Business (5) - Task B (National Theatre)

Stage Manager:

• Demands & Responsibilities:
  -- ((https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/theatre-stage-manager))
  -- Ensures all set and props are in place before each show
  -- Ensures the company and cast's welfare
  -- Distributes information to other departments
  -- Cues technicians
  -- Runs onstage and backstage areas during performances
  -- Has good knowledge of all the relevant health and safety legislations
  -- Operates the "prompt script" (has notes on all cues for actors, lighting, props and sound)
• Career Progression:
  -- ((https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/stagemanager.aspx))
  -- Normally start of as an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM)
  -- Then they may progress to Deputy Stage Manager (DSM)
  -- There are many short courses available for aspiring Stage Managers
• Skills needed:
  -- Good organisational skills
  -- Problem-solving skills
  -- Good concentration and ability to stay calm in tense situations
  -- Ability to work under pressure
• Connections with the rest of  the organisation or wider industry:
  -- Works alongside the director and design teams
  -- Works with the cast in ensuring their well-being
  -- Works with the prop department to ensure everything is in place at all times
• Stage Manager for War Horse:
  -- Louise Matthews was one of three people who was a stage manager for War Horse
  -- She has been an ASM, DSM, SM, Company Manager and now a Producer
  -- Treasurer of Board of Directors for the Stage Management Associate

Set Designer:

• Demands & Responsibilities:
  -- ((https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/setdesigner.aspx))
  -- Communicate ideas with other parts of the production company (e.g. costumes, props and make-up designers)
  -- Creative effective & present your ideas clearly
  -- Build models
  -- Study scripts
  -- "Research historical, contemporary or futuristic details to get the right look for the piece"
• Career Progression:-- ((http://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/fine-arts-careers/how-to-become-a-set-designer))
  -- A course in set designing, model making or something similar would be useful
  -- Can get a lot of on-the-job training
• Skills Needed:-- Good communication skills (to work alongside the director)
  -- Good crafting skills (to build models)
  -- Have artistic flexibility (to change details as you go or as required)
• Connections with the rest of  the organisation or wider industry: -- Works alongside the director in order to achieve what the look he wants
  -- May work alongside the lighting designers in order to achieve the right look
• Set decorator for War Horse:-- Lee Sandales
  -- Nominated for an Academy Award for War Horse in 2011
  -- Is as art director

Lighting Designer: 

• Demands & Responsibilities:
  -- ((http://www.cmu.edu/cfa/drama/lighting/Production/Job%20Descriptions/LD.html))
  -- Attend rehearsals
  -- Meet with the Director and possibly Set Designer to discuss the look required
  -- Do sufficient research into the play/show they are working on to know what sort of lighting would be appropriate where and when
  -- Take direction from Stage Manager and others for cues
• Career Progression:
  -- ((Equity PDF webpage)
  -- A lot of work is learned on-the-job, though courses are available
  -- May start off as an electrician, and then become an assistant lighting designer and then a lighting designer
• Skills Needed:-- Can take direction
  -- Can work under pressure and is reliable
  -- Strong IT skills
  -- Good problem-solver
• Connections with the rest of  the organisation or wider industry: -- Works alongside the Director, Master Electrician, Assistant Lighting Director and electricians
• Lighting Designer for "Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time:
  -- Paule Constable
  -- Won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Lighting Design (2005, 2006, 2009, 2013)
  -- Won the Tony Award for Best Lighting Design in a Play for War Horse in 2011
  -- Created 15 productions at the National Theatre
  -- Often designs the lighting for Royal Shakespeare Company too