The Director & The Production Team

The production team is a vital component of the theatre process. The director brings together a team of artists with specialized expertise in lighting, sound, set design, costume design, and more. Though the final decisions about the look and feel of the show ultimately belong to the director, a smart director relies on the professional insights of their team. These decisions are collaborative and can be impacted by several factors, including the budget, available resources, and skill levels--all topics discussed early in production meetings.

Terminology

• Artistic Decisions: These are any choices or decisions made regarding the artistic product of the theatre company. The artistic director guides the whole company, but the show directors, designers, and other leaders make decisions for each production.
• Business Team: The decision-makers for the every day business of the theatre, from budget to payroll to marketing.
• Production Team: The group of artists that makes decisions for the productions of a theatre company, and usually includes the artistic director, producer, show directors, technical director, and stage managers.
• Technical Theatre: Jobs such as lighting, set, sound, costume, props, and makeup. Technical crew will both design and build technical elements, as well as support and operate them during the run of the show.