PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AND CREW
Apply for an available volunteer position online at the bottom of this page
Being out of the spotlight and involved in our production
Being a part of our productions behind the scenes can be incredibly rewarding. Although all of our Production Managers and Production Crew are volunteers - the sheer determination and commitment of our crew has always been outstanding.
Being a part of SDS' crew comes with its benefits, not only will you be invited to our social events and social evenings, you will be a part of our SDS family and we value your input and effort. Without a backstage crew, there will be no production. Our crew need to be resilient, ambitious and committed.
SDS is a proud member of local associations and critics. All of our crew are listed in our programme and an invitation extended to you if you were to receive such a nomination for an award. If you would like to speak to us to find out more information and what is involved, please do email info@sparksdramaticsociety.co.uk
We welcome volunteers of all abilities, skills and backgrounds. From experts to novice's, you will be made most welcome.
Our partners elect a production team for every production. When we have two or more productions back-to-back, the partners prefer to nominate two separate teams to avoid fatigue. Typically, our production teams are finalised around 9 months pre-production.
It takes an army of people behind the scenes to create our productions - there's a role for everyone of any ability. Some roles are more pressuring than others and require extra commitment before the show.
Management Roles available at SDS Productions:
Director
Being the Director means it is truly your show. You place and direct characters around scenes to ensure maximum impact to the audience. You will need to guide and coach cast members as well as maintaining excellent communication to other Managers. You will need to commit to every rehearsal. You will need to be flexible and adaptable and completely committed to the production and provide support and communication to other teams.
Musical Director
Being the Musical Director means you are in charge of all things musical! You will need to guide and coach cast members and use their vocal ability to their strength. You will need to attend every rehearsal and be available to adjust lyrics, harmonies and place cast members appropriately. You will need to make tricky adjustments throughout rehearsals and ensure the cast are practicing at home at every available oppurtunity.
Production Manager
Being in charge of the production means you are in charge of overseeing everything to do with all the teams. You need to organise production meetings, regularly check in on other Managers, provide support and assistance where needed, oversee the organisation of crew rota's, regularly check budgets and ensure everyone is working together in the most efficient way possible so everything is done on time and together.
Stage Manager
Stage Managers plan and organise the productions shows. It takes a lot of commitment and planning on show week. Stage Managers lead the stage crew to change sets, organise scenery and cloths and ensure props are ready to be used. Stage Managers are accountable for a smooth running of a show. They plan the crew rota's and plan every single scene change to ensure it happens efficiently and quietly.
ASM
The Assistant Stage Manager is fully accountable to the SM but leads their side of the stage (usually Stage Right) to ensure everyone is organised, ready and scene changes happen efficiently. They must have great communication skills and must be proactively thinking. The ASM has Health and Safety duties involved too and is there to fully support the SM.
Head of Wardrobe
The HOW is an extremely important role. They lead a team of seamstresses, milliners and purchasers to ensure every cast member has appropriate and fitting costumes throughout the production. Following a set budget, they must be creative in leading the team, sourcing new costumes and material and ensuring everyone is on track to delivering great quality costumes for our cast.
Musical Acc.
Working under the guidance and direction from the Director and the Musical Director, the Musical Accompanist creates atmosphere by playing transitioning sound effects during the show. Although they are not required much during rehearsals, they must be super organised and confident at playing an instrument to deliver the needs of the production.
Head of Make-Up
The Head of Make-Up role requires a lot of organisation. They must lead a make-up team, source make-up and work with the Director to ensure cast members have the appropriate level of make-up required for their character. Particular attention should be paid to the Dame and Principal cast. They should lead the backstage team with touch-ups, applications and must be committed to every show.
Set Build Manager
Working early with the Director and the Production Manager, the Set Build Manager should plan ahead to visualise what scenes are going to look like. Items of scenery should be designed, created and built prior to the theatre's get in to ensure maximum impact to the audience. They must be proactive, creative and efficient with excellent communication skills to deliver a set directly to the Stage Manager. This role is not required for show week.
Props Manager
This role requires a lot of early planning and creativity - following the script and working with the Director, they must source props and small pieces of scenery for the production in advance of the final weeks of rehearsals. They must source required items following a limited budget to suit scenes and what is required by cast members. This role is not required for show week.
Rumpelstiltskin (Family Pantomime)
Available Manager Positions
The Blow Queen (Adult Pantomime)
Available Manager Positions
Production Crew Opportunities
If you would like to be a part of our production crew, but would prefer not to have the responsibility of being a part of our production management, we are actively seeking volunteers to help us with:
- Costumes & Alterations
- Chaperoning (Show Week - Beauty and the Beast Only)
- Set Building
- Artistic Design and set painting
- Milliner
- Promotional staff to aid the Marketing & Comms Manager
- Stage Crew
- Technical Crew
If you want to join us, apply online
We hope to appoint our initial Production team in January 2024 and will let all applicants know during February 2024.
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