Ten major backstage positions of a theater

Actors+prepare+to+go+on+stage+by+getting+into+costume+for+the+Iowa+State+Theatre+departments+play%2C+Spring+Awakening%2C+on+Oct.+10%2C+2014.

Actors prepare to go on stage by getting into costume for the Iowa State Theatre department’s play, “Spring Awakening”, on Oct. 10, 2014.

Michaela Ramm

A theater production is nothing without its actors, but what about those behind the curtain? Without a great production and technical team, a show would not be able to go on.

Here are 10 major backstage positions that ensure a theater production runs as smoothly as possible.

Director: the director is responsible for bringing the text of the play to life on stage through artistic interpretations.

Costume designer: the costume designer is responsible for creating costumes for the play, which may need to include historical accurateness.

Dresser: a dresser is responsible for maintaining  costumes and helping actors.

Stage manager: the stage manager coordinates a production and makes sure it runs smoothly.

Assistant stage manager: the assistant stage manager assists the stage manager.

Set designer: the set designer creates the performance set for the stage.

Stagehand: a stagehand is responsible for moving props or large objects on and off stage between scenes.

Sound designer: the sound designer specifies the sound effects or music needed for the play.

Sound operator: a sound operator controls the sound as specified by the sound designer.

Light board operator: the light board operator controls the lighting system of the stage.

For the full story about ISU Theatre’s guest costume designer from Broadway, click here