Joining a PC Crew

PC shows are created and run by students with guidance and assistance from directors and adult mentors. Each crew has a student crew chief that works with an adult mentor to keep the crew running smoothly. Generally, student crew chiefs manage their crews for all shows throughout the year. Any student is welcome to join a crew. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn. Students who wish to  join a crew should contact a crew chief or speak with Mr Hearn or Mrs Potter. Adults should speak with Mrs Potter or the producers for a particular show.

 

Here is a brief description of each crew.

 

STAGE MANAGERS

Stage managers play a critical role in PC Productions. Prior to opening night, a stage manager and at least two assistants work with the directors and all crews to ensure that each "department" has everything they need to open the show. The stage management team is responsible for helping rehearsals run smoothly by taking detailed notes and keeping everything on time. Once a show is open directors take a back seat role and the show run is entirely in the stage manager's hands. Stage managers must be thoroughly knowledgable about every aspect of the show and are vital to the success of a production. (Mentored by Linda Potter and Brendan Hearn)

PRODUCERS

Some students enjoy working with the adult producers and directors of a show to handle all of the detail involved for the show to run smoothly. This includes collecting fees, paperwork, T-shirt orders, managing snacks during rehearsals (set up and clean up), running the ticket contest, taking attendance, communicating with cast and crews, planning parties and creating special awards. (See Mrs Potter)

SET RUN

This is the crew that is responsible for the set once it is completed. They move the set for scene changes during the rehearsals and shows. The crew is divided between the two sides of the stage (SL & SR) and works as a team to make quick set changes, always with safety in mind. They make small repairs, as necessary, and work with set designer to make adjustments when needed. Set run crew chiefs work with the stage manager to keep the show running smoothly.  (Mentored by Linda Potter
and Brendan Hearn)

LIGHTING
Every PC production has a student lighting designer who is responsible, along with the scenic designer, for creating the "look" of a production. Every show has a unique design and most involve an entire re-work of the stage lighting. Lighting designers attend production meetings with the directors (and other designers) to discuss aspects of the production and contribute their own thoughts to the process. Students on the lighting crew will learn how to hang, circuit, and focus lights in addition to learning the operation of the lighting board and other tools. Roles include Lighting Designer, Assistant Lighting Designer, Master Electrician, Lighting Board Operator, and Followspot Operator. (Mentored by Brendan Hearn)

SOUND
Each PC production has a student sound designer or sound supervisor who is responsible for controlling what the audience hears. Like the lighting designer, a sound designer will attend production meetings with the directors to discuss their own contributions to the environment of a particular show. Many productions also include sound "reinforcement" and students work with wireless microphones to help amplify actors' voices. Productions generally have one sound designer or supervisor, an assistant, reinforcement and/or playback engineers, and mic dressers. (Mentored by Brendan Hearn)

SET CONSTRUCTION

A set designer works with the director of each show to design the set. Then the set construction crew meets weekly to build it. Basic carpentry skills are helpful on this crew but a willingness to learn is the most important thing. (Please note that students are not allowed to use the power saws.) This crew is made of students and adults. Building generally takes place on the stage or in the PC Basement. The schedule is often Thursday nights and Saturday mornings but may vary for each show. (Mentored by the set designer for each show: Toby Williams (fall play); Tom Peterman (musical & festival); Doug Cooper (spring play)

 

SET PAINTING

This crew follows the set construction crew to paint and finish the set pieces. Painting takes place in the PC basement. Times for specific shows will be posted on the website. Volunteers who enjoy working with color and paint are always needed. (Mentored by Sue Peterman)

 

PROPS & SET DECORATION

Props are items used by the actors on stage. Set decoration includes furniture, fabric, flowers and other items that enhance the set. This crew hunts for or creates the props and set decoration for each show, as dictated by the script and conceived by the director and set designer. This crew meets for work sessions at least six weeks prior to each show. Props crew manages and repairs all props used at rehearsals and during the shows and returns all props to owners (if borrowed) or the props closet at strike. (Mentored by Julie Liuzzo)

 

COSTUMES

The costume designer creates the style and look of the costumes. Adult and student crew assistants help by sewing, searching for, altering and repairing costumes. A few volunteers help during the run of the show to keep costumes in order and clean for each performance. (Mentored by the costumer for each show: Jenna Lorenco (fall); Nancy Warner and JoAnne Thomas (musical)

HAIR AND MAKEUP

This crew identifies and learns the hair and makeup styling techniques that will be needed for each show and they teach and assist cast members during dress rehearsals and performances. The crew is mainly students, although a few adults are needed for the larger shows, like the musical. Professional hair stylists and makeup artists are consulted, as needed.(Mentored by Lucy Smith)

 

HOUSE

This crew takes care of the lobby and the seating area of the theater. They greet the audience, take care of special requests for seating, hand out programs, and sell refreshments. They house crew is the first contact the audience has with PC so it is important the students on this crew present themselves in a friendly and professional manner. (Mentored by Diana Nestorova)

PUBLICITY

This crew promotes each production by creating visibility through newspaper articles, posters, fliers, signs, sandwich boards, and any other opportunity to "get the buzz going." Most of the work is done in the five weeks leading up to opening night.  (Mentored by Susan Williams)

EVENTS

This crew works with Mrs Potter and other adults to plan and manage parties and events for PC (examples: Oktoberfest, Holiday Party, and the Banquet).

PHOTOS / VIDEOS / PC YEARBOOK

Photographers are needed to take cast photos for photo board and to shoot photos during the final dress rehearsals that can be shared. We also have a video crew to make videos that promote each show and to create our PC video yearbook.