Directing at Holland Community Theatre

The following roles are available:

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Director

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

The Director must submit a letter of intent including a brief resume and vision for the play.
The Director must be approved by the Board of Directors.
Responsible for the interpretation, development, and dramatization of the production, including technical aspects.
Attend production meetings as called by the Producer.

Audition/Pre-Rehearsal Preparation

Decide on the method of the audition.
In collaboration with the Producer, is responsible for setting the tone of auditions. The atmosphere should be welcoming and inviting.
Explain the audition process to applicants, including readings, callbacks, and audition result notification.
Provide a synopsis of the play and character bio to applicants before readings.
Ensure everyone has an opportunity to read for the part(s) they want.
Is responsible for all casting decisions.
Notify, by phone, those who auditioned in a timely manner and give all audition forms to the Producer for filing.
Develop a budget with the Producer and Treasurer.
Procure an Assistant Director (AD).
Meet with the Producer to procure Crew Chiefs and develop production deadlines.
Meet with Crew Chiefs regarding the timeline and vision for the production.

Rehearsal through Strike

Pre-Opening
- Turn production over to the Stage Manager (SM) after final rehearsal and make clear to the cast that the SM is the authority backstage for the run of the show.
- Set call times for performances.
- Review Emergency Evacuation Procedure.
- Remind cast to be kind to each other. Leave all drama onstage.
Production
- Coordinate strike with the Producer.
- Coordinate with the Producer and Crew Chiefs to ensure all pieces involved with the show are returned to their proper place.

Post-Strike

Make sure the theatre is clean and ready for the next production.
Return all erased scripts/scores/librettos to the office on closing night.
See that Producer receives all expense reports from Crew Chiefs and themself within 2 weeks after the strike.

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

The Assistant Director (AD) must be approved by the Board of Directors.
The AD may be considered a director-in-training and should observe and learn from the Director. (S)he should be mentally involved in rehearsals, able to discuss any scene, and privately offer suggestions to the Director.
The AD is not to be considered a co-director.

Audition/Pre-Rehearsal Preparation

Read the play before auditions.
Gather audition sheets after they are completed and help Director organize them.
Help Director with casting decisions by supplying information and impressions of how the person fits the role.
Help the Director contact all those cast. Ensure the audition sheets of those not cast are given to the Producer for contact. Everyone who auditions must be contacted.
Attend production meetings as called by the Producer.
Assist Director with duties listed in Director Job Description.

Rehearsal through Strike

Make a master script. Use a pencil to write blocking directions in the script. Note props, costumes, and light/sound cues.
Compile cast contact information list and give to Director for distribution.
Assign and distribute scripts.
Obtain rehearsal schedule from Director and do any necessary calling of the cast to communicate any changes.
Create and post a sign-in sheet for each rehearsal. Contact any absent cast member for reason.
Assist Director with errands needed for the production, as requested.
Be first at rehearsals to open the theatre and prepare for rehearsal. Do the opposite at the end of rehearsal, making sure all is shut down and the building is locked. A building key will be provided.
Assist rehearsal per Director’s instructions. Set up each scene. Follow script to correct blocking mistakes, feed lines as necessary, and read lines for actors who are absent.
Run rehearsals in Director’s absence per the Director’s instructions.
AD is responsible for getting the Cast and Musical Numbers pages to the Playbill Chair.
During rehearsal, some Directors prefer the AD to be in the house to take notes and others prefer the AD backstage. If you’re not sure, ask the Director where you can be of most use through tech and dress rehearsals.
Assist pre-show preparations as directed by the Stage Manager.
Assist in the strike, ensuring all production pieces are returned to their proper place.

Post-Strike

Make sure the theatre is clean and ready for the next production.
See that the Producer receives the expense report within 2 weeks after the strike.