Information For Backstage Staff Support 

Thank you for offering to help with this production. With a large number of students involved in the show both onstage and off, we’re grateful for your help and support in making the experience as safe, supportive and enjoyable as possible. 

Below you should be able to find all the information you need to make show week a success, as well as a list of students and staff in the cast and crew. 

Roles and Duties 

We have the following roles being covered during each performance. Please read the duties carefully and if you are in any doubt about what to do, please ask. 

Chaperone 

  • Arrive: 5.00 pm  

  • Leave: 10.00 pm 

  • Duties:  

  • Sign cast and crew in and out (registers can be collected from HWE) 

  • Ensure students are calm and quiet before, during and after the performance 

  • Organise student teams to check rooms are clear at the end of each evening 

  • Abide by and help to implement school/production policies 

Front Of House 

  • Arrive: 6.15pm (1.15pm for matinee) 

  • Leave: 7.15pm (2.15pm for matinee) 

  • Duties: 

  • Check seat numbers are correct in auditorium 

  • Supply accurate box office list for each performance 

  • Open the Wright Gallery doors a maximum of 30 minutes before the start time 

  • Open the house, in conjunction with Production Manager and Director of Theatre

  • Help seat the audience, including any attendees with access arrangements 

  • Abide by and help to implement school/production policies 

Wellbeing Support 

  • Arrive: 5.00 pm

  • Leave: 10.00 pm 

  • Duties: 

  • Provide an option for emotional support for any students who need help 

  • Supervise a “quiet zone” for cast members who need it 

  • Assist Chaperone with other backstage duties  

  • Abide by and help to implement school/production policies 

Costume Supervisor 

  • Arrive: 5.00 pm  

  • Leave: 9.30pm 

  • Duties: 

  • Trouble shoot any repairs which are needed during the performances 

  • Any organisational tasks as required by the costume designer

  • Abide by and help to implement school/production policies   

Cast Mentor 

  • Arrive: 5.00pm

  • Leave: 10.00pm 

  • Duties: 

  • Assist the chaperones and Drama Staff with the smooth running of the backstage areas 

  • Assist box office if necessary 

  • Abide by and help to implement school/production policies 

  • Take charge of room leaders to ensure dressing areas are tidy 

  • Provide advice for students based on RGS performance experience! 

Fire Officer (Audience) 

  • Arrive: 6.45pm (12.45 for matinee) 

  • Leave: 10.00pm 

  • Duties: 

  • In the event of a fire, take control of the evacuation of the audience as specified in the production-specific Fire Policy (see HWE for a copy) 

  • Abide by and help to implement school/production policies 

Musician 

  • Arrive: As specified by Musical Director 

  • Leave: As specified by Musical Director 

  • Duties: 

  • Provide music for the production 

  • Abide by and help to implement school/production policies 

  • Assist backstage staff where necessary to maintain a professional environment 

FAQ 

What should I wear?  

If you are appearing on stage, you will have been told separately what to wear. Otherwise, you should wear comfortable clothing, and bring something warm as we are still required to ventilate spaces. 

What about Food & Drink? 

During the school day you will have normal access to the canteen. During evening performances, you can order food to be delivered to the school, or bring food with you. The staff room will be open for access to tea, coffee and water. In line with the school code of conduct, it is not permitted to drink alcohol on the premises.  

Problems 

If you’re not sure of anything, please ask. 

You can contact: 

Director of Theatre: Hugh Edwards – 07956148906 – hwe@reigategrammar.org