BACKSTAGE
If you want to have a really important input into a production but do not want to set foot on stage then backstage work could be for you. Often some of the most rewarding work is in helping a production come together behind the scenes. Remember that no matter what your level of experience you can try your hand at any of these roles if you are enthusiastic and passionate; you might even discover a hidden talent!
The best way to keep up-to-date about opportunities to get involved is to sign-up to our mailing list; our weekly newsletter sent to your inbox. You can sign-up by entering your email address into the box in the top right-hand corner of this website. Whenever there are backstage positions available as part of a production we will advertise them and give details of how to apply, in the newsletter. If you have not seen anything in the newsletter recently or are just curious about opportunities available then please email our technical manager, Aidan, and express your interest: tech@studenttheatreatglasgow.com.
A list and brief description of the various backstage roles can be found below.
STAGE-MANAGER:
The role of stage-manager can vary quite a lot between directors. Some directors will require/want an almost ‘production manager’ role from the stage manager, asking the stage manager to also keep track of the running of the production and make sure that everything is running smoothly. On top of this the stage-manager is usually expected to make rehearsal schedules, book rooms for rehearsals, source props and note down blocking of scenes. During some large-scale shows the stage-manager is best placed back-stage helping actors with scene-changes and prop allocation.
LIGHTING DESIGNER/OPERATOR:
Although it can be reasonably technical you need no previous experience to get involved in tech in STaG. We have lots of experience in teaching newbies how to operate and rig lighting for a show. The level of involvement and creativity for lighting can vary considerably from show to show depending on the theatre space where the show is held. If the production is in a large-scale theatre with great tech capacities, design and rigging can be a big and involved job while operating can involve plotting cues into a lighting desk and then simply pressing ‘Go’ as an operator. If the space is smaller with limited technical capabilities you could be involved in helping rig and design lighting using STaG’s own limited lighting equipment and could be operating using a manual board; moving dials as the show is live.
SOUND DESIGNER/OPERATOR:
Much of the details which apply for lighting design above also apply for sound design and operating. In large theatre venues sound operation can involve a large sound desk and many different formats of sound playback. In smaller venues it could involve following cues on a script using a MP3 player to operate through household speakers. You might also be interested in sounds design and trawling the internet/databases for sound clips or recording your own homemade sound effects.
SET AND PROP DESIGNER:
If you have a passion for design or just like to help out with a bit of building or painting, then you might like to help in set or prop design. Most productions require a set designer to collaborate with the director to design, source and create set for the production. We are always on the look-out for creative and innovative set designers!
COSTUME AND MAKE-UP DESIGNER:
We are always on the look-out for people with the skills and expertise to create and source orginal costumes and design exciting make-up for the stage. Costume and make-up can make a fantastic visual impact on an audience.
PRODUCTION MANAGER:
The production manager role is often only filled during very large productions or the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival production which needs a much larger degree of management. The production manager should be highly organised and on top of every element of the production, they will have to keep everyone else on a strict timetable and make sure that everything is running smoothly including the performance itself, the design team, the budget etc.
STAGEHAND:
Stagehands are needed for some large-scale shows. A stagehand will usually be dressed in all-black and will be responsible for the smooth running of scene changes. Often during black-outs the stagehand will move props or set for the next scene.
