The Head Stage Carpenter is responsible to provide safe, efficient and reliable operation, maintenance and repairs of the stage facility, productions, and related equipment including lifts, chain hoists, winches and fly systems. They work with the scenic carpenters and the house crew to safely mount, install and rig scenery and flying elements for all productions. This includes motorized and/or automated elements, in conjunction with the automation department.
The Head Stage Carpenter is involved in the planning for changeovers, where one show is struck and another is set in its place.
The Head Stage Carpenter meets regularly with the Technical Director and other Heads of Department (Lighting, Sound and Properties), and schedules all crew calls for the theatre. Crew and crew heads are members of I.A.T.S.E. The Head Stage Carpenter supervises the crew during rehearsals and performances and ensures safe work practices are followed for all involved in a production.
This content was provided by Art Fortin, Pete Holland & Dave McDonald, May 12, 2021
The Head Property person's duties begin with the rehearsal process. They will deliver props from the Warehouse to be set up in the rehearsal hall. Working closely with both the Assistant Stage Manager and the skilled workers of the prop building team, they make sure all the needs for the rehearsal are met.
When the rehearsal moves to the stage, the Head Property person, working closely with the ASM, will set the props in various locations in order to provide the most efficient running of the play. During changeovers they make sure all props are put away safely and any maintenance needed is carried out effectively, ready for the next show. Other duties include weapon maintenance, food and drink preparation and the general upkeep of all props.
The Head Property people at the Stratford Festival are all members of IATSE.
The content above was provided by Jeff Hughes, May 16, 2021