Careers
Name two administrative roles that help run the business side of a theatre.
Managing Director, Box Office Manager, Director of Marketing, House Manager, Company Manager, Director of Development.
What is one main benefit of joining a theatrical union?
They negotiate pay scales, benefits, and working conditions
What are two main goals of theatre programs in elementary and secondary schools?
Teach theatre skills and build student confidence/appreciation for live theatre.
What must a not-for-profit theatre have that explains how it benefits the community?
A clear mission statement explaining how it serves the public good or community
What is one typical feature of New York (Broadway) production staffing compared to regional theatres?
Technicians often work in specialized shops; more specialized roles and centralized production infrastructure.
Which staff member coordinates rehearsals and runs performances during the production?
Stage Manager
Name two unions and the groups they represent (e.g., actors, designers, technicians)
Actors’ Equity Association (actors & stage managers); IATSE (technicians: carpenters, electricians, costumers); United Scenic Artists 829 (designers & scenic artists)
Why might a secondary theatre teacher have a second certification area like English or Speech?
To meet school hiring requirements and increase versatility (e.g., teach English classes or Speech
True or False: Nobody gets paid in not-for-profit theatres.
False — People do get paid; not-for-profits can and do pay staff and artists
What role does a running crew play after load-in at a Broadway house?
Running crew handles the performance operations (set changes, scene shifts) after load-in.
Who creates the visual look of a production (sets, costumes, lighting) and works closely with the director?
Designers (set, costume, lighting, sound)
True or False: All professional theatres always use only union staff.
False — Not every professional theatre uses all-union staff; some are non-equity or mix union and non-union workers
What degree is commonly required for university faculty in theatre and what is one expectation for some university theatre professors?
MFA is commonly required for university faculty; some must also publish scholarly work (PhD or scholarly expectations)
Name one financial difference between commercial and not-for-profit theatres.
Not-for-profits often rely more on donations, grants, and fundraising and may have different tax statuses; commercial theatres seek profit and may pay taxes on purchases
Why are rehearsals often held near the Theatre District for Broadway productions?
Proximity to theatres reduces travel time, allows easy access to rehearsal spaces, and keeps productions centralized near technical resources.
Describe three responsibilities of a production manager or technical director during a show’s run
coordinate crew schedules, ensure safety and technical needs, manage load-ins and strike, oversee running crew
Explain why groups of theatres (like LORT) negotiate with unions instead of each theatre negotiating alone.
Groups negotiate collectively for standardized contracts, better bargaining power, consistent working conditions across theatres, and administrative efficiency
Compare and contrast the aims of community college theatre programs and university theatre programs.
Community colleges: associate degrees, transfer programs, focus on accessible instruction; universities: BA/BFA/MFA/PhD, faculty with terminal degrees, broader research and professional training
Give two reasons why a not-for-profit theatre might differ in size or scope from a commercial theatre.
Differences in funding models, mission-driven programming, community outreach needs; size varies by budget and mission—some not-for-profits are large regional theatres
Describe how technicians working in specialized shops support Broadway productions.
Specialized shops build high-quality scenery, costumes, and technical elements off-site; technicians return for load-in and maintenance
Explain the difference between a house manager and a company manager and give one key duty for each
House Manager: audience experience and safety (front of house). Company Manager: handles daily production logistics and company needs (payroll, travel, schedules).
Describe how union rules can affect rehearsal schedules and worker protections on a production
Union rules set minimum pay, rest periods, safety standards, and rehearsal limitations; this can require daytime rehearsals and protect against excessive hours.
Describe how educational theatre develops both theatre skills and audience appreciation; include one specific classroom activity that supports each goal.
Theatre skills: acting, technical work, etc.; audience appreciation: attending, analyzing live shows. Activities: one—scene study/performance; two—post-show discussion or reflective essays and guided critiques
Explain how a not-for-profit theatre’s mission can influence programming choices and fundraising strategies.
Mission guides programming to serve community needs (education, diversity, outreach), and fundraising targets donors/grants aligned with that mission.
Explain what producers and shareholders risk financially on a commercial Broadway production and what they gain if it succeeds.
Producers/shareholders invest money; they risk losing money if the show fails and gain profits if the show succeeds (ticket sales, tours, licensing).