Technical Producer

In collaboration with the Administrative Producer, the Technical Producer oversees the show's production team, ensuring a successful outcome.

Production Team Roles

• Costume Design
• Hair/Makeup
• Light Design
• Light Operator
• Properties, Hand
• Stage Manager Assistants
• Set Construction Head
• Set Décor
• Set Design
• Sound Design
• Sound Operator
• Special Effects
• Stage Manager

Planning

The Technical Producer should:

1. Become familiar with the play and meet with the director to discuss objectives, special requirements, and budgets.
2. Meet with the Administrative Producer to review job descriptions, establish communication channels, and divide responsibilities.
3. Oversee budget management, including cash advances, tracking receipts, and maintaining a spreadsheet.
4. Coordinate with the director and marketing team for audition advertising and forms.
5. Select designers with the director's input.
6. Distribute scripts to cast and crew; maintain a record of recipients.
7. Create a production schedule with input from the director, Administrative Producer, and Stage Manager. Distribute the finalized calendar.
8. Appoint committee heads, provide them with job descriptions, budgets, deadlines, and ensure adequate staffing in each department.
9. Become familiar with theater policies, safety requirements, and seek clarification from the V.P. Productions as necessary.

Working

The Technical Producer should:

1. Organize a first read-through for cast and crew with introductions followed by a social event. Invite the Board to attend.
2. Arrange key distribution and access codes for eligible team members.
3. Chair production team meetings as scheduled and organize additional meetings if needed (not conflicting with rehearsal schedules).
4. List complimentary ticket requirements for Publicity Coordinator; send special acknowledgements to Program Coordinator.
5. Ensure items borrowed for productions have proper documentation (Borrowing forms) completed. Include photos of valuable items to establish their condition prior to borrowing.
6. Attend rehearsals as required to understand overall needs relevant to assigned responsibilities.
7. Relay technical rehearsal notes from the director to relevant departments. Shift this responsibility to the stage manager during tech week.
8. Ensure the Stage Manager manages all cast communications, with copies sent to the Technical Producer.
9. Coordinate scheduling for light/sound operators in consultation with the Stage Manager.
10. Both Technical and Administrative Producers should ensure proper management of recycling and garbage throughout the production process.

Run

The Technical Producer should:

1. Be available for emergencies and advice during the show's run.
2. Understand that the Stage Manager is in charge of running the show.
3. Collect outstanding bills or receipts from technical crews and submit them to the Administrative Producer.

Strike

The Technical Producer should:

1. Create a strike plan after consulting with department heads. Organize and assign people and duties for strike; communicate responsibilities in advance.
2. Oversee strike activities on-site.
3. Collect keys and scripts at the end of the production.
4. Ensure committee heads return all borrowed items promptly and have borrowing forms signed off as necessary.

Post-Production Review

The Technical Producer should:

1. Gather feedback from production heads for the post-mortem review.
2. Attend a debrief meeting arranged by the VP Productions to discuss the entire production process, sharing insights on successes, challenges, and lessons learned for future productions.

By following these guidelines, the Technical Producer can effectively collaborate with the Administrative Producer to ensure a successful production. The focus on planning, working, running the show, striking, and post-production review allows for thorough organization and management of all aspects of the production process.