VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

This position serves as an assistant to the director, and is in charge of selecting all crew chairs for a production. The PSM holds production meetings and fills in for any missing crew person during the run of a show. This person must have previous experience volunteering with the RTG, preferably as stage manager and in other technical positions.

The stage manager supervises the cast and crew during technical rehearsals and performances. The SM calls the sound and light cues from the booth and keeps in touch with assistant stage managers backstage via headsets. The stage manager is expected to attend all rehearsals and must be present for every show. The stage manager has many other responsibilities, including telling actors when to come for rehearsals and performances, giving line cues for early rehearsals off book, and being present at brush-up rehearsals. A stage manager should have previous experience as an ASM.

One or two ASM’s are used for each show to work backstage, telling the stage manager whether actors and crew are in position. The ASM’s act as the stage manager’s eyes and ears backstage for all technical preparations. For example, an ASM will tell the stage manager in the booth when the props crew has cleared the stage or whether an actor is in position to make an entrance

The lighting designer works with the director to create the proper lighting effects for the show. Design work is usually done before the beginning of dress rehearsal week. This person hangs and focuses the lights in the grid. Training from an experienced designer is helpful to learn how to set lights and program the computerized system.

After the lights are designed, the lighting tech works in the booth during dress rehearsals and at each performance to execute the lighting cues at the stage manager’s signal. Previous experience is not necessary, but the person must be trained on our computerized lighting system.

The sound designer works with the director to create any sound effects and music that will be used during the show. This usually includes recording music and sound effects from sound libraries. Training can be provided to teach people how to use the booth sound equipment.

After the sound designer has completed the sound plot, the sound technician works in the booth to insert sound cues at the stage manager’s signal. The sound tech is expected to be at all dress rehearsals and performances. Previous experience is not necessary, but the person must be trained on the sound equipment.

Props crew persons need not have previous backstage experience. They are expected to come for rehearsals during dress rehearsal week and for performances. Props crew people can share responsibilities, so that all people do not need to be present at all performances. This is an ideal position to get to know the theatre and how its backstage operations work.

The costume designer works with the director to select costumes for the show, which may involve pulling costumes from our storage, buying clothes from stores and secondhand shops, altering clothes and sewing costumes from scratch. Sewing skills are vital, and it helps to be able to organize seamstresses to sew to your requirements. Costume designers also work with the director to accessorize actors with shoes, hats, jewelry, etc.

The wardrobe crew works with the wardrobe chair to organize and prepare wardrobe during the show. Crew people assist the chair in any way needed, including helping actors change quickly, organizing costumes between shows, and helping to launder or repair any costumes. No previous backstage experience is necessary.

The makeup crew people are on hand before and during each performance to help the actors apply makeup, ensure that special supplies are on hand, clean sponges, and tidy the makeup areas of the dressing rooms. The makeup crew also helps with styling hair and wigs.

Any number of volunteers are needed to help build sets under the direction of the technical director. Volunteers are needed during the day and evenings to work in the RTG shop area. No special skills are necessary. Tools and equipment are provided. For further information, contact the show PSM or the technical director.

The house manager oversees the lobby and all patron areas during performances, and is available for audience emergencies. This position is responsible for checking out headsets for the hearing system and staffing sales at the concession stand. The house manager enforces the no-smoking rule in lobby, restrooms and auditorium. He/she is in charge of balancing the money received at concessions and the bar.

A crew of 8 to 12 ushers is coordinated by a head usher for each of the 13 play performances. Ushers come to the theatre 45 minutes before curtain and show people to their seats. Ushers sell concessions during intermissions. No previous experience is necessary.

Volunteers staff the box office before each performance and stay through intermission. They sell tickets, provide exchanges, answer the telephone and, in general, serve as customer service representatives.

A volunteer who has worked several seasons in a particular area or has comparable experience is eligible to serve as season chair. These positions generally involve overseeing other volunteers to make sure things run smoothly from one production to the next all season long. Here are the areas with chair positions:

• • AUDITIONS – Attend all auditions to hand out and gather information cards.
  • BARTENDERS – Recruit and schedule bartenders for special events, rentals, Jean’s Jazz Series, First Fridays and Comedy Tonight.
  • BOX OFFICE – Staff the box office with volunteers and train them.
  • CALLBOARD – Write and edit the newsletter.
  • HEAD USHER – Staff, train and supervise usher crews.
  • HISTORIAN – Collect and file/store records, minutes, programs, photos and archival material.
  • HOUSE MANAGER – Train and schedule house managers for all shows.
  • LIGHTING – Inventory and maintain lighting equipment; train technicians.
  • MAKEUP – Inventory, order and stock makeup supplies.
  • MEMBERSHIP – Recruit and retain members, which includes activity planning.
  • PACKY MEALS – Plan, prepare, serve and clean up after meals for cast and crew between shows on Racine Children’s Theatre weekends (four per season).
  • PLAY READING – Help choose committee members and plays to be considered, then set up meetings, compile evaluations of plays that have been read, and guide the committee in selecting the slate for the next season.
  • PRODUCTION MEALS – Prepare, serve and clean up after meals for cast and crew between play performances with minimal turn-around time.
  • PROPS – Organize and inventory props; oversee strike of each show.
  • SOUND – Maintain all sound equipment; train technicians.
  • RTG WARDROBE RENTAL – Coordinate wardrobe rental requests.
  • WARDROBE – Maintain wardrobe storage; oversee strike of each show.