Before the curtain goes up on the first night, months of preparation will have already taken place behind the scenes. Becoming an active member of HGLT provides a wide range of opportunitie, if you want to become involved in a theatre production company.
Below is a list of departments and roles within the theatre that you could get involved with and while many people inevitably want to act, there are plenty of opportunities for people both backstage and front of house. Feel free to come along to our next new members night. We welcome all new members with or without experience.
Actor
The casting of a play lies with the Director of that production. Auditions are held either on casting days or around 2 months before the play opens. Everybody is free to audition for a role. If you are cast in a play, you will normally find yourself committing up to three weekday evenings and one afternoon at the weekend to rehearse and then the evenings of the production. Acting in a play at HGLT is immensely rewarding and we are always on the look out for new talent.
Director
Whilst the season is being considered by the Production Committee potential directors may make themselves known, and in many cases submit plays they wish to direct. HGLT has many excellent directors, but there are opportunities for first-time directors.
Directing involves a considerable commitment of time over several months. Directors must not only have the artistic vision for the production but must also have the ability to manage people well and be able to express their ideas in such a way that the designer, actors and technical crew are able to bring these to fruition.
Set Design
For people who have never designed a set before, it can be a daunting process but anyone interested should not be put off! Once a designer has committed themselves to a show, they should read the play and discuss the production with the Director. A rough design is produced from these initial ideas and later a final set design.The Designer is then responsible for making sure that the set is painted and dressed as required. This includes finding suitable furniture and set-dressing. Although designing is a big commitment it is extremely rewarding and, with support and help, need not be stressful.
Costume
For people who have never designed a set before, it can be a daunting process but anyone interested should not be put off! Once a designer has committed themselves to a show, they should read the play and discuss the production with the Director. A rough design is produced from these initial ideas and later a final set design.The Designer is then responsible for making sure that the set is painted and dressed as required. This includes finding suitable furniture and set-dressing. Although designing is a big commitment it is extremely rewarding and, with support and help, need not be stressful.
Lighting
The primary function of the lighting department is to provide lighting and special effects. The lighting designer will produce a lighting design which they are responsible for rigging, colouring and focusing. Following the technical rehearsal and dress rehearsals the lighting designer supervises operation during performances or can appoint technicians.
Sound
This sound department provides all of the director’s requirements that have any association with the production of sound. This usually consists of music before the show and during the interval, plus any music and sound effects required during the action of the play.
Stage Manager
The Stage Manager co-ordinates the work of the other technical departments during the running of a play, giving cues over the headset system to lighting, sound and flying sections and liaises with other departments to make sure the play runs smoothly. All the work for each play/show is written down on cards or wall-charts and in the Stage Manager’s script.
Stage crew
If you want to work backstage and you’re not sure where to start, being a part of the stage crew is a good place to begin. No experience is necessary, you will be involved in the running of the show and you can see what all the other departments do. You don’t have to be strong, but you do have to be quick, quiet and calm when working backstage - training will be given in anything else you need to know.
Set builders
Once the Designer has completed the set design and agreed it with the director the design has to be turned into a practical set. Sets range from the very simple with perhaps just a few flats or cloths to mark the acting area to very complex sets which have to be transformed several times during a performance.
Set construction usually takes place in the evenings. You don't need to be a skilled woodworker or metalworker to help as there is always a range of tasks to suit people with different skills.
Set painters
Once a set is built it needs to be painted. There are opportunities for both scenic artists and those who prefer to roller large areas into a single colour.
Properties
Any inanimate object used by an actor in the course of a play is the responsibility of the Props department. This might include food which is eaten, everyday objects like telephones, newspapers or crockery or items which have to be specially made. Substitute props are often required for rehearsals so that actors can familiarise themselves with their use. The real thing, in correct style or period, is provided at the dress rehearsal. A member of the Props team must be present during each performance to ensure that props are placed in the correct position on stage, at the correct time, or are on the Props table from where the actors can collect and return them.
Prompt
This important role requires the prompter to sit in on rehearsals to familiarise themselves with the play, and then to attend rehearsals once the actors start to have the book down. They are required to attend each performance, staying with the script throughout and delivering a line should an actor need one.
Box office
This is the most important department in the theatre as it is the public facing one. Members of the box office are asked to put their name on the rota to man the box office and phones a week prior to performance and during the run of the play, perfect for anyone who works well with people.
House Manager
The House Manager is the person in charge for the evening and is responsible for the security of the building and the safety of the audience before, during and after a performance. The House Manager’s duties begin at 6.30 for evening performances and end when the building has been locked up. This duty does require a certain amount of training, usually by shadowing someone who has done the job before.
Front of house
Front of house, along with box office is the public facing department of the theatre. Duties include welcoming patrons to the theatre, taking tickets and showing people to their seats, selling programmes and stewarding the theatre.
Bar
The bar needs two people on most performance nights, opening up at about 6.45 and closing at 11.00pm. Training can be given at regular bar open evenings.If you have yearned to work behind a bar, or wish to try out the experience, the Bar Committee will be more than willing to assist you.
Coffee bar
In the foyer area of the Theatre we sell teas and coffees, whenever there is a performance. The coffee bar is open during the interval and requires staff to prepare, serve and clean up once a performance has finished
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