HEAD OF DEPARTMENT (H.O.D.)

Non-Union or Client Services Hierarchy

HEADS OF DEPARTMENT perform their duties under the supervision of the PRODUCTION MANAGER (responsible for budgeting, cost control, overall scheduling and staffing) and the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (the technical co-ordinator and problem solver of the production), and are responsible for the professional and timely completion of their department’s assigned projects.

Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING

• Reads the script and makes appropriate notes
• Attends rehearsal often, adhering to the established “Visitor’s Policy”
• Attends all production meetings
• Ensures that any preparatory work or research has been taken care of in a timely manner
• Is responsible, in consultation with the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION MANAGER, and Resident Staff, for budgeting, scheduling and reporting within the production organization
• Takes the initiative in arranging meetings, when necessary, with the DIRECTOR, DESIGNER or other production staff, to obtain information
• Obtains necessary plans, co-ordinated drawings and relevant information and discusses these with the DIRECTOR and TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
• Drafts plans, sections and plots relevant to the position and production
• Makes drawings, as necessary, to describe the methods of construction or installation; does not make changes to existing designs without prior approval of the DIRECTOR or DESIGNER and TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
• Make sure all drawings have been approved by appropriate staff before build begins
• Assesses what materials and stock are on-hand and buys or borrows those items required to complete the job
• Examines and documents any existing damage on all rented or borrowed items; keeps a written log of all rented or borrowed items, including the owner’s name, address, telephone number, the date and condition in which they were received, and what changes were made to the item; copies this information to the PRODUCTION and OPERATIONS MANAGER

NOTE: under no circumstances are changes to be made to an item without the owner’s written consent

• Reads, and promptly responds to, DAILY REHEARSAL NOTES; meets daily with the STAGE MANAGER to obtain clarification and confirm status of requests

STAFFING AND SUPERVISION

• Creates the calls needed, in consultation with the PRODUCTION MANAGER and the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR; to arrange for crew and space to complete show work
• Records, on an on-going basis, the number of hours worked by department staff; submits same to the PRODUCTION MANAGER
• Ensures that all calls and production work are conducted in the presence of the School’s Resident Staff or Faculty
• Supervises all work performed by CREW MEMBERS and PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS assigned to the call

RULE ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINE

• Ensures that all work carried out by the department is completed using accepted, safe working practices, as outlined in the Ministry of Labour’s SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR THE LIVE PERFORMANCE INDUSTRY IN ONTARIO, and School policies
• Obtains any additional safety information necessary to the department
• Enforces the School’s SAFETY SHOE POLICY; ensures the use of HARD HATS where appropriate; ensures crew members use safety equipment at all times
• Stops all work which is judged to be unsafe and consults the Resident Staff
• Ensures PERMISSION TO WORK policies are adhered to
• Observes and enforces rules regarding eating, drinking and smoking on stage and in backstage areas
• Maintains discipline among crew members backstage during rehearsals and performances; keeps crew quiet

GENERAL

• Maintains a clean and uncluttered work environment, and ensures the area is safe and tidy at the end of each call; returns tools and equipment to their proper storage areas
• Keeps an inventory of tools and equipment; reports all lost, stolen or broken tools and equipment to the Resident Staff
• Performs repair work and maintenance on scenery, lights, