Theatre Productions

Acting, Singing, and Dancing...
Open auditions are held for all productions and all members are welcome to try out. Rehearsals are usually held 3 times a week over a 10 to 12 week period, and shows run for approximately 13 performances. ECHO welcomes new actors and those with limited experience to try it.

Directing...
Previous experience is preferred to direct the Season’s main productions, but other opportunities exist for the beginning director. If there is a play you want to direct, your proposal would be welcomed by the Artistic Direction Committee.

Producing...
With guidance from the Producers’ Manual, help produce theatre productions, including putting together the production team, obtaining Royalties for the production, arranging auditions, booking rehearsal space, preparing the cost budget for the production, controlling the costs of the production. Being an Associate Producer is a good way to learn.

Stage Managing...
With guidance from the Stage Managers’ Manual, assist with auditions, then after the show is cast, call rehearsals, assemble a prompt book, record blocking and notes and work with the director, technical people, etc. during rehearsals. During dress rehearsals and performances, the stage manager is in charge. Being an Assistant Stage Manager is a great way to get into the act.

Program Coordination...
Coordinate the preparation of programs for productions between the Producer and Graphic Designers. Some computer/ Word Processing skills are helpful. Get bios from the Director, Producer, Stage Manager, actors and set and costume designer and the President's and Director's message. Input and assemble all text and photos for program and send to the graphic designers, then check the proofs.

Box Office...
Assist in the operation of the Box Office at the Village Theatre for ticket sales to individuals and groups.

Lighting and Sound Design and operations...
Be a lighting and sound/ technician and learn to design lighting and sound systems, hang and focus lights, record sound effects and run the control boards during the shows.

Media Liaison...
Arrange all unpaid advertising such as press releases and arranging publicity interviews and media reviews.

Advertising of Production...
Arrange audition advertising for the production, then coordinate production advertising between Graphic Artists, the Producer and newspaper representatives and the production and distribution of printed promotional material such as brochures, posters, rack and tent cards throughout Oceanside.

Sponsorship of Productions...
Recruit sponsors for each of the ECHO Players productions from local businesses, including representation at the Qualicum Beach and Parksville Chambers of Commerce

Set Design...
After meetings with the Director, prepare a floor plan showing location of entrances, key furnishings, etc. After discussion with the Director, make changes necessary and then prepare scale drawings of components that need to be constructed. Provide instructions to set construction team, set painters, scenic painters and set dressers.

Scenic painters...
Artistic Painters for Set Design

Set Construction Team...
Review the set design, and determine what existing materials are available in the theatre storage areas and purchase the rest. Construct components and assemble the set in accordance with the drawings and instructions.

Set Painters...
Paint the sets for the production after the construction is finished.

Properties...
Assemble properties and set pieces for the production. Properties may be obtained from the ECHO properties room, thrift stores, borrowed from antique stores or from other members, etc. Attend rehearsals in order to coordinate the use and placement and be a member of the property team for the full run of a production

Costumes...
Study the play thoroughly with an eye to the era, style, social status, etc. of the characters. Determine the number and type of costumes required by each character. Measure the actors. Determine if any costumes in the wardrobe are appropriate. Purchase fabric, etc., as required. Attend the dress rehearsal to correct any problems. Return all costumes in good order at end of production to wardrobe.

Makeup and/or Hairstyling...
Study the play and meet with the director at production meetings to discuss what is needed. Check make-up supplies and order more if needed. Meet with the cast before dress rehearsal to plan make-up and/or hair, and attend first couple of performances to oversee the actors’ make-up and/or hairstyling.

Stage crew...
Be a member of the backstage crew helping change scenes during the production run.

Front of House...
Decorate the lobby for the production, run the concession, take the tickets at the door, hand out programs and direct patrons to their seats.

Bar...
Help run the bar in the Green Room during productions and social events