Understanding Different Roles in Theatre
When you join a show, you'll meet lots of different people with different job titles. Understanding who does what helps you know who to ask for help and how to be a good team member. Here's your guide to the key roles in amateur theatre.
The Creative Team
These are the people who shape what the show will look like and feel like.
The Director
What they do:
- Lead the creative vision for the show
- Work with actors on character and storytelling
- Make decisions about staging and blocking
- Guide the overall look and feel of the production
When to approach them:
- Questions about your character's motivation
- Help with understanding a scene
- General creative discussions
Good to know:
- Directors see the big picture you can't always see
- Their notes are about making the show better, not criticism
- They're usually very busy, so be patient
The Musical Director (MD)
What they do:
- Teach the music to the cast
- Conduct or lead the band/orchestra
- Work on vocal harmonies and blend
- Make decisions about musical interpretation
When to approach them:
- Questions about notes or rhythms
- Help with learning your part
- Vocal health concerns
- Music-related queries
Good to know:
- They might use terminology you don't know—ask what it means!
- They need to hear everyone, so sing out in rehearsals
- They work closely with the director on interpretation
The Choreographer
What they do:
- Create and teach the dance routines
- Stage movement for the show
- Work on musicality and timing
- Ensure safe movement practices
When to approach them:
- Questions about dance steps
- If a move doesn't feel safe for you
- Help remembering choreography
- Movement-related queries
Good to know:
- They might adapt moves for different abilities—speak up if you need this
- Energy in dance rehearsals matters as much as steps
- Practising at home really helps with dance numbers
The Production Team
These people handle the practical and technical side of putting on a show.
The Producer
What they do:
- Oversee the whole production
- Manage the budget
- Handle logistics and big-picture planning
- Often the main point of contact for the society
When to approach them:
- Questions about dates and schedules
- Practical/administrative issues
- Problems you're not sure who to tell
Good to know:
- They do a LOT of behind-the-scenes work
- Be understanding about budget limitations
- They're often the unsung heroes of a show
The Stage Manager (SM)
What they do:
- Run rehearsals practically (calling breaks, managing time)
- Note all blocking and changes
- "Call the show" during performances (cue lights, sound, scene changes)
- Coordinate between departments
When to approach them:
- Questions about the rehearsal schedule
- If you need to leave early or arrive late
- Prop requests and questions
- Practical rehearsal-room matters
Good to know:
- During tech week and shows, they're in charge backstage
- They keep everything running smoothly
- Following their instructions keeps everyone safe
The Deputy Stage Manager (DSM)
What they do:
- Support the Stage Manager
- Often "on book" (prompt for forgotten lines)
- Help manage the rehearsal room
- May call parts of the show
When to approach them:
- When you need a line prompt
- Schedule questions if SM is busy
- Props and practical matters
The Technical Team
These people create the magic you see and hear.
Lighting Designer
Creates the light that makes everything visible and atmospheric.
Sound Designer/Operator
Handles microphones, sound effects, and sometimes the band mix.
Set Designer/Construction
Designs and builds the physical world of the show.
Costume Designer/Wardrobe
Creates or sources what everyone wears.
Good to know about tech teams:
- Their work often happens when you're not there
- Be respectful of equipment and costumes
- Follow their instructions during tech week
- A simple "thank you" means a lot!
Front of House (FOH)
These people look after the audience.
Box Office
Sells tickets and handles bookings.
FOH Manager
Coordinates ushers and audience safety.
Programme Sellers/Ushers
Greet the audience and help them find seats.
How Everyone Works Together
A show is like a complex machine with many moving parts:
- The creative team shapes the artistic vision
- The production team makes it practically possible
- The technical team brings it to life
- The performers bring it to the audience
Everyone needs everyone else. No role is more important than another.
Respecting Everyone's Expertise
- Don't give notes to other performers – that's the director's job
- Don't adjust lights or sound equipment – that's the tech team's job
- Don't change your costume – talk to wardrobe first
- Don't move props – check with stage management
Staying in your lane helps everything run smoothly.
Being a Good Team Player
- Say hello to everyone, not just the performers
- Thank people for their work
- Follow instructions from whoever is leading
- Ask questions to the right person
- Be patient when things take time
Remember
Theatre is a collaborative art form. The shows that feel magical are the ones where everyone—from the lead actor to the person selling programmes—feels valued and works together with respect and generosity.
When you understand what everyone does, you can support them better, ask the right people for help, and become a more valued member of any production.