There’s no denying it: whilst the performers may be the face of the theatre, the tech crew are the brains. Not that we’re saying our performers are brainless, of course! But the tech crew aren’t just the brains, they’re the eyes, the ears, the hands…

The tech crew are the creative source that brings the performance to life, to make sure the performers are well-lit, heard, looking great, and are giving the best performance possible. As such, there are numerous important and essentials roles within the tech crew. Here are just a few…

Director

The direct… directs! Ultimately, the finished product of a performance is down to the director, who will direct the performers how to perform, and work with the rest of the technical crew to ensure the finished product is as great as it can possibly be.

The director usually picks the piece they want to direct, and has a vision of what the play will look like, and the drive to bring it to life – and they’re ultimately responsible for everything that happens.

Stage Manager

The Stage Manager is the life-support of the performance, working with the rest of the tech crew, and the performers, to ensure the performance goes ahead and runs as smoothly as possible.

The Stage Manager has a pivotal role in the performance, doing everything from ensuring that the props are where they should be, that the actors are where they should be (and when they should be!), and throughout the performance will be in constant communication with the rest of the tech crew to ensure everything is going as planned, and that the cues are ready to go.

A great Stage Manager can make all the difference to a performance, and they are often the unsung heroes of the stage. If you’re blessed with good organisational and person skills, stage management may be the role for you!

Lighting Design & Operation

The lighting designers and operators ensure a performance stands bright – designing which lights come on and when, and in which combination, to set the scene and mood of the stage.

Lighting designers liaise with the director and set designers to set the aesthetic and mood of the show. It’s an intricate role, where the placement of a single light can make all the difference. A highly creative, and highly technical role.

Sound Design & Operation

Whereas the lighting ensures that a performance looks good, the sound design and operation team ensure it sounds good.

Sound design is essential to developing a mood of a play, particularly in setting the era and scene. A certain sound effect at a certain time can build suspense and drive the narrative, a certain piece of music can help set the scene.

Like lighting design and operation, sound design and operation is a highly creative and technical role.

Set Design & Construction

Are you good with tools? A dab-hand with a paintbrush? You might love set design and construction!

Working with the director, you’ll be directly responsible with how the performance looks to the audience. Constructing set pieces out of wood, nails and screws; sourcing furniture and placing it where it needs to be; painting until your wrists are raw; and literally setting the scene for the performance.

There are a variety of different skills and roles involved in set design and construction. We need everything from DIY experts with an intricate knowledge of Bunnings Warehouse aisles, to painters that can make sure no piece goes unpainted, to those with an uncanny ability to find the right set-piece in a charity shop.

A good eye for detail and/or knowledge of a tool belt make you best placed for the roles!

Costume Design

Our performers can’t go out on stage naked – unless, of course, the script calls for it! The Costume Designers have the job of getting all the sizes of the performers and then finding something suitable for them all to wear on stage.

A keen eye for detail, fashions (current and historical) and colour coordination make for a good costume designer – and if you’re able to use a needle-and-thread, you’ll be even more of an asset!

Hair & Makeup

Are you great with a makeup brush? A dab hand with hair straighteners, hairspray and curlers? Do you have the ability to make someone look equally fabulous and horrific? Hair and makeup may be for you.

A highly creative role, but an eye for detail is a must – you’ll be working with the director, lighting designer, set designer, and costume designer to ensure you place the important (and essential) finishing touches to the performers to bring the performance to life.

General Hands

Many hands make light work! If you feel that any of the above roles might be a bit much to take on at first, we’re always looking for general hands to bring our performances to an audience. Every little bit really does help!

When Spectrum Theatre puts out its audition notices, we’re usually looking for tech crew at the same time! Attend an audition and express your interest in a tech role, or alternatively, contact the directors directly.