Director / AD

The Director, in collaboration with the Assistant Director (AD), is the artistic leader of a show, dictating the vision of the production. They lead the interpretation of a script with the support of the acting company, technical leads, and designers. Throughout the production process their job is to plan the best way to achieve their artistic vision and guide the company through that process during each rehearsal. Directors and Assistant Directors must be capable team players, demonstrate excellent leadership skills, and possess strong artistic vision. The ideal Director first gains experience in multiple facets of theatre.

stage manager / ASM

The Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager(s) (ASM) are key to creating an efficient and positive production. A Stage Manager’s initial responsibility is to organize and maintain strong communication with the cast and crew and assist in executing the Director's process during the rehearsal period. Once the production is open, they are also responsible for the execution and maintenance of the Director’s vision throughout the run of a show, including such tasks as calling the show, overseeing preshow activities, and ensuring the safety of the cast and crew. Excellent organization and listening skills are a must for any Stage Manager, along with strong initiative and problem solving capability. A Stage Manager’s ability to successfully lead and work with the company, although possibly stressful, will be of utmost importance. An ASM serves as a second in command during technical rehearsals and performances, facilitating the show from backstage while the Stage Manager calls from the front of house.

Assistant technical director

The Assistant Technical Director’s overall purpose is to collaborate with the company’s Technical Director in their duties as needed from inception to closing. The ATD’s duties are assigned directly by the Technical Director and vary depending on the abilities of the assistant and the needs of a particular show. The ATD for a production will often serve as a crew lead during the scenic construction events and assure proper planning and implementation of various technical aspects of a show. An ATD must be a team player with excellent leadership skills and diverse interest in all aspects of technical theatre.

music director

The Music Director is responsible for working with the cast and the band on the musical elements of a production and serving as a conductor/leader for all performances. The Music Director works with the Director to schedule rehearsals, determining which cast members need to be there for each to fulfill what the Director hopes to accomplish at each rehearsal.

In addition to excellent musicianship, a Music Director possesses strong leadership and communication skills. Theatre Huntsville also requires Music Directors to be proficient rehearsal pianists.

scenic designer

The Scenic Designer collaborates with the Director and the other designers to create a unified concept of the world of play. They also work with the Technical Director to create a detailed plan for execution of their scenic design from construction through performance. Key skills for a Scenic Designer include clear artistic vision, strong design and communication skills, broad understanding of the challenges of technical theatre, and a willingness to be a team player.

Set Construction

There are a variety of opportunities for assisting with set construction at Theatre Huntsville, and we boast not only opportunities for those interested in carpentry and painting, but also metalworking and mechanical engineering!  We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and are excited to teach set construction techniques and skills to anyone interested in joining us for our build days.

charge artist & Set Painting

A Charge Artist is responsible for the painting and surface treatment of all scenic elements for a production. This often includes creating faux finishes, texturing for things like stone or tree bark, and replicating aging or damage in order to achieve the proper look required for the production. A Charge Artist is a team player, has artistic vision, and has a solid understanding of paint and other surface finishes.

A variety of opportunities to assist the charge artist are also available depending on the needs of a particular production.

Lighting designer

The Lighting Designer's responsibility is to create a design for lighting the stage that is in agreement with instruction and inspiration provided both by the script and the Director. They work closely with the Director and other designers to provide lighting that evokes appropriate mood, time of day, and atmosphere while also keeping the safety of the actors and technicians in mind, as well as their visibility to the audience as appropriate. Lighting Designers are collaborators with a keen understanding how contrast, motion, timing, and color contribute to emotion and storytelling.

costume designer

The Costume Designer is responsible for ensuring all cast members have a cohesive costume(s) for a production within a set budget. This may involve sourcing and obtaining pieces or creating costumes for the cast. If costumes must be built, it is imperative for the Costume Designer to have strong sewing skills. They must also possess a strong sense of overall artistic vision and be a good listener. A background in historical fashion is also valuable for costuming period productions. Costume Designers work closely with the Director and other creative team leads to create costumes that support the vision of the production.

Sound designer &
Audio Technician

The Sound Designer is responsible for sourcing, creating, mixing, and cueing the acoustic world of the production, including sound effects, pre-recorded music, and general soundscapes. They may also be asked to collaborate on mic mixing, venue acoustics, and sound system setup. Audio Technicians are responsible for amplifying, mixing, syncing, and reproducing sounds and effects for a live theatrical performance. They also are responsible for the set-up, tear-down, operation, and maintenance of all audio equipment during the run of a show.

Both of these positions require a collaborative spirit and strong communication skills along with applicable technical expertise according to the needs of a particular production.

Hair Stylist &
Makeup Artist

The Hair Stylist is responsible for designing and styling the hair of each actor in a show per the requirements of each character. This also includes the care and application of wigs and hair pieces. The Makeup Artist is responsible for creating the makeup design for each character in a production. This also includes the care and application of prosthetics.

Both of these positions require a collaborative spirit and strong communication skills along with applicable expertise according to the needs of a particular production.

Property master
& set dresser

The Property Master is responsible for pulling, purchasing, creating, or otherwise acquiring props and set dressing for a production in accordance with the script, direction from the Director, and input from the Scenic Designer. Property Masters are often called upon to create items from scratch, so strong crafting abilities are a must as well as good artistic and historical sensibilities.

Larger shows may also employ a Set Dresser as part of the Properties team. A Set Dresser is responsible for pulling, borrowing, renting, or fabricating decorative and functional items to populate the set. This can include books, knick knacks, pictures and photos for walls, furniture, and rugs. As with Property Master, they are often called upon to create or give faux finishes to items for the set.

Choreographer
& fight choreographer

The Choreographer is responsible for directing and choreographing all dances, lifts and stylized movement in a production. They may also be asked to help with any especially complex synchronized movement at the Director’s discretion. The Choreographer works closely with the Director and Music Director to produce a cohesive vision for the production. The Choreographer may often be working with non-dancers as well as dancers of all abilities.

The Fight Choreographer is responsible for directing, choreographing, and helping to maintain choreography for any scene of violence in a production. They work closely with the Stage Manager to assert a standard of safety that includes fight calls and routine checks of all props involved in the stage combat sequences. They have the final say on safety regarding any props used in the combat.

For safety reasons, both of these positions require prior training and experience in the applicable choreography.

run crew / Stage Hand

If someone wants to join in on the fun backstage, but doesn't know where to start or if they have any applicable skills, the position of Stage Hand is the perfect place to start. We can train anyone from any background in the fine art of keeping the show rolling. Stage Hands fill a variety of positions including working the fly rail, assisting with costumes, manning sound and lighting equipment, and helping with set changes. It's never the same show twice when you're behind the curtain! And working on our running crew is a great way to sample the backstage life and discover the skills you'd like to pursue.