Volunteer Handbook 2009*10 September 2009
Access Information: Street & Mailing Address: 471 Richmond Street London, Ontario N6A 3E4 Contact Information: Administration: 672-9030 Jennifer Duncan, Volunteer Services Manager x 265 jduncan@grandtheatre.com Jennifer Duncan, Front of House Manager, x 265 Carly Felker, Assistant Front of House Manager x 265 Box Office: 672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593 Website: http://volunteers.grandtheatre.com/login.asp 3
Table of Contents Welcome 3 Mission Statements 4 Volunteer Guild 5 Benefits 6 Rights 6 Responsibilities 6 Qualifications 7 Volunteer Positions 8 Front of House 8 Special Performances 9 McManus Theatre 10 Administration 10 Special Events 11 Backstage 11 Volunteer Information 12-17 Job Descriptions Ticket Taker 18 Ticket Example 18 (a) Coat Check 19 Usher 20 Concession 21 Theatre Shop 22 Appendices A Little History of The Grand Theatre 23 Glossary of Theatrical Terms 24-26 Theatre House Seating 27 Fire & Evacuation Procedures 28-31 4
Welcome to The Grand Theatre Volunteers are one of the most important resources within our theatre. Your time, commitment, positive attitude and personal support of The Grand Theatre allows us to provide quality customer service to our patrons, and helps to support every department in our organization. By becoming a volunteer, you are responding to very specific needs of our patrons and staff. It is hoped that you will have a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction as a member of The Grand Theatre Volunteer Guild. Jennifer Duncan, Volunteer Services Manager 672-9030, ext. 265 jduncan@grandtheatre.com 5
The Grand Theatre Vision: The Grand Theatre will inspire and transform people by providing outstanding live professional theatre and entertainment. Mission: The Grand Theatre is a team of creative artists, theatre staff and community leaders who are passionately committed to providing professional theatre and diverse cultural experiences that entertain, educate, inspire and enrich the London community. Mission of The Grand Theatre Volunteer Guild Provide a positive and friendly environment for members of our community to interact with other supporters, patrons and staff while providing a valuable volunteer service to the theatre. Promote enthusiasm and dedication for the work of The Grand Theatre and provide an opportunity to share an appreciation for live professional theatre. Instill a sense of pride and a respect for an organization 6
that has celebrated over 100 years in the 2008-2009 season. 7
Purpose of the Volunteer Guild Provide assistance and support for The Grand Theatre through: Volunteering for Front of House duties. Providing administrative and clerical support to staff. Coordinating and assisting with fund raising initiatives, including volunteering for special events. Supporting educational outreach programs such as tea talks and other in-house activities. Communicating a positive message to our community by providing exemplary customer service to our patrons and being an advocate for The Grand with friends, relatives and colleagues. The Volunteer Guild is composed of all the people who volunteer for The Grand Theatre in any capacity (with the exception of the Board and its committees) on an ongoing basis. The Grand Theatre demonstrates its commitment to its volunteers with the position of Volunteer Services Manager. This staff member is responsible for the policies, procedures, training and co-ordination of volunteer work at the theatre and at special events. Regular communication with volunteers is done through a volunteer newsletter, e-mails, the Internet and personal contact. 8
Benefits of Volunteering When volunteering you benefit from: The satisfaction that comes from helping other people. Interacting with other volunteers, patrons and staff. Applying your skills and interests. Enjoying live theatre. Rights of a Volunteer As a volunteer you have a right to: Be recognized as an integral member of the Grand Theatre team. Have assignments meaningful to you that are described in job descriptions. Attend orientation and training sessions presented by qualified persons. Receive sound guidance, support and direction in your volunteer work. Responsibilities of a Volunteer As a volunteer you are responsible for: Understanding and meeting the commitment involved with your volunteer placement. Being dependable by being on time and ready for the volunteer assignments. 9
