Guidelines and Responsibilities for Running Crew Assignments

Scenery and Props

Crew Run Through and Crew Introductions:

• Please see GENERAL notes for clarification of requirements.
• Meet scenery and props supervisors and show carpenter, scenic designer, stage management team, cast, and other crew members
• Observe the play as a whole, paying close attention to the scenery that is moving on and off stage
• Talk with the scenery and props supervisors and show carpenter about what to expect the next day
  

During tech / dress process:

• Arrive on time for your calls, ready to work.
• Familiarize yourself with your running assignments.
• Sweep and mop stage floor
• Establish pathways backstage for crew and actors
• Obtain run book or shift plots from the SM
• Set props out and get scenery ready for use as directed by SM, ASM, or supervisors.
• Remain accessible at all times when you are not specifically given a break. You should be ready to run on stage as soon as you are called
• Your running location can be changed by either the show carpenter or the stage manager; if one asks you to relocate, be sure the other knows where you’ve gone and why so no one finds you suddenly and mysteriously missing.
• Each element of the production is cued and run to perfection within the context of the show. It is essential that you remember your role in creating the “magic” of the theatre. Write down notes for future reference
• Notify ASM or show carpenter of problems in transitions or of scenic / prop elements that might need attention.
• Check with SM for call time for the next rehearsal
  

Attire:

• Generally, crew who work backstage wear “blacks”, a generic term for black clothing. This can be coveralls or other pieces required in the design of the show, which would be provided for you, or:
  - Black full-length pants
  - Long-sleeved black shirt (if you’re not seen on stage, may have dark logo or printing)
  - Dark socks
  - Dark, non-marking, close-toed shoes (sneakers, rubber-soled boots or similar)
  - Your shoes must have low heels, closed toes and full backs (no high heels or mules or slides of any height)

Each performance:

• At call time, and finished by 1/2 hour:
  - Sweep and mop the stage floor
  - Backstage presets
  - Set up first change
• During 1/2 hour:
  - Be available to help with any problems
• At places call:
  - Go to location of first change
  - Run show!
• After show:
  - Return props and scenery to storage
  - Clean up the stage and back stage areas
  - Go home when released by supervisor

Photo call:

• Remain available to move scenic elements into different positions, knowing that the order of photos is often the reverse of the run of the show. The photo call list should be posted on the callboard before the evening run. Ask the supervisor or stage manager if the information is unclear.
  

Strike:

• Departmental rules require you stay for 2 hours past the final performance to participate in strike. Either the scenic designer or scenery supervisor will instruct you. Only the scenery supervisor, in consultation with the stage manager, may release you.
  

 

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