Theatre Personnel Paper Due: 4/8 @ 11:59PM via Canvas.

Over the course of the semester, we’ve thus far seen a few different shows that each highlighted, in different ways, the full spectrum of professions one can pursue in the theatre. You’ve read about and discussed on Canvas the different disciplines that go into making a show: acting, directing, set, light, costume, and sound design, dramaturgy, marketing, etc.

Your task here will be to research one theatre profession and then write a paper about it. Here’s a list of professions from which you must choose for your research.

Producer                   Dramaturg                Media Designer

Artistic Director               Stage Manager              Actor

Managing Director               Set Designer               Stage Hand

Director                   Technical Director              Production Manager

Choreographer                Lighting Designer              Company Manager

Musical Director               Costume Designer              Theater Marketer

Playwright                 Sound Designer               House Manager

Google the professions above and choose one that interests you the most, or perhaps one that you feel falls closest to your personal area of expertise. In your research, consider some—but not necessarily ALL—of the following questions:

Was it always, or is it always a part of the theater organization? If it has changed over time, what was the arc in terms of the development of the position? What do you imagine its future to be?

What are some of the common paths to getting a job as a professional in this position? Is it commonly an apprentice program, university training, union affiliation, other paths entirely, or some combination of the above?

Who were or are some ‘leaders’ in the industry, performing this position? Where do/did they work? What was their contribution to the craft?

Where would you want to work, doing this job you’ve chosen? What would you hope to bring to the theater industry in terms of change or innovation?