Learning the volunteer duties and the health and safety procedures as applicable to the duties of the volunteer assignment. Informing the Volunteer Co-ordinator of any change in your contact information or other circumstances that affect your volunteer commitment. Volunteer Qualifications General Smile, pleasant & welcoming to our patrons Be 16 years of age or older Fill out application and agreement forms annually Read and understand volunteer policies and guidelines Physical Requirements All volunteers must self assess themselves, make sure that you can meet all requirements. Stand for a minimum of two hours at a time Walk three flights of stairs Bend over to collect items from floor level Lift and carry items up to 4 kilos (10 lbs) in weight; e.g. heavy winter coats, boxes Communication Requirements Speak clearly in English Handle cash and make change Good customer service skills Follow supervisors instructions Training Returning volunteers attend an Orientation session of two hours and Concession training of two hours (if required). Time Commitment Available September to June or a minimum of nine months during a calendar year Minimum number of hours for a calendar year 30 Leaves of absence are permitted with advance notice 10
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS Front of House Front of House is the hospitality part of the theatre. It includes all the work and activities that greet and seat patrons, provide them with refreshments and make a complete evening at the theatre. The Front of House Manager hires and supervises the bar staff, manages the inventory and budgets, and takes care of all issues concerning patron safety and comfort. There are five different Front of House volunteer positions, detailed job descriptions follow. Ticket Taker: Normally two; they greet patrons at the door, check tickets, inform the patrons of where they are seated and any other relevant information. Coat Check: Normally one person, but assistance is required during busy coat time from an Orchestra Usher. Hand out hearing devices; check coats and other personal items. Take money and give change. Return coats etc. and ensure that hearing aid devices are returned. Usher: Each theatre door needs a minimum of two ushers and can have as many as four. Open and close the doors to the house. After checking the tickets, escort patrons to their seats and hand out programs. During intermission, assist the volunteers at the concessions and kiosk. After the show, assist at the coat check or clean up the theatre. Concession: There are three concessions. One person is the lead volunteer and has an assistant for busy times. Make coffee and tea. Sell refreshments, which include coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, cookies and chocolates. Make change and reconcile revenue and float. Clean up after intermission. Theatre Shop: One volunteer. Sells items in store. Make change and reconcile revenue and float. Put items away after intermission. 11
Special Performances Opening Night: Each show has an Opening Night which features an after show reception in the Poster Lounge. There might also be a private reception for donors or sponsors. The first Opening Night in the season also has a red carpet and volunteers in tuxedoes to welcome the patrons. Front of House volunteers can join the post-show receptions, but should finish their duties first and not be first in line at the catering table or bar. Volunteers do not join any private receptions. Senior Matinee Tea Talk: Each show features a Seniors Matinee at which a speaker talks about the play and tea and cookies are served by volunteers. One volunteer organizes the others who assist. Sponsors donate the tea and cookies. Student Matinees: There is at least one student matinee performance per show. Schools purchase tickets in blocks. Some audience members may not have attended live theatre before, so volunteers should check that food and drink, other than bottled water is not taken into the theatre. Tuesday Talks: The second Tuesday performance features a chance to hear from experts about the play. The talks are held in the McManus Theatre 45 minutes before the performance. Volunteers should be aware so they can direct patrons to the McManus. Grand Conversations: Following the third Saturday matinee, patrons can join the actors of the performance to discuss the play and learn more about backstage action. Volunteers are more than welcome to join the discussion. 12
MCMANUS THEATRE The McManus Theatre is located on Level 1 of the theatre. Productions in this space are UnderGrand, Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) and rentals from other theatre companies. Seating is general which means that patrons can choose any seat they wish on a first come basis. All productions do require volunteers, but usually only two ushers are required. The ushers also take the tickets. Arrival time for volunteers for McManus is one hour before performance time. Administration The Administration runs the business side of the theatre. There are several departments: Volunteers can help the Theatre by assisting in various administrative and fundraising activities. The most common volunteer activity is stuffing of envelopes for mailings. Other assistance can be provided through filing, typing, data entry, photocopying, shredding and phone calling. These activities occur on an irregular basis. Mailings are more frequent at the beginning and the close of the season. The administration consists of: the Artistic Director, the Executive Director and these departments: Marketing & Development, Finance, Operations, Production and Systems. There are about 60 people working in the theatre during the season, not counting the actors, directors and set designers Special Events The Marketing & Development Department organizes special events during the year to raise funds and increase the theatre s profile in the community. The calendar is reviewed each year. 13
