The Designers are the creative personnel who conceptualize and create the scenery, lighting, sound, costumes and properties for a show, under the supervision and guidance of the Director and with the goal of bringing his/her vision to life. They are assisted by, and their designs are built, operate and made practical by the Technical Staff.
Set Designer
The Set Designer creates the set concept and supplies the specifications for the construction and may also supply specs for paint colors, set properties and special effects. S/he is assisted by the Set Construction crew, who are responsible for actually building the set. At Villagers Theatre, our Master Carpenter sometimes performs the role of Set Designer and Set Construction.
Lighting Designer
The Lighting Designer plans the stage lighting, designs the gel colors and positions, acquires the lighting equipment, makes the lighting plots and instrument schedules, supervises placement and focusing of the lighting instruments, oversees the setting of the lighting cues and levels and then transitions the operational responsibilities to the Lighting Board operator.
Sound Designer
The Sound Designer is responsible for amplifying the performers’ voices and musical instruments, creating or obtaining recorded music and sound effects, and then transitions the operational responsibilities to the Sound Board operator.
Scenic Designer/Artist
There is sometimes overlap between the Set Designer and Scenic Designer. The Scenic Designer works with the Director, Set Designer and Set Construction/Builder, to establish an overall visual concept for the production. Scenic designers sometimes create scale models of the scenery, renderings, paint elevations and scale construction drawings as part of their communication with other production staff.
Costume Designer / Coordinator
The Costume Designer or Coordinator creates the “look” of the show. S/he acquires all the costumes and accessories, either designing costumes to be made, or purchasing, renting, or borrowing ready-made items. S/he supervises the fitting of the costumes, organizes and runs the dress parade, and may be responsible for performers’ wigs, hairstyles, beards and mustaches.