backstage broadway roles questions

[kirsten16]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 3:02pm

Hey all, 

I made an account here specifically to ask this question because I'm really curious--how do back stage positions get filled for Broadway shows? Who casts them? How do directors get paired to shows? Who chooses who will be the stage managers, the costumers, etc? Are there certain stage managers who are tied to the specific theatre? As much detail as possible would be appreciated.

[Tag]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 3:39pm

Directors are hired by the producers and stage managers by the general managers I believe.  Sometimes directors specifically request certain stage managers (usually just the production stage manager).  The production stage managers then usually pick their own teams (the SM, and assistants) and request the GM to hire them.

[JustAFan3]

Posted: 3/30/17 at 11:40am

I am curious as well...how do the dressers, hair people get hired?  Do they get hired by the actor/actress they are working with or do they get hired by show?  They seem to have a relationship with the actors (as evidenced by Jessie Mueller's final show).  I am intrigues by the whole Broadway machine - so many people behind the show. So many moving parts. Thanks!

[asmith0307]

Posted: 3/30/17 at 1:31pm

They are technically hired by the show (with input from the Wardrobe head and costume designer). However, stars can have contract clauses about their "star" dressers that includes approval rights over who gets hired - and it is then mutually agreed that their specific dresser (if they are available) will be the one hired. 

[Tag]

Posted: 3/30/17 at 2:01pm

Yes, unless you are Jessie, or Sutton, or Patti, etc. you don't get to choose/request your dresser.