For 2009*10, the schedule is: April 18, 2010: Volunteer Appreciation reception May 29, 2010: 2010 Annual Gala & Auction June 24, 2010 Backstage Bash Backstage There are limited opportunities for volunteer assistance backstage due to union and health and safety rules. One exception is the High School Project where volunteers are often needed to assist with auditions and student supervision. 14
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION Much of this information applies primarily to Front of House activities. However, there is general information relevant to all volunteer work, including special events and other activities. The circumstances of the volunteer work can adjust requirements such as dress code. Signing up on the website for Volunteer shifts The website address is: www.grandtheatre.com/volunteers. On the page that appears a Username & Password are required, these are originally activated by the volunteer coordinator but can be customized by the volunteer. A new volunteer account will not be activated until the coordinator approves the position of the new volunteer after training & an assessment has been done. Once approved all the events at the theatre are available for selection from the calendar, most events are enabled for signing up at least 2-3 weeks before the first show. Any restrictions for signing up or a need for more volunteers to sign up will be set by the volunteer coordinator & announced by email & phone. Absences In the case of known absence, advance notice of 24 hours is necessary so a replacement can be found if needed. Call the Volunteer Coordinator at 672-9030 ext.265. In cases of unavoidable absence on the day of duty or on the weekend, calls should be made to the Front of House Manager at ext 233. Continuous absenteeism without notification may result in termination of the volunteer position. Cameras 15
No cameras or recording devices are allowed in the auditorium during a performance. Accidents In case of an accident on the job, please report directly to the Front of House Manager on duty. An accident form will be filled out immediately. If a patron of the theatre has an accident, no matter how small, inform Front of House Manager on duty immediately so they can do an Incident report. In case of accidents requiring first aid during a performance, notify the Front of House Manager or other employee immediately. There are first aid kits at the concessions with a list of trained first aid employees. Arrival Time Arrival time should be in time for the Circle Meetings. Main Stage performances: 1 and ¼ hours prior to performance time. The house opens one half hour before the performance. McManus Theatre times: 1 hour before performance time. Exceptions do occur and will be communicated. Box Office Box Office hours are posted at the front doors. Normal hours during the season are: Monday Friday: 9 am 6 pm, until curtain on performance days. Saturday: 11 am 6 pm, until curtain on performance days. Sunday: 11 am 2 pm on performance days. Building Access All volunteers should enter the building by the front doors. Before or after regular business hours you can enter the building via the stage door where you will be let in by the security staff or electronic intercom. Keys cannot be issued to volunteers. 16
Bulletin Board Notices of shows, special events and general information will be posted on the bulletin board in the volunteer room. Please do not post any notices without permission. Children The Grand Theatre provides Theatre for Young audience productions, student matinees and the holiday season production for children and families. Babes in arms are not permitted in the auditorium. If a patron arrives with a babe-in-arms, please ask them to wait and then get the Front of House Manager to speak to the patron. Circle Meetings A Circle Meeting is held before every performance. Final assignments are made, the health and safety and exit procedures are covered and announcements made. Conduct Be cheerful, positive and friendly. If you have any criticism of The Grand Theatre, its employees, other volunteers or the productions, contact the staff person in charge of the Volunteer Guild. Volunteers are in the business of helping people. When you see someone who appears to need assistance, give a friendly smile and offer your help. If the problem is more than you can handle, take or direct him/her to the Front of House Manager. Volunteers should be very aware of their behaviour while in the theatre, especially during a performance. Talking or unnecessary noise can disturb others. Once in the theatre, volunteers should not come and go unnecessarily. If leaving or coming in during a performance, volunteers should be as quiet as possible, especially with the theatre doors. 17
