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Crew at Holland Community Theatre

Crew Members are the behind-the-scenes magic that helps put on a play!

Like the theatre but not the spotlight? There's a place for you!

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The following roles are available:

Costumer

Light & Sound

Props

Stage Manager

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Don't feel like you know enough to help?

We're always happy to help teach you!

Join us!

To learn more about the Crew team

or express your desire to join please Contact Us!

Costumer

This description will be for the costume crew chief for each production.

  • The Costumer is appointed by the Producer.

  • The Costumer is responsible for all clothing pieces and accessories worn by actors onstage.

  • The Costumer will be responsible for the return and condition of all costume pieces.

  • The Costumer will gather costumes and accessories through HCT costume inventory or other sources, while staying within approved budget

 

Audition/Pre-Rehearsal Preparation

  • Read the play immediately upon receipt.

  • Attend production meetings as called by the Producer.

  • Acquire crew members if needed.  

  • Establish budget amount.

  • Acquire cast list when completed and begin development of costume plot.

  • Communicate with Director/Producer regarding special costume needs and vision.

  • Acquire rehearsal schedule and confirm appropriate fitting times with Director.

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Rehearsal through Strike

  • Rehearsal

    • Maintain contact with Director regarding costumes throughout the rehearsal schedule. It is not required to attend all rehearsals.

    • Inform Producer of any ongoing special needs for costuming.

    • Attend production meetings as called by the Producer.

    • Obtain sizes/measurements from all cast members.

    • Gather costume pieces. Contact HCT Costume Crew Chair to obtain access to the HCT costume storage. 

    • Any items purchased or rented that are determined to have already been available through the HCT costume inventory will NOT be applied to the show costume budget, and will NOT be reimbursed.

    • Take notes during rehearsal regarding all costume changes. Note any quick changes/difficult changes and inform the Producer/Stage Manger.

    • Organize assigned costumes backstage.

    • Keep accurate records of where each costume piece was obtained to ensure accurate returns. Possible locations: HCT inventory, actor’s personal items, costume rental agencies, other theatrical companies. Items purchased or constructed for the show using HCT budget will be considered HCT inventory.

    • Communicate with all cast in regards to pieces they must provide, commonly including but not limited to: shoes, appropriate undergarments, socks/hosiery.

    • All permanent modification or alterations must be approved by the original owner of the costume piece, including those owned by HCT. Temporary alterations may be used, but may be required to be returned in original condition.

    • Provide final costume plot with all changes to Stage Manager prior to first dress rehearsal.

    • Ensure all costumes are clean and in good repair prior to Final Dress rehearsal.

  • Production

    • Assign dressers/costume help for production schedule.

    • Communicate with Stage Manager during production run to inquire about  and complete repairs needed.

    • Coordinate strike with Stage Manager. Be prepared upon the closing of the show to check-in, organize, and remove all costume pieces from the theatre building.

 

Post-Strike

  • All costumes must be laundered appropriately and repaired prior to return. Any costs for this cleaning can be applied to costume budget.

  • Coordinate with Crew Chair to return pieces to HCT inventory. Return all other borrowed pieces in a timely manner.

  • See that the Producer receives expense report and any receipts for reimbursement within 2 weeks after strike.

Light & Sound Chair

Light & Sound Chair will be responsible for the Light & Sound capabilities of the theatre.

  • Provide training opportunities for Light and Sound crews to help build a season crew (not necessarily providing the training, but the opportunity/events)

  • Recruit people for the season crew and maintain contact list of qualified sound and light operators and designers

  • Responsible for the stocking of lamps, gel, cabling, etc. for Lights and Sound

  • Be a knowledge resource and final decision maker for the lighting and sound designers of the individual shows

  • Assist in creation of procedures related to Lights and Sound (Design considerations, set up and tear down from shows, etc.)

  • Provide feedback to Technical Director of issues related to Lights and Sound

 

Audition/Pre-Rehearsal Preparation

  • Read the play before auditions.

  • Meet with director to help determine light and sound requirements and level of crew skill needed

  • Provide budgetary guidance to each show (for light and sound category)

 

Rehearsal through Strike

  • Ensure Sound crew, box office and house managers have a working knowledge of the loop system (ongoing process as new people join)

  • Ensure crews are aware of the established procedures for their crew (and to ask if they have questions!)

 

Post-Strike

  • Ensure the established procedures were followed by the crews for strike

Props/Set Decor Manager

This description will be for the properties/set decor crew chief for each production. 

  • The Props Manager is appointed by the Producer.

  • The Props Manager is responsible for all furniture pieces, decor pieces and hand props for each production.

  • The Props Manager will be responsible for the return and condition of all prop/set decor pieces.

  • The Props Manager will gather prop/decor pieces and accessories through HCT  inventory or other sources, while staying within approved budget

 

Audition/Pre-Rehearsal Preparation

  • Read the play immediately upon receipt.

