Industry Profile -- by Susanne Albrecht

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women simply players.
- William Shakespeare

If the most famous playwright in history is right and we're all actors, then what about the people behind the curtain? That is to say, what about the people who pull the strings?

In most theatre shows, actors get the limelight for bringing stories to life. Audiences often forget about the team of artists who work tirelessly backstage to pull productions together and add the final touches. Writers, directors, producers, stage managers, lighting/sound technicians and set designers are just some of the professionals who play an integral role in the final product that is shown on-stage.

Indeed, where would stage productions be without scripts to perform, directors to supervise the entire process, producers to keep on top of budgets... you get the picture. Successful shows are usually a result of a group of talented artists co-ordinating their efforts to produce a common vision. Group members rely on each other to do their jobs well. For example, it is difficult for actors to perform without lines.

Perhaps as a result of this interdependence, backstage workers have a hierarchy of supervisors who ensure that jobs are done properly. Producers work with directors to make sure the production adheres to a schedule. Directors, meanwhile, manage the cast and crew to make sure stories unfold in a desired way. The cast and crew also have departmental supervisors who can provide more hands-on management than the director.

Regardless of workers' positions within the hierarchy, they must have strong communication skills. This is a requirement because they work as a team to achieve a work of art. They should also have the ability to push personal creative limits, while using others' constructive feedback to make changes that will benefit the production as a whole.

Education varies for most behind-the-scenes employees, with many of them completing post-secondary programs in the arts. Previous experience as well as the reputation that is built through working on productions is important. Pay ranges from small to large salaries, depending on the position and nature of the production. Many backstage people work from contract to contract on a show-by-show basis. Occupational outlook tends to be below average or average. Long hours and travel are common.

Here's a closer look at some of the occupations available in this industry:

Directors envision how stories should be told and oversee most aspects of stage productions. They work with producers in selecting scripts and actors, ensuring productions remain on budget, and managing technical matters. Directors encourage actors to give their best performances and take care of details such as set designs, lighting and sound. Directors should be able to work creatively under the pressure of making important decisions and adhering to a budget. They should also be able to inspire the respect of employees. Ten to 12 hour workdays, including evenings and weekends, are common. Directors often have experience acting and writing. Many of them also attend two-year theatre direction programs at post-secondary institutions.

• Pay will range from $19,000-$26,000 per year or more.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Lighting Designers and Lighting Technicians ensure that lighting effects show off productions to the best advantage. Lighting designers decide which effects will be used throughout the show, taking mood and technical capabilities into consideration. Lighting technicians use light fixtures, control devices and other electrical equipment to manage lighting. Lighting designers and technicians must be creative and aware of the latest lighting technology. Educational requirements vary, with many designers and technicians learning on the job. Post-secondary education is an asset.

• Pay will range from $15,600 to $36,400 per year for designers.
• Average occupational growth is expected to 2006 for designers.
• Pay will range from $10 to $15 per hour for technicians.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006 for technicians.

Dramaturgs are experts on historical periods, language and literature. Production team members consult dramaturgs to ensure that scenes are portrayed realistically. For instance, a dramaturg may recommend that a 16th century character speaks in a manner that is much different from today's language. Dramaturgs may also providing editing advice and script change suggestions to playwrights. People do not usually study to become dramaturgs. Instead, people with an interest in theatre will end up in the role after advanced studies in fields like acting, history and linguistics.

Producers manage stage productions from creating the idea for the production, selecting key staff including the director, to planning schedules and budgets. They are heavily involved in the financial aspect of stage productions. Additionally, producers approve costs incurred by all departments. Personal characteristics of producers include strong leadership skills. They should also be able to deal with stress as well as have good communication skills. Some productions may take years to complete. Education varies, but producers should have a broad range of knowledge. Prior experience in the theatre business is a must.

• Pay will range from $16,900 to $49,700 per year.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Stage Managers co-ordinate what happens on stage -- ensuring that actors, props and lighting/sound effects work together smoothly. Stage managers must have strong communication skills in working with directors, production managers, designers and actors. They must also make sure that staff take regular breaks and that safety regulations are followed. On opening night (when the director passes on some of his/her duties), stage managers run the show and make sure the integrity of the director's vision is maintained. Education varies, but related post-secondary education is preferred.

• Pay will range from $150 to $1,500 per week.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

If you have a good ear for pitches and tones, you might want to think about a career as a Sound Engineer. Sound engineers work with the sound during performances to produce what the audience hears from the speakers. They manipulate sound using a mixing console and are usually responsible for setting up and taking down the console. Personal attributes of sound engineers include being able to work co-operatively. There are no standard educational requirements, however, related post-secondary education is an asset as is experience.

• Pay will range from $14,900 to $35,900 per year.
• Below average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Playwrights write the scripts that become live-action plays. They may work with directors and/or dramaturgs to polish scripts or "workshop" scripts, meaning that scripts are changed through rehearsals with actors. Playwrights must be able to express ideas clearly, in an entertaining manner. They must also be able to work independently and edit their scripts according to deadlines. Some writers, called writers-in-residence, are hired by theatre companies to write original scripts. There are no set educational requirements for this field, but experience writing as well as post-secondary education in writing are helpful in gaining employment.

• Pay will range from $18,400 to $65,800 per year.
• Average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Set Designers use their artistic judgement to create sets that enhance stage productions. They should possess a good sense of colour and style in producing backgrounds that match story-lines. Working with directors and other designers, set designers supervise the production of the set as well as props. They must work within the limitations of the show's venue and budget. Creativity and interpersonal skills are important attributes. Education varies, but related post-secondary education is desirable.

• Pay will range from $15,600 to $36,400 per year.
• Average occupational growth is expected to 2006.

Set Builders are typically carpenters or cabinet makers, welders and electricians. These people work with the designers to build sets and hook up lighting systems that meet the needs of the production and the vision of the designers. They work in a typical shop environment often under tight deadlines. Builders must have sound mechanical abilities as wells a good communication skills and an ability to visualize abstract ideas. There are no standard educational requirements, although those with previous related work experience and their journeyman papers will find employment more often. Work is often on a contract basis. Workers in these positions may be unionized. Pay rates vary based on experience and the theatre company paying the bills.

Each industry profiled in nextSteps also includes several jobs that are related, or universal across industries. Some of those jobs included in, or related to, the backstage industry can be found in the following previous issues:

• Esthetics, March 2002 (makeup artist, wig sylist)
• Entertainment Industry, June 1998 (actor, entertainment writer)
• Fashion, December 2000 (clothing designer, hair stylist)
• Linguistic Careers, February 2002 (linguistic anthropologists, linguists)
• Symphonic Careers, July 2001 (orchestra/band conductors, librettists)
• Museum Careers, April 2001 (anthropologists, historians).