Confidentiality Confidentiality is an issue of importance to The Grand Theatre. At no time are volunteers to share phone numbers, addresses or names of patrons, or volunteers in or outside the theatre with persons not associated directly with The Grand Theatre. Criticism / Advice If patrons or people in the community share their advice about or criticism of The Grand Theatre, be positive neutral in your response. Otherwise, suggest that the person call the administration office during business hours. Dress Code All volunteers working in the theatre must wear a volunteer name badge. All Front of House volunteers must wear white top and black pants or skirt while on duty. This requirement is for quick identification and health and safety reasons. Exceptions are made for special events. Closed toe/heel shoes made from leather or leather-like material must be worn under the Theatre s Protective Footwear Policy, for safety reasons. The Grand Theatre is a scent-free workplace. Perfume and after-shave can produce an allergic reaction with our patrons, staff members or other volunteers and should not be used when volunteering. If you are volunteering at a concession, long hair should always be tied back neatly for hygienic reasons. Protective gloves (non-latex) are provided for food and debris handling. Food and Drink Volunteers may not drink alcoholic beverages within one hour of the start of their assignment or at any time during their volunteer time. Before the Circle Meeting, volunteers are provided with free coffee in the Volunteer Coat Room. Any other refreshments may be brought in or purchased at the Concession and 18
consumed at this time. Volunteers should not use the concessions at intermission. Volunteers must not eat or drink in front of patrons while on duty. No food or drinks except bottled water or hard candy is allowed in the auditorium. Friends / Relatives Volunteers should not purposely schedule a shift for a performance to coincide with the attendance of friends or relatives attending. Volunteers are on duty to attend to the needs of all patrons and their attention should not be divided between personal obligations and their duties at the theatre. Harassment Policy The Grand Theatre has a Freedom From Harassment Policy that responds to the theatre's responsibility under the Ontario Human Rights Code to prevent harassment and discrimination, to ensure that all individuals in the workplace have equal opportunities and are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is not intended to interfere with relationships based on mutual consent or normal social contact, or to detract from the rights and obligations of leadership to manage and discipline employees or volunteers. Any behaviour that amounts to harassment or discrimination as defined in the theatre's policy is an infringement of human rights and, additionally, may be cause for termination of volunteer services. Should you have any questions please contact the staff person responsible for the Volunteer Guild. Flashlights Front of House keeps flashlights available should patrons leave the theatre during the performance and one is needed to help them back. Bringing your own flashlight is recommended. 19
Health & Safety Health and Safety is an important issue for The Grand Theatre, and all staff and volunteers are expected to include health and safety awareness and procedures in all their activities. Volunteers will be trained in policies and procedures, such as evacuation of the building in case of fire or other emergencies, patron safety, safe working procedures and workplace conditions. The Health & Safety Handbook is available in the volunteer areas and copies can be issued to volunteers upon request. Comments & Feedback Contact the Volunteer Coordinator if you have any suggestions, concerns or comments. There is a suggestion box in the volunteer s cloak room, paper & pen supplied, any suggestions placed in the box will be considered. 20
