Building a Student Run Crew
Building a Student Run Crew
Building a Student Run Crew
By Rylee Vogel
The actors bowing at the end of each performance are just a small part the production. Someone has to aim the spotlight, and someone has to make sure the curtain rises! There are so many different roles happening “In the Wings” that most audience members would never know about. Within each phase of the production, there are many different roles. The tech crew includes everyone involved on the technical side of the production from start to finish. However, this label can be broken down even further!
Within the tech crew, the run crew is the group of people backstage during a production who make sure all the technical elements are in order and run smoothly during the performance.
In an educational environment, building a strong run crew is essential. Not only does it help the show succeed, but each run crew role teaches valuable technical skills, encourages teamwork, and develops critical thinking and problem solving. Students will use these skills in the future, beyond the stage.
Tech Crew
There are many different phases to a production: planning, casting, rehearsal/construction, tech, performance, and strike. Each phase brings different roles to the forefront, and all roles are important to making a successful show. Anyone involved in the production who is not a performer or musician is a part of the technical crew.
Some key members of the technical crew include:
- Director: Leads the production and shapes the overall artistic vision. They collaborate with all departments of the technical crew and the performers.
- Assistant Director: Supports the director by giving feedback, running rehearsals, and offering an extra set of eyes on the production.
- Lighting Designer: Designs how each scene is lit. They choose the color, intensity, and placement of lights to create a specific mood based on the director’s vision.
- Sound Designer: Creates the soundscape for the production. They choose the sound effects, transitions, and microphones based on the director’s vision.
- Set Designer: Designs the scenery, furniture, and layout based on the director’s vision for the show. They make plans, models, and choose materials. Scenic Painter: Works under the set designer. They finish and paint all of the scenic elements on the set.
- Scenic Carpenter: Works under the set designer. They build the set based on the set designer’s design.
- Props Master: Responsible for finding, building, and organizing all of the necessary props for a production.
- Publicity Crew: Promotes the production to the public. This can include creating social media campaigns, posters, and announcements to increase awareness for a production.
All of these roles have their “moment” before opening night. Once the show begins and the audience is in their seats, it’s the run crew’s time to shine.
Run Crew
A run crew includes everyone working in the theater while performances are being held (other than the actors and musicians). Depending on the production, the crew may be large or small, but the majority of shows include roles like:
- Stage Manager: The person in charge backstage. They “call” the show, cueing each department over headset and make sure everything stays on track. They are the main point of communication for all departments. Before the show, they check in with every element of the run crew and the performers.
- Assistant Stage Manager (ASM): Helps the stage manager in their duties. They are in charge of running backstage operations.
- Deck Crew/Stagehands: Moves set pieces, handles scene changes, and maintains a safe backstage environment for everyone.
- Props Crew: Pre-sets, maintains, tracks, and resets all of the props during the performance.
- Fly Crew/Rail Crew: If the production requires, they operate the rigging systems and handle all flown-in scenery.
- Light Board Operator: In charge of moving, turning on, and manipulating the lights during a performance.
- Sound Board Operator (A1): Also known as A1, operates the sound board or audio control system during the show.
- Wardrobe: In charge of the costumes during a production. This can include dressers (who help actors get dressed, manage quick changes, and make emergency repairs) and makeup crew members (responsible for applying specialty makeup, paints, and wigs).
- House Manager/Front of House: Oversees guest experience, ushers, and audience safety.
In a student production, it is common to have multiple people assigned to each role. This is especially common in departments like wardrobe or props. As a producer or director, it is important to recognize the needs of your production and appropriately cast the correct number of people to each department.
Building the Run Crew
When creating a student run crew, it is important to balance the needs of the production with the strengths and interests of your students. There truly is a place for everyone in the theater. Each job holds opportunities for students to learn, grow, and discover new passions.
Start by allowing students to choose the general department they are interested in. Depending on your program’s size, this might involve a sign-up sheet, interest form, or conversations with your design team. Gauge student interest and match it with the crew needs.
Many high schools will appoint a department lead. This student, usually an upperclassman or student with experience, will take charge and mentor students in the department. For example, the wardrobe lead might supervise and direct dressers and makeup crew members during the show.
This model gives students a chance to practice leadership, communication, and responsibility. It also adds a layer of professionalism and expertise to your production, while delegating work that would be impossible for one person to manage alone.
Beyond assigning department leads, schools can strengthen run crews by incorporating structured training sessions. These can include:
- Safety workshops
- Basic tool and equipment training
- Headset and backstage communication etiquette
- Introductory design and tech concepts
This foundation allows students to grow in confidence and feel prepared for the performance.
When possible, encourage students to shadow different departments before choosing their role. It helps them explore new interests and learn how the whole production fits together.
After closing night, it is important to have a post-mortem, or debrief. This is a valuable moment that allows for positive discussion about what went well, what could go better, and what was learned. Reflection builds both confidence and curiosity. It prepares students for their next production.
Conclusion
Wenger has created a free, editable checklist for download (attached to this article). This list outlines each role on the run crew and provides space to assign students and track responsibilities.
A student run crew creates a successful production, builds a community, supports leadership skills, and creates problem solvers. By offering clear roles, mentorship, training, and responsibility, educators can empower their students onstage and off.
A well-organized run crew enriches the theater experience and builds the skills that are necessary for life, well after the curtain falls.
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