The term "Creative Team"

[JBroadway]

Posted: 1/1/18 at 1:14pm

It seems like the terms "creative team" is used inconsistently. 

Sometimes it's used to refer only to the core people like the writers, director, and choreographer. For example, when when Waitress first came to Broadway, there was a big to-do about it being the first musical on Broadway with an entirely female creative team. However, the set, lighting, and sound design were all done by men, implying that the design team is distinct from the creative team.

But other times, the design team is included under the umbrella of the term "creative team." To continue using Waitress as an example: when Playbill announced their creative team, they included the designed specifically.

"The creative team also includes set design by Scott Pask, costumes by Suttirat Larlarb, lighting by Ken Posner and sound by Jonathan Deans." 

And I've noticed this is fairly common when announcements are made regarding creative teams. 

Is there any rhyme or reason to who is included under that term? Is one of them a misuse of the word, does it just have a nebulous definition? Where would someone like the Music Director or the Orchestrator fall? 

 

[Tag]

Posted: 1/1/18 at 1:58pm

Sometimes you hear the term Creative & Production Team.

Generally I'd say the Creative Team refers to anyone who is not a cast member (exceptions being musicians, crew, company/general managers, and the like).

[HogansHero]

Posted: 1/1/18 at 3:14pm

There is no rule, there is no correct answer. It's like your family. Do you mean mommy, daddy (or mommy and mommy or daddy and daddy) and the kids, or do you include granny and gramps. How about uncles and aunts? Cousins? Friends who aren't actually related but are treated like part of the family?