The Grand Theatre Volunteer Position Description TICKET TAKER Ticket Takers are responsible for greeting patrons, to check tickets to ensure the date & time are correct and direct patrons to their seat locations. Dress code is white top, black bottom & black closed toe shoes Immediately after the Circle Meeting, move ticket box to the designated ticket taking area. One hour before the performance, open the roped off area to the lobby. Greet patrons, do not tear tickets. Take patrons tickets and check the date and time. Inform patron where they are going i.e.: main level or balcony level, right or left side. If the patron is here for the wrong date or time, send them to the Box Office or the Front of House Manager for adjustment of tickets. If at the wrong location, redirect them. If a patron is late for a performance, FOH staff will seat them in the late seats and they can go to their regular seats at intermission. If the regular seat is easily accessible, they can go to them first. If you have time please inform patrons if there is anything special happening in the theatre before or after the show. 21
When the doors are shut, return ticket box back to the holding spot. You may sit in the assigned usher seats to watch the show. Ticket takers may also leave after the show has been underway for at least 15 minutes to help any latecomers. The Grand Theatre Volunteer Position Description COAT CHECK The coat check volunteer is responsible for checking and returning coats and issuing the hearing aid devices. Dress code white top, black bottoms & black shoes. Get cash float from House Manager. Float should be $50.00. Check amount. Check the coat check tags on the hangers there should be two on each hanger and in the correct order. If a tag is missing, keep in box at coat check often the other shows up later. Fill out your coat check form supplied. They are stored in hearing device box. Be ready for patrons one hour before the performance. Coat Check is $1.00 per person. Hearing aid devices are also $1.00 and the patron is required to leave a ticket stub in exchange. See FOH manager for hearing device instructions. If the show is full and there are lots of coats another volunteer helper will be assigned. The busiest times are about 15 minutes before the performance starts and right after the show. Check coats o Give one copy of the tag to patron o Collect money o Hang coats, one coat per hanger. Keep boots and hats etc as close to the coat as possible. o Boots, hats & rubbers should get a second tag from the end hangers or a number written on paper coinciding with the coat check number. 22
When the performance has begun & doors are closed, count the number of tags used and record amount, count the money and record amount. The total should be the number of coats + hearing devices + $50.00 float. o Return the sales & float to the FOH manager. Cash box to remain under counter. o Check that the coats are in numerical order so that they are easy to find At Intermission, return to the coat check to guard the patrons property. Sometimes the patrons may need to get to their coats or want to check their coats. After the show return to the coat check to return coats. An usher will assist if it is busy. Once all coats are returned, re-tag the hangers, so they are ready for the next performance. Please leave the coat check as tidy as possible. The Grand Theatre Volunteer Position Description USHER Ushers are responsible for seating patrons, issuing programs & evacuating patrons in case of emergency. Dress code is White top, black bottom & black shoes. There are should be 2-3 ushers per door. Before or after the Circle Meeting stuff programs if needed. Check the program boxes in the theatre and ensure there are enough for the performance. Come equipped with a flashlight, if possible. Be at your assigned doors one hour before the performance. When the house is given one half hour before the performance, a bell will ring and the lights will flash. On this signal open the doors. All ushers seat patrons and issue programs. Sometimes programs run short during a production and then only one program is issued per family unless requested. At student matinees, programs are given to teachers and only to students who request them. Check tickets to ensure it is the right date, time and location. If a wheelchair patron is being seated, assist the Front of House staff if necessary. 23
At the one minute bell shut the doors unless instructed otherwise by front of house manager. During the performance, follow any patrons out of the theatre and wait for them to come back in. If a patron does not return or is sick, inform the House Manager immediately. At the intermission stand by your doors and answer any questions, one usher should remain in the house to ensure patron safety. At the one-minute bell, shut the doors. At the end of the show when the house lights come up, open the doors and wish patrons a good evening. When the patrons have all exited the theatre, get protective gloves and pick up programs and any other debris in the theatre. The recycling baskets should be cleared also. Ushers should not leave their shift early unless given permission by Front of House Manager, one usher per door is necessary. 24
