BREIF
I have been tasked with creating a theatre company that will perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016. In order to do this, I must cover the basic aspects on how to create such a company and to establish a company structure that explains job roles incorporated in the business.
Stage Manager (http://www.aact.org/stage-manager)
The role of a typical stage manager involves giving organisational support to the director. They also give practical support to actors, designers and stage crew during rehearsals- ultimately making sure the production that they are working on runs smoothly.
During a production, a successful stage manager would also be seen as an assistant director due to the amount of support he provides to the director, making the job role one of the most important during performance. In addition, they would keep track of logistical and scheduling details in order for the director to focus more on their job. Furthermore, they would record notes from actors, communicate events and ensure all sets, equipment and props are ready for use during rehearsals. To enter the field as a stage manager, many begin and train as an assistant and progress- if they have suitable stage work experience going into it (for example working as a stagehand or an actor/ performer of any kind) however, most entry requirements for even smaller scale companies include a minimum of a Level 4 HNC Diploma in Performing Arts (Production) and foundation degrees in theatre practice, technical theatre or stage management.
To train for this job role, it would be suitable to attend Birmingham School of Acting (BSA) and taking a three-year BA Honours degree in stage management. Alternatively, a stage management course (from 1-3 years- depending on how much training is needed) at Edinburgh Stage Management School could seem more compelling to any post-graduates looking to pursue a career as a stage manager.
The average income for a stage manager working in the UK stands at around 27,000 per annum, however a heavy 49% of these are self-employed- suggesting that you need not always need to look for work in this particular industry but provide yourself with it instead by perhaps starting an independent small-scale depending on funding.
Personally, I would find this role restricting as I love to be on stage and perform. In addition, I think the average pay for a Stage Manager is shocking compared to how much work they have to put in to a production.
Director (http://www.aact.org/director)
The director is a vital part in any production and mostly involves bringing together the script, the set, actors, costuming, lighting, sound and music. In order to achieve this, a strong director needs to interpret the script, cast the production they are staging, collaborate with designers, plan rehearsals and guide the actors in their work during rehearsals- which usually sees the director work very closely with the actors.
The role of Director would interest me as it involves being a very creative and imaginative individual who works well with others however maintains a high work ethic and thrives on pressure.
Marketing Officer (http://www.aact.org/marketingpublicity-director)
Being a marketing officer involves managing or assisting in promoting the productions, services and public image of the theatre company they are representing. However, it is not always straight forward as responsibilities would differ according to the company that has employed them. But most marketing officers would be involved in the advertising side of a company/production.
During production, you could have many marketing officers with separate instructions/roles depending on how large the production. For example, if it were for the West End, there could be marketing officers with roles including; advertising, publications, public relations and media relations. In the case of advertising, a marketing officer would consult with an artistic director in order to capture the artist idea of the production's public image as well as the marketing officers' research behind it. In addition, a marketing officer may be tasked with organising promotional events and conferences or arranging media interviews- again depending on how the company divides up responsibilities.
Actor (https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/actor, http://www.aact.org/actor)
An actor communicates a character or situation to an audience through speech, body movement and language. This usually involves having to work closely with the director in order to interpret his insight on a scene to perform it in the way they have envisioned it.
Various Careers include being involved in radio, theatre-based work, television and film.
Typical work activities include liasing with an agent, job seeking and networking and discussing interpretation with his/her peers.
Sometimes an Actor could face a lengthy spell away from work, therefore need to occasionally work for free in order to get recognition and stand a better chance for work in the future. Therefore, an Actor would need to be patient and professional; especially at the worst of times.
To train as an Actor, you would benefit from training at drama schools such as the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) or Guildford School of Acting (GSA) to name a few.
Professional Stage and film/television actor Danny Sapani states "The big challenge as an actor for me has been to convey the full force of the character from behind a bear’s head mask." as he says how he is typecast as a 'noble warrior' and recalls how in rehearsals, he learned to use the mask as a way of amplifying what he does rather than as a shield to hide behind. Danny attended the Central School of Speech and Drama, graduated in 1992 and has barely been out of work since
Wanting to become a Professional Actor myself, I am aware how strenuous this role is and how hard it is to 'make it' in the industry as it is such a broad market- however this I believe will only make me work harder to achieve my goal.
Choreographer (https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/choreographer.aspx)
In order to pursue a career as a professional stage choreographer, you'll need to achieve a high level of dance training and experience. To make a start in the profession, many train as professional dancers and later combine this with the cheorography (especially in smaller companies). Most start this process at a young age, frequently taking graded exams then moving on to a vocational dance school in order to attend a three-year degree or one-year post graduate diploma in professional dance or musical theatre.
In my opinion, the role of Choreographer does not interest me as I am not dance-orientated, however, I very much appreciate the role they play in a production.
DATABASE
Equity
tel:02073796000, email:info@equity.org.uk
The UK's trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners and are known for their professionalism nationally and are a respected leading industry organisation. Equity generally do work with, an on behalf of, their members working across all areas of the entertainment industry- supporting a range of cultural community of members negotiating their terms and conditions including fee structures. They also provide a team of well trained, experienced full-time staff when it comes to advice and representation.
Other Businesses involved
Spotlight, The Stage
Why Equity?
I have chosen equity because they offer several benefits for crucial roles of the company- including protection of their clients- meaning they discuss with Equity before signing a contract for any local or overseas work and advise members on non-Equity contracts.
They also reserve member's professional names as long as it is not in use by another member, as names are crucial for the distribution of royalties and other payments, credits and casting clarity. In addition, Equity offer Careers Advice, a Bullying Reporting line, Legal support and provide Accident and Backstage insurance along with on line directories to support their working life. Being a member makes a positive statement about your commitment to your possible career path and place in the industry. An Equity card is universally recognised as a symbol of a member's professional status.
Company Roles Involved
Actors, Stage Managers, Dancers
Musicians Union
tel:02078405537
A globally renowed firm that represents over 30,000 artists working in all the sectors of the business, Musicians Union provides a range of services to tackle the issues raised by musicians in and out of work. Its full time officials are available to assist its members with any immediate problems such as copyright protection, contractual advice or the recovery of unpaid fees to crucial work in health and safety.
Other Businesses involved
Equity- provides a similar service, however just for musicians. In contrast, a joint Actor/ Musician could benefit from both businesses by becoming a member.
Why Musicians Union?
I have chosen Musicians Union because they too provide a very good service to the crucial roles in the company- however more specifically the musical side of performance. Services include; Insurance guaranteees (2,000 of instrument insurance cover, 10 million public liablity insurance cover, professional expenses cover- help when dealing with tax authorities and personal accident cover), Legal advice (Contract advice and negotiation service, trade union representation for problems at work and partnership advisory service- when working with other musicians) and Artist/ Client recognition (will forward you to other unions to ensure as the artist, you are well known and are provided with a mixture of job oppurtunities, improves your musician rights).
Company Roles Involved
Composers, Musicians
Stage Style Costumes
tel:07739364911, email:stagestylecostumes@gmail.com
A quality local costume supplier with over 12,500 high range products, Stage Style Costumes are a dedicated business with 40 years of experience and service under their belts. They supply costumes for any event for their client.
Other Businesses involved
BBC- Stage Style Costumes have supplied this broadcasting giant with many of their props and costumes.
Why Musicians Union?
I have chosen Stage Style Costumes because they have extensive experience in their field and always support their potential client's needs- working within their budget and will give you advice surrounding this. They also deal with outfitting both young and adult casts and have a large selection of youth production costume sets.
Company Roles Involved
Stage Manager, Production Manager, Scenic Artists
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