Creative

The ACTOR is the most familiar face of the production for the audience and performs one or more roles in a show, as outlined by the Director and other members of the creative team. The ACTOR defines live theater by performing a character who brings a story to life with the help of staging, costumes, makeup, sets and lighting.

An AERIAL CHOREOGRAPHER is in charge of creating, directing, and ensuring the safety of ACTORS who leave the ground during a performance.

An ARTISTIC DIRECTOR is an executive of a theatre organization who is responsible for the overarching artistic vision of the organization.

The BOOK WRITER writes the book of a musical, specifically the spoken words that are not the lyrics, or the words of each song. BOOK WRITERS help provide a blueprint for the actors and creative team from which to work as they develop a show. They help craft the musical or show’s plot, character development, and structure, specifying stage directions and dialogue. Sometimes they can also be the lyricist of the show.

A CASTING DIRECTOR coordinates and runs the process by which the director and other key members of the creative team audition actors and assign roles.

A CHILD GUARDIAN oversees the care, professional behavior and well-being of Broadway’s youngest stars - the children performing on stage who are under sixteen years of age. The guardians help create an atmosphere where children performers can be working professionals in a safe environment and still be kids off stage.

A CHOREOGRAPHER designs and directs the performers’ dance and complex movement portion of the show.

The COMPOSER creates all the original music in a production, from short incidental music for specific scenes to an entire score for a musical.

The COSTUME DESIGNER transforms the actors into their characters through the use of clothing and helps situate a production in a specific time and place through the visual cues of clothing. They design, research, source, and construct the clothes for all the actors in a production. Their job responsibilities may also include those of a MAKE-UP ARTIST or WIG SPECIALIST.

A DANCE ARRANGER works with the ORCHESTRATOR and the CHOREOGRAPHER to help arrange the music for a production’s dance breaks, sequences, and numbers.

The DIRECTOR provides the guiding creative vision for all members of the production. The DIRECTOR takes the lead in putting together the entire creative team and managing the overall staging and artistic vision of a production.

A DRAMATURG works with the PLAYWRIGHT/BOOK WRITER, DIRECTOR, and/or ARTISTIC staff to help them have a deeper and more accurate understanding of a production.

An EDUCATION DIRECTOR is typically found in a not-for-profit or regional theatre organization. EDUCATION DIRECTORS are charged with developing and executing programming for community partners, such as students, young professionals, those in prison, or families, that is usually connected to the shows currently playing at their venue as well as overseeing the Education Department. This programming can manifest in a variety of ways, including in school partnerships, internship programs, shadowing programs, events with a talkback for a specific demographic, etc. Sometimes the Education department can be a part of, encompass, or work with the theatre organization’s Community Outreach, Audience Engagement, or Marketing sector/department.

A FIGHT DIRECTOR is someone who directs, stages, and choreographs the fight sequences of a production.

The HAIR & WIG DESIGNER transforms the ACTORS into their characters through the use of hair and wigs.

An INTIMACY COORDINATOR is a trained professional who advocates for what is best for a scene and what is best for the ACTORS in the case of an intimate scene (which can be anything from a kiss, a romantic grab, or simulated sex).

The LIGHTING DESIGNER creates the lighting concept and equipment requirements for a production. Lighting Designers work most closely with the DIRECTOR, SCENIC, COSTUME, and PROJECTION DESIGNERS to create a lighting scheme that communicates the feeling of a production and guides the audience’s attention in specific ways throughout a performance.

A LYRICIST creates and writes the words for the songs in a musical production.

The MAKE-UP ARTIST transforms the actors into their characters through the use of make-up, along with hair and styling. MAKE-UP ARTISTS develop a look and style for each character that helps convey the story. Their responsibilities can also overlap with those of a COSTUME DESIGNER, as MAKE-UP ARTISTS can be in charge of hair, wigs, and face paint.

A MOVEMENT COACH works with performers, dancers and actors to enhance storytelling through physicality and dance.

The MUSIC SUPERVISOR oversees the entire music department for a production.

The MUSICAL DIRECTOR is in charge of all music-related aspects of a production.

The MUSICIAN brings live music to Broadway audiences as a member of the orchestra.

The ORCHESTRATOR works with the COMPOSER to bring the score to life and plans for the specific musical needs of a production.

A PLAYWRIGHT is the person who writes the script or play that becomes the show.

A PRODUCER is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a show — uniting the creative team, raising the financial investment, and guiding the show every step of the way.

The PROJECTION DESIGNER creates all projections shown on stage, including still photos and filmed footage.

The PROPS PERSON, also known as the PROPS MASTER, maintains certain aspects of the theatre facility and may also serve as the props person for a specific production. They research, fabricate, and find all necessary props, things that are picked up, used, or set, for a show.

The SCENIC DESIGNER creates the set design for a production, including backdrops, set pieces, and, in some cases, even the shape of the stage.

A SOUND DESIGNER designs the audio experience of a production by creating the sound design, including sound playback, sound effects, music, and amplification.

The SPECIAL EFFECTS DESIGNER creates the illusions that help to immerse the audience into the world of the production.

A synthesizer designs, programs, and maintains various electronic systems for producing live music such as electronic keyboards, electronic drums, and backing tracks triggered from the orchestra pit.

A TEACHING ARTIST is a professional artist who has a dual career in education.

A THEATRE PHOTOGRAPHER captures the emotion, depth, story, and action of a show.

The VIDEO DESIGNER creates and oversees any filmed footage, projections, or motion graphics that are used in a production.

The VOCAL ARRANGER works with the actors to bring a story’s music to life.

A VOCAL DIRECTOR works with performers to strengthen and teach vocal techniques.