  • Attend production meetings as called by the Producer.

  • Acquire crew members if needed.  

  • Establish budget amount.

  • Acquire properties list or develop intial list through script reading and discussion with Director.

  • Communicate with Director/Producer regarding special prop needs and vision.

  • Acquire rehearsal schedule and confirm appropriate times to attend with Director.

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Rehearsal through Strike

  • Rehearsal

    • Maintain contact with Director regarding props throughout the rehearsal schedule. It is not required to attend all rehearsals.

    • Inform Producer of any ongoing special needs for acquiring props.

    • Attend production meetings as called by the Producer.

    • Gather prop and decor pieces. Contact HCT Properties Crew Chair to obtain access to the HCT storage. 

    • Any items purchased or rented that are determined to have already been available through the HCT inventory will NOT be applied to the show budget, and will NOT be reimbursed.

    • Take notes during rehearsal regarding all prop needs. Note any specific placements/needs and inform the Producer/Stage Manger.

    • Organize assigned props backstage.

    • Keep accurate records of where each piece was obtained to ensure accurate returns. Possible locations: HCT inventory, actor’s personal items, area businesses, rental agencies, other theatrical companies. Items purchased or constructed for the show using HCT budget will be considered HCT inventory.

    • All permanent modification or alterations must be approved by the original owner of the piece, including those owned by HCT. Temporary alterations may be used, but may be required to be returned in original condition.

    • Provide final properties list to Stage Manager prior to first dress rehearsal.

    • Ensure all props are in good repair prior to Final Dress rehearsal.

  • Production

    • Communicate with Stage Manager during production run to inquire about  and complete repairs needed.

    • Coordinate strike with Stage Manager. Be prepared upon the closing of the show to check-in, organize, and remove all prop pieces from the theatre building.

 

Post-Strike

  • All props must be cleaned appropriately and repaired prior to return. Any costs for this cleaning can be applied to props budget.

  • Coordinate with Crew Chair to return pieces to HCT inventory. Return all other borrowed pieces in a timely manner.

  • See that the Producer receives expense report and any receipts for reimbursement within 2 weeks after strike.

Stage Manager

Stage Managers will be keyholding positions of HCT and will assume duties as such according to the safety and liability of the building.

  • The Stage Manager (SM) is appointed by the Producer and serves as their assistant until receiving the production from the Director.

  • The SM is responsible for all activities taking place on the stage from curtain to curtain during technical and dress rehearsals and all performances.

  • The SM should exert authority when receiving the show from the Director in a firm but kind manner.

 

Audition/Pre-Rehearsal Preparation

  • Read the play before auditions.

  • Assist Producer, as directed, in all audition preparation.

  • Assist Producer in procuring Crew Chiefs. 

  • Attend production meetings as called by the Producer

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Rehearsal through Strike

  • Rehearsal

    • Maintain contact with Director and Crew Chiefs regarding props, scene change requirements, and costumes throughout the rehearsal schedule.

    • Assist Producer as directed.

    • Attend production meetings as called by the Producer.

    • Take notes during rehearsal regarding all scene changes, prop placement, stage entrances, and record tech cues for each event.

    • Know where all props are to be kept and placed during rehearsal/performance and stored between rehearsal/performance.

    • Take notes during rehearsal regarding any difficult scene/costume changes.

    • Map all scene changes and assign actors and crew members for scene change duties and prop preset.

    • Map all entrances.

  • Production

    • Open building prior to cast call time to ensure all cast and crew have appropriate prep time

    • Post and check sign-in sheets for actors.  Contact anyone missing.

    • Maintain proper backstage decorum and behavior at all times.

    • Clean stage and check that all props are in their place.

    • Confirm with technical crew that all sound and lights are in working order.

    • Call out times at 30, 15, and 5 minutes before the show.  Places should be called at 5 minutes before the show and at intermission.

    • Coordinate with house manager and welcoming speech presenter that house is ready for open and for curtain.

    • Check that cast and crew are at places and ready to begin.

    • Call curtain.

    • Keep cast and crew ahead of scene changes and entrances throughout the show.

    • Inform Hospitality 5 minutes before intermission.

    • Preset stage during intermission.

    • In coordination with the House Manager, flash lobby lights near the end of intermission.

    • Call Act curtain and continue keeping cast and crew ready for upcoming scene changes and entrances.

    • Call curtain call.

    • Clean stage after performance and preset all props and scenery for the next performance.  Clean props if necessary.

    • Remove and empty all trash from the stage and dressing room areas.

    • Close the theatre.  Turn out lights, and make sure all doors are locked.

    • Coordinate strike with Crew Chiefs.  Assign cast and crew members specific duties regarding props, costumes, and set pieces.

 

Post-Strike

  • Make sure the theatre is clean and ready for the next production.

  • See that the Producer receives expense report within 2 weeks after strike.

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