Overview
This lecture introduces the three main types of roles in theater—artists, craftspeople, and managers—and explains their distinct responsibilities and importance in theatrical production.
Types of Theater Work
- There are three primary job types in theater: artist, craftsperson, and manager.
- Most theater roles fit into one or a combination of these three job types.
Artists in Theater
- The artist creates from imagination and is considered the most important in theater roles.
- Artistic ability cannot be taught; it comes from within and is defined as man's attempt to capture the human spirit.
- The artist conceives original ideas like set, costume, or lighting designs.
Craftspeople in Theater
- The craftsperson (or technician) brings the artist's ideas to life by constructing or realizing these concepts.
- Craft can be taught and learned, but artistry cannot.
- Just as an architect must understand construction, artists must know craft but not necessarily excel at it.
- Craftspeople interpret and execute the detailed blueprints or designs provided by artists.
Difference Between Art and Craft
- Craft refers to technical skill and realism, while art is judged by the impact and intention behind the work.
- Not all well-crafted work is art; art moves or changes the audience, often through its message rather than technical perfection.
Managers in Theater
- Managers handle the organization, people, and finances within a theater.
- Typical management roles include stage manager, house manager, box office manager, business manager, and crew manager.
- Stage managers and house managers primarily manage people (backstage crews and audience, respectively).
- Box office managers manage ticket sales (ticket revenue) and the staff selling tickets, overseeing both people and money.
- Business managers focus on budgets, expenses, and managing the theater’s finances.
- Crew managers oversee technical teams, such as those involved in set, lighting, or props.
- Directors combine all three roles: artistic, managerial, and technical leadership.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Artist — A person who creates imaginative ideas or designs in theater.
- Craftsperson (Technician) — One who realizes or constructs the artist’s vision into physical form.
- Manager — Oversees people, finances, or both to ensure smooth production operations.
- Box Office — Refers to money earned from ticket sales only.
- Stage Manager — Manages backstage operations and ensures performances run smoothly.
- House Manager — Manages the audience experience and front-of-house staff.
- Business Manager — Manages finances and budgets in the theater.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for upcoming lectures on theater as art, impersonation, performance, and work.