At some point in this course, you may have written your own play. If so, you may be interested in learning how plays go from the page to the stage. Whatever you've done so far, you should know that the process of play production isn't a simple one. It's so complex, in fact, that most plays never get produced.
What about the ones that do? What is that process like? Watch the following video for an introduction to what theater fans often refer to as stagecraft--the art of producing a play.
Plays are typically produced in stages, known simply as stages of production. The first stage happens when the theater that is producing the play hires a director. After that, the director is involved in all major decisions related to the performance of the play. He or she decides on a "concept" or approach for the show, holds auditions to cast actors in the different roles, and runs rehearsals once the show is cast. The director also helps choose and then works with the members of the design team to make sure the visual elements of the performance match the overall approach that he or she has in mind.
Though you will never see members of the design team on stage during a performance, their work is essential to the show's success. A set designer makes sure the stage is arranged and decorated in a way that fulfills the director's original concept. A costume designer creates a costume for every single actor and character in the play. And a lighting designer decides what kinds and colors of lights would look best for every single moment in the play. There is a sound designer on the team too; his or her job is to make sure that everyone in the audience can hear what they're supposed to throughout the show.
Of course, there's also a producer, who makes sure there's enough money to pay all of the actors, designers, and crew members. Another critical position is that of the stage manager, who does the day-to-day work of organizing the design teams, stage crews, actors, and rehearsal space. The stage manager works very closely with the director to make sure things go smoothly—both before and during a performance.
With all of these roles, you can probably see that you would need a lot of money and time to have your play produced at a major theater. However, you and your friends—or the drama department at you school—could produce it yourselves, if you're prepared to learn a lot and work many long hours. As most theater people will tell you, though, it's worth the effort required to make sure that "the show will go on!"
Question
What types of people make up the "design team?"
The design team is made up of all the people behind the scenes of a show. They run lighting, sound, costumes, and more. Read through the lesson to learn more about each of these roles.