The Grand Theatre Volunteer Position Description CONCESSION Concession volunteers are responsible for serving patrons with snacks and drinks and ensuring change and revenue is accurate. Dress code is white top, black bottom & black shoes. Get float from the Front of House Manager. Check that float is $120.00. Pick up cookies & chocolate bars from the Poster Lounge bar before opening concession. Coffee will be prepared by bartender on duty. The Concession helper will pour the coffee for patrons. Count stock: pop, juice, water, cookies, chocolate bars and coffee cups. Record all information on your concession form supplied in cash box. Other supplies include creamers, stir sticks, sugar. Let patrons open their own drinks. Serve pre-show patrons. A Blue Box is provided for empty containers. Empty unused pop etc and place empty containers in box. When show goes in, put any items on the counter under the counter (cookies etc.), put creamers in the fridge, turn off lights, and keep cash box with you. Exit theatre before intermission to set up. After intermission count remaining coffee cups, pop, juice, water, cookies & chocolate bars. Fill in your concession sheet, do calculations and record the amount in the total column. Return unsold cookies & chocolate bars to the Poster Lounge bar. Pour out coffee urns & rinse them in concession 4 kitchen. Put sales cash in envelope provided, float money in zippered bag, roll all loose coin, and return to Front of House Manager. Cash box to stay at concessions. Clean up the concession & assist bartenders with any clearing of the tables. Put creamers into fridge and put away stir sticks etc. Clean up counters etc. Turn out lights. 25
The Grand Theatre Volunteer Position Description Theatre Shop Sales Person Theatre Shop volunteers are responsible for selling merchandise to patrons, ensuring change and revenue are accurate. The Shop can take cash or credit cards. Debit is not available. Dress code is white top, black bottom & black shoes. Get float with keys from the Front of House Manager. Check that float is $120.00. Serve pre-show, intermission & post show patrons. Contact Front of House Manager on duty if more merchandise or supplies are needed. When the show goes in, put any items on the counter under the counter, cash can be locked away until intermission. If watching the show please exit theatre before intermission to set up. After serving post-show patrons, place all merchandise away, turn off any lights & lock cabinets. Put sales cash in envelope provided, roll all loose coin, place float money in zippered bag, and return to Front of House Manager. Cash box to stay in the shop. 26
A Little History on The Grand Theatre On September 9, 1901 the New Grand Opera House welcomed its first patrons. Men in elegant evening attire and women in rich gowns took their seats for the opening night performance of the popular melodrama Way Down East. As they applauded that night, the audience did not know they were establishing a centurylong tradition. It was Toronto entrepreneur Ambrose Small who built the theatre and operated it until his mysterious disappearance on December 2 1919. That day, Mr. Small deposited one million dollars in a Toronto bank account, lunched with his wife and was never seen again. Weeks after his disappearance, the night watchman swore he saw Mr. Small entering The Grand Theatre. Despite this lead, police were never able to close the file. Many believe that Mr. Small s ghost still keeps a benevolent eye on his beloved theatre. In 1924, the theatre was purchased by Famous Players Inc. and became a movie house. Between 1945 and 1971, the building was owned and operated by the London Little Theatre. It was one of Canada s most active and successful amateur theatre companies. The theatre began a three-year process to become a fully professional regional theatre in 1971. The building itself was beginning to show signs of age and in 1977 it underwent a $5 million renovation. It reopened in 1978 to reclaim its status as one of the most beautiful theatres in Canada. The architectural firm that undertook the renovations was awarded a Governor-General s award for their re-design of The Grand. The Grand is an excellent example of the Proscenium Arch Theatre and is one of the more traditional forms of theatrical design. It was designed to send music and sound from the stage into the audience. Among the great actors who have performed under the magnificent proscenium arch of The Grand are: W.C. Fields, Sarah Bernhardt, Michael Redgrave, Donald 27
O Connor, Sidney Poitier, Jessica Tandy, Hume Cronyn, Maggie Smith, Michael Burgess, William Hutt, Martha Henry, Karen Kain, Victor Garber, Sandra Oh and Leonard Nimoy. Glossary of Theatrical Terms APRON Section of the stage floor which projects towards or into the house. BACKDROP A piece of scenic canvas, painted or plain, that is hung in a vertical position. CALL 1) A notification of a working session (eg a Rehearsal Call) 2) The period of time to which the above call refers. (eg 'Your call for tomorrow night s show is 6.55pm') 3) A request for an actor to come to the stage because an entrance is imminent (these are courtesy calls and should not be relied on by actors - eg 'This is your call for the finale Mr. Smith and Miss Jones') 4) An acknowledgement of applause (eg Curtain Call) CALL BOARD A bulletin board for performers and crew. CAEA Canadian Actors Equity Association. An association that represents professional actors, stage managers, directors, choreographers, and fight directors. CUE 1) The command given to technical departments to carry out a particular operation. E.g. Fly Cue or Sound Cue. Normally given by stage management, but may be taken directly from the action 28
(i.e. a Visual Cue). 2) Any signal (spoken line, action or count) that indicates another action should follow (i.e. the actors' cue to enter is when the Maid says 'I hear someone coming! Quick - Hide!') CYCLORAMA (CYC) Usually shortened to just 'cyc' (pronounced sike). The Cyclorama is a curved plain cloth or plastered wall filling the rear of the stage. DARK DAY A day when the theatre is not open to the public. FLIES Extension of the stage walls up to allow scenery to be flown up until it is out of sight of the audience. FOLLOW SPOT A powerful light used with an operator so that the light beam can be moved around the stage to follow an actor. HOUSE The whole of the space that houses the audience. GOBO A thin metal plate etched to produce a design which can then be projected by a profile spotlight. It stands for Graphical Optical BlackOut. GREEN ROOM Room close to the stage (i.e. the green) for the actors to meet and relax. IATSE International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. The Union that represents professional stage employees, crafts people and moving picture technicians. LOAD IN (GET IN) The process of moving set, props and other hardware into a theatre prior to the fit-up. LOAD OUT (GET OUT) Moving an entire production out of the venue, and into either a large waste-disposal skip, or into transport. Usually preceded by the strike. OFFSTAGE The area out of sight of the audience 29
PRESET Anything in position before the beginning of a scene or act (eg Props placed on stage before the performance, lighting state on stage as the audience are entering.) PROSCENIUM (PROS) The opening in the wall which stands between stage and auditorium in some theatres; the picture frame through which the audience sees the play. The 'fourth wall'. Often shortened to Proscenium or Pros Arch. REVOLVE A turntable built into the stage floor on which scenery can be set and then driven into view. Can be electrically chain driven, or manually rotated. A revolve can also be built on top of an existing stage. A partial revolve with a stationary centre section is known as a DOUGHNUT REVOLVE. SCRIM A finely woven material through which light may or may not be seen creating shadow and depth to the atmosphere, depending on how the light falls upon it. STAGE DIRECTIONS STAGE LEFT (SL) From a performer s point of view onstage, looking out into the house. The performers LEFT would be STAGE LEFT. This would also translate into HOUSE RIGHT. STAGE RIGHT (SR) From a performer s point of view onstage, looking out into the house. The performers RIGHT would be STAGE RIGHT. This would also translate into HOUSE LEFT. UPSTAGE-DOWNSTAGE (US-DS) UPSTAGE is furthest away from the audience and DOWNSTAGE would be closest to the audience. STRIKE To disassemble a stage set ('strike the set'), to remove props from the stage. STAGE MANAGER (SM) The Stage Manager runs the rehearsal hall, runs all of the rehearsals on stage, and ensures the smooth running of the performance. The Stage Manager calls all of the cues, which can include lighting, sound, special effects, flies, entrances and exits, and any automation cues. To be able to perform these tasks, an SM must be organized, must have people skills, must have strong communicational skills, be passionate about theatre, and have nerves of steel. 30
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (TD) The Technical Director is responsible for creative problem solving. The TD liaises with designers, directors, production departments, administration, and the Production Manager. The TD coordinates all technical aspects of the production and is responsible for the safety of everyone involved in the production. The TD may be responsible for budgeting and scheduling of productions. To be able to perform these tasks, a TD must be creative and curious, have strong communication skills, must be very well organized, must have a passion for theatre, and a strong interest on how things work. PRODUCTION MANAGER (PM) The Production Manager is responsible for hiring all production personnel, all budgeting, and all scheduling outside of the rehearsal process. To be able to perform these tasks, the PM must have strong people skills, must have strong administrative skills, and must understand and be passionate about the process of theatre. 31