.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n