Theatre Roles

This is the name given to the person who writes the play.

• Author

• Playwright

• Director

• Actor

This is the person who is responsible for and manages the front-of- house team who deal with the audience during the production (for example, the box office manager, ushers and similar staff).

• Front of House

• Stage Manager

• Theatre Manager

• Producer

This person is in charge of the artistic elements of a production. This person will often have the initial creative idea (‘concept’) for a production, will work with the actors in rehearsal, and will collaborate with designers and the technical team to realise this idea in performance.

• Producer

• Actor

• Stage Manager

• Director

This person is in charge of all aspects of backstage, including the backstage crew. They will oversee everything that happens backstage before, during and after a performance. During the rehearsal period, this person and their team will make sure that all props are found or made, scene changes are rehearsed and smooth, and all other aspects of backstage are prepared. They are also in charge of the rehearsal schedule.

• Stagehand

• Crew

• Stage Manager

• Stage Technician

The person who designs the puppets for a performance

• Puppet Manipulator

• Puppet Designer

• Puppet Master

• Puppeteer

A person who works backstage either setting up technical equipment such as microphones or rigging lights before a production or operating technical equipment during a performance.

• Stage Manager

• Technician

• Props Master

• Crew

The person who realises a role or performance in front of an audience.

• Actor

• Entertainer

• Celebrity

• Performer

The person who designs the costumes for a performance. The costume department of a theatre is often called the wardrobe.

• Costume Designer

• Seamstress

• Tailor

• Wardrobe Maker

This person is responsible for the design of the set for a performance. They will work closely with the director and other designers so that there is unity between all the designs and the needs of the performance.

• Designer

• Set Designer

• Show Designer

• Light Designer

A performer who studies another’s role so that they can take over when needed.

• Second Choice

• Understudy

• Backup-Study

• Overstudy