With 4 shows every year, PBDS needs a constant supply of backstage volunteers to help. It’s great fun and you don’t need experience – just enthusiasm!

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Each show has several very important roles that need to be filled. Here’s who they are, and what they do:

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Stage Manager (SM)
During rehearsals, the Stage Manager takes note of cues, moves etc in the script. Once the show is in performance, the SM’s job is to ensure props (items needed by the actors) are in place, check the stage to make sure everything is where it should be, give cues to the sound effects and lighting operators, communicate with Front of House and generally run the show.

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Deputy Stage Manager (DSM)

The DSM prompts actors and will usually cue technical crew members and sometimes cast, while following the orders of the director and stage manager. The DSM calls actors to hold while technical problems are sorted out during rehearsal, and determines where in the script to restart halted scenes.

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Assistant Stage Manager (ASM)
Also attends rehearsals, sources props, notes where and when they should be used and ensures they’re in place. May also be required to move scenery and/or onstage furniture, depending on the show.

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Rehearsal Prompt
Attends rehearsals and follows the script, prompting actors when they forget their lines.

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Set Designer
Occasionally the director of the play does this, but often a set designer is called in and works closely with the Director to ensure the design is right. If you’ve got an eye for design, this could be for you.

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Set Builders
You don’t have to be a professional joiner or decorator – if you can knock a nail in or wield a paint brush, this is for you!! Work begins on the Sunday following the last night of a show, when the set for the next show begins to take shape and continues during the following couple of weeks. You don’t have to be there each time – even if you can only spare a couple of evenings that would be very helpful!

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Lighting Design
The lighting is different for every show. The designer sets up all the lights and cues during rehearsals on stage, usually during the final week of rehearsals.

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Sound Design
This involves compiling pre-show and interval music and sound effects for the play. The designer then puts everything together in order of cues on our sound box computer.

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Sound/Lighting Operators
Our lighting and sound desks are completely computerised so, once the designers have set up the lighting and sound, operators only have to press a button when given a cue by the DSM.

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Wardrobe
With a season of plays ranging across cultures and eras, we are constantly needing to source costumes appropriate for each production. We have our own extensive wardrobe department, but also hire costumes from outside agencies. 

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Bar Staff

Bar Staff are crucial to the running of our shows. For many people a glass of wine is an absolute must when watching a show.

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FOH Staff

A Front of House member ensures quality customer service for the audience before, during and after a performance. They make sure every audience member is happy and welcomed warmly.

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Stage and Technical Crew

Crew  are the crew members that power the scene changes, prop handoffs and onstage “magic” for each production. This may include, but not limited to, moving scenic units, operated flying scenery, striking and setting of props on stage, and so on. It is expected that each crew member attend all tech rehearsals, performances, and strike.

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Whichever role you’re interested in, working backstage on a show requires a certain level of commitment, but it’s also a lot fun and a great feeling of camaraderie is built up between cast and crew.

If you want to know more about joining the backstage family at PBDS, contact our membership. We would love to hear from you!