What Are Run Crew?
Run crew are the people that run the technical aspects of the show, including the sound board, the light board (if the SM isn't running it), set changes, effects, and that assist with costume and make-up changes.
How Many Run Crew?
The number of run crew and the dedication required depends entirely on the show. At minimum, one run crew should be on headset in the dressing room to communicate with booth regarding the readiness of the stage and actors and to help troubleshoot as necessary. Shows with complicated quick changes, set changes, clean up, make-up changes, or effect prep that actors will not be able to do will require more run crew. Anyone intending to run crew during the run of the show should ideally run crew at least one of the dress rehearsals.
Where to find Run Crew
Assistant Stage Managers and Designers and anyone else involved in the show but not acting (excepting the producer) often make excellent run crew if they can make all or most of the performances. An email should be sent out (generally by the producer, unless delegated) a week before put-in advertising for run-crew, and preference is given to those who can make the most nights or who have the most useful specialized knowledge. Every performance must have at least one run crew who has run crewed at least one previous performance or dress rehearsal for that show. This becomes increasingly important the more complicated or specialized the tasks are (such as complicated costume or make up changes, set changes in the dark, or setting up projection).
The Job of the Run Crew
Run crew should show up when they are told to show up (generally at least 30 minutes prior to the run of the show, earlier their first day) and check to make sure all props/set pieces/costumes/effects that they will be handing are set up correctly, and double-check to ensure they know all specialized tasks. They should carry out these tasks. They should stay on headset as much as possible in order to provide communication between booth and the dressing room. They should keep track of the progress in the show and help sort out any problems backstage. They should open and prop the door to Sala (or whatever space) for intermission and at the end of the show. In general, run crew are encouraged to wear relatively simple, all black clothing.
Notes on Specific Props (alphabetical order)
Glasses should be poured with just enough to look full onstage (make sure you experiment with how much this is beforehand; particularly true for champagne flutes), but no more; minimize the chance of accidents.
Tele-Q (telephone ringer) button can slip easily; hold it down firmly.