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The producer is ultimately responsible for all non-artistic show decisions. S/he selects a production staff, facilitates all logistical matters, and runs all production meetings. If a production team member becomes unable to complete their position, the producer must either replace them or complete the position him/herself. The producer is also the final authority on the production. If something makes the producer uncomfortable for safety or other reasons, s/he may veto it. Additionally, the producer is responsible for handling interpersonal conflicts. It is important that the producer be organized, accounting for all miscellaneous tasks involved in the show. The producer must frequently take initiative and be extremely adaptive. Be prepared to do a lot of work.
Pre-Production
You should always actively go out and rope people into auditioning, particularly if they are on the fence. Assist the SM team and the director with the audition process. Create and go over actor contracts with all auditionees. Ensure that auditions adhere adhere to the Casting Guidelines stipulated in the Constitution.
Before Auditions
- Set up Callboard
- Schedule Designer Run and Costume Parade
- Contact The Tech and Technique early for a review and photos
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- Schedule auditions with the director, SM, and Ensemble.
- Finalize audition forms and make sure all dates/requirements are correct.
- Ensure that a readthrough has been scheduled.
- Set up the online audition form as soon as possible. See webmaster for details.
You should always actively go out and rope people into auditioning, particularly if they are on the fence.
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Actor Management
- Get actors out of any show conflicts (tests during tech week)
- Replace actors should they decline their parts
Production Staff
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Staff
Finding a good production staff is the most important thing you will do as Producer. Email town-crier, then spam campus. Think very carefully about your decisions. If you want advice, speak to the officers. A good production staff makes a stress-free show. When working with new dartes, you may will either need to assign them as assistants or give them a full position with a mentor. If they show motivation and willingness, you should definitely give them the full position. Meet with all production staff - be sure they understand the calendar and what is expected of them. Go over the contract with all members of the production team at the first meeting.
Finding Staff
- Find an SM by auditions
- TD, SD, and ASMs are high priority
- Lights, Costumes, Sound, Props, Publicity are all important
- In some cases, you may need to design audition posters, yourself
Meet with all production staff - be sure they understand the calendar and what is expected of them. Go over the contract with all members of the production team at the first meeting.
Contracts
Old production staff contracts can be found in the ensemble locker: /mit/ensemble/Private/Contracts/Current. Edit the due dates as necessary.
Newer production staff contracts (one contract for everyone) can be obtained by emailing Mark (marvel@mit.edu). They will soon be put in the locker.
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The following key words should feature prominently in the first production meeting: contracts, calendar, deadlines, budget, schedule, read-through, designer run, prod hours, parade, put-in, paper-tech, q2q, tech week, vision. It helps to have production meetings scheduled at a regular time (Sundays after rehearsal, for example).
Rehearsal
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Period
- Run Production Meetings
- Meet with Chris Nayler
- Register the Show
- Pre-Show Announcement
- Recruit Run Crew, House Manager, and Box Office Managers
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- Help Run Papertech
- Help Run Cue-to-Cue
- Assist as Needed
- Schedule Runtime Jobs
- Attend Opening Night (ideally all shows)
- Ensure the Show is Filmed
- Schedule Alumni Reception
- Schedule Brush-up
- Cast Awards & Gifts
After Closing
- Ensure Borrowed Items are Returned
- Schedule Post-production (if applicable)
Miscellaneous
Interpersonal Stuff
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Things You Should Make Sure Happen
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- Auditions
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- Read Through
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- Papertech (SM)
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- Q2Q (SM)
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- Put-in and Strike (TD)
Other Topics
- Keep Interactions with the Director Positive
- If Transitions are difficult, have a Transition Call