Set Design

Every production requires set design. Working with the producer and director, the set designer is the key to the start of a successful production. If you have artistic ability and/or an architectural background or interest, you might enjoy this opportunity to use your imagination. When the design is approved, you will work closely with the costume designer and stage manager to ensure that everything works on stage.

Props

Properties are those things performers carry on or off the stage: a newspaper, a briefcase, a gun, a wallet, a purse, etc. Some items are generally stored in our prop room, but we rely on other items to be found at stores, shops or private homes in the area. On occasion, our props team has been known to make more unique props such as a spoon that appears to dissolve in a cup of poisoned tea or a smoking London Broil. If you enjoy shopping or antiquing, this could be your area of expertise. You might also enjoy working backstage during performances, keeping the props in their proper places, and ensuring that the performers have them when needed. Each performance usually needs at least two volunteers on the props crew.

Lighting Crew

Someone has to help the lighting designer hang and focus the lights, as well as run our computerized light board during each performance. Cues are set by the lighting designer and called by the stage manager, but we need someone to actually push the buttons that make the lights appear. You get a great view of the performance from the tech booth!

Sound Design

This almost always involves special sound effects such as a key turning in a door lock or a toilet flushing, but more importantly, it means music. Sound designers should know something about music to be able to work with the director to find the right sounds and music to create the desired mood. This person should be willing to learn how to use sound equipment to create the tapes and CDs used at each performance. We are always looking for good sound people. Previous experience helps, but it is not required.

Sound Crew

Every production uses some sound, usually on tape cassette or CD. It may simply be music played in the auditorium before the show, or it could be sound effects and music played during the performance. Whatever it is, we need someone to run the sound equipment to play the tapes and CDs. You sit in the tech booth above the audience, wearing a headset to stay in contact with the stage manager who will be calling the cues. You will attend rehearsals and run the sound for several performances during the run of the show. No previous experience is necessary; we will train you.

Costume Design

Sometimes designing costumes for each performer is accomplished by simply pulling something from our costume room or personal sources. Other times, the costume designer may have to create entirely new costumes for most or all of the performers. If you have designing ability and would like to create costumes for a cast, this is a great opportunity. Working closely with the producer and director, the costume designer ensures that all performers are clad in attire appropriate to the story and setting, all within a specific budget. Once the costumes are designed, they must be built. Even when we use costumes from our costume room, they must be fitted to the performers. If you enjoy sewing and are willing to work with patterns, we urge you to volunteer for this department. During the run of the show, we need people backstage to assist with and fix costumes when they lose a button or tear.

Makeup

Each production requires a makeup designer to ensure that the actors look good (or bad) as the show demands. The makeup designer will coordinate all special makeup requirements, such as old age makeup, special effect makeup, and, when necessary, wigs and hair styling. The makeup designer and makeup crew are responsible for assisting or training the actors in applying the appropriate makeup.

Stage Management

A stage manager gets involved in all aspects of a production, because once the show opens, the stage manager is in charge. The stage manager attends rehearsals, works with the cast, discusses the light and sound cues with the designers and director, and ensures that everything and everyone is in place for each performance. The stage manager calls all the cues, ensures that the cast members are in place during performances, pulls the curtain, and sometimes handles sound effect duties backstage. This is a position for which we will train someone. Be prepared to be very busy!

Directing

Experienced directors are always sought for our main stage productions. For those interested in learning to direct, we can assign them to assist more experienced directors, then give them a chance to try their skills on one of our play productions.

Producing

As with our directors, producers must be experienced. We will, however, train new members who are willing to prepare themselves to produce shows in future seasons. The producer recruits the designers and backstage team, keeps the show within budget, arranges meetings, and handles all problems. The producer is required to be at most rehearsals and performances. If interested, we will assign you to assist an experienced producer to learn the ropes (and meet the numerous people you will need to know for a successful production).

Choreographer

All of our musical productions require the involvement of an experienced choreographer to ensure that the actors and dancers know where and how to move. The choreographer works closely with the director to design the dances in a production and then teaches them to the cast. The choreographer must also prepare and conduct a dance audition as a part of the audition process.

Music Director

The music director is a central figure in our musical productions. In collaboration with the director, the music director selects the cast and the orchestra, teaches the music to the singers and to the orchestra, and conducts the orchestra during all performances. This position requires an experienced musician with a background in both vocal and instrumental music.

Design Graphics

Every production needs a logo and a poster for publicity purposes. If you have talent as a graphics artist, you can create the design for one of our productions. Your work will be displayed in the showcase at the entrance to the theater, reproduced on the cover of the playbill, and used in all publicity fliers. You will read the script, meet with the producer and director and other production personnel to discuss the show, and then create what you think is the proper design. We also look for people to help with the layout of our playbills.

House Manager

The house manager plays an important role both before and during each performance. The house manager prepares the theater for the arrival of the audience, answers questions from the audience, and provides hearing impaired patrons with special headsets. In coordination with the stage manger, the house manager makes sure that everything runs smoothly between the time the first patrons arrive until the last patron leaves.

Box Office Staff

Volunteers staff the WRLT Box Office during all performances. Box Office volunteers should have good telephone communication skills, good manners, and a calm demeanor to assist the public in the ticket booth on performance dates. Some training is required, but we are happy to work with anyone interested.