The technical (tech) producer is responsible together with the administrative (admin) producer, for successfully overseeing the work of the shows production team.

  • Costume Design
  • Hair/Makeup
  • Light Design
  • Light Operator
  • Properties, Hand
  • Stage Manager Assistants
  • Set Construction Head
  • Set Décor
  • Set Design
  • Sound Design
  • Sound Operator
  • Special Effects
  • Stage Manager

1 Planning

  1. Become thoroughly familiar with the play.
  2. Meet with the director to discuss objectives and any special requirements. It is important to establish budgetary requirements as early as the September before the season begins. Scripts should be available. Also needed for this meeting would be the set design. Tech producer should be included in all budget discussion.
  3. Meet with the admin producer to review each other’s job descriptions, discuss lines of communication between them and with the production team, and confirm the division of labor between the producers (e.g. calendar, contact list, expenses, etc.). Admin and tech producers to decide who will look after the following:
    1. Treasurer will distribute the budget to the admin and tech producers. Check with bookkeeper to obtain a cash advance. One of the producers will manage the cash, keep track of all receipts and maintain the spreadsheet. They will obtain the list of establishments where we have accounts that allow us to charge our purchases and instruct the department heads to use these accounts whenever possible.
    2. Download audition forms from the website prior to auditions. Meet with the marketing director to have online access made available to director. Discuss the advertising for the audition with the director and marketing
  4. With the director’s input, select the designers.
  5. Distribute scripts to cast, committee heads and production team members as needed; maintain a record of script recipients.
  6. Meet with the director, admin producer and stage manager to develop a production schedule. When deadlines have been finalized, the producer will enter everything into a calendar, and send it to the others to be proofread. Once confirmed, tech producer will circulate.
  7. Select committee heads (as listed above) distribute their job descriptions and advise them of their budgets and deadlines. Work with them to ensure each department/committee is adequately staffed.
  8. Become familiar with theatre policies and safety requirements and seek clarification from the V.P. Productions as necessary.

2 Working

  1. Before rehearsals get underway, arrange with the admin producer and the director a first read-through with introductions for all cast and crew, followed by a social. The Board should also be invited.
  2. Contact the key master to have keys and codes issued as required for eligible team members. 24-48 hours is required to allow the codes to be processed.
  3. Chair production team meetings as indicated in the production schedule and arrange any additional meetings, as required (not in conflict with the rehearsal schedule). Ensure meetings are scheduled with enough time for admin and tech committee heads to address all issues.
  4. List complimentary ticket requirements and give to the Publicity Coordinator on the Admin Team (items that have been loaned to the production usually merit complimentary tickets). Send special Acknowledgements to the Program Coordinator.
  5. When items are borrowed for use in a production, a Borrowing forms needs to be completed by the Tech Producer. Sometimes the form is done by the committee head – need to include photos of valuable items as a way to establish any damage prior to borrowing. Also good idea when there are multiple connections (as in camera equipment) as a record of all the pieces loaned.
  6. Attend rehearsals as required to familiarize yourself with the overall needs of the play relevant to your areas of responsibility.
  7. Relay technical rehearsal notes from the director to relevant department/committee heads. Once tech week begins, the stage manager will take on this role.
  8. The stage manager will manage all cast communications with copies to the tech producer.
  9. Ensure that light/sound operators are scheduled and called to rehearsals as required in consultation with the stage manager.
  10. Both tech and admin producers should ensure that all recycling and garbage is managed regularly.

3 Run

  1. Be available for emergencies and advice.
  2. Be aware that the Stage Manager is in charge of the run of the show.
  3. Collect any outstanding bills or receipts from technical crews and submit to the administrative producer.

4 Strike

  1. Develop and circulate a strike plan after consultation with department heads either via a scheduled meeting or emails. Organize and assign people and duties for strike. Post duties and responsibilities in advance to all are aware.
  2. Be present at and oversee strike.
  3. Collect keys and scripts
  4. Ensure committee heads return all borrowed items to their owners as soon as possible and if used, have the borrowing forms signed off.

5 Post Production Review

Ensure you have received notes from all your production heads as to their thoughts for the post-mortem. Attend a de-brief meeting to review the entire production process as arranged by the VP Productions. Be prepared to share your input regarding what you think went well, the challenges you experienced and lessons you feel would be helpful for future productions.

 

There is to be no disposal or sale of any asset of Powerhouse Theatrical Society, without the express permission of a department head or director. There are no exceptions to this policy. This includes but is not limited to props, sound equipment, lighting equipment, tools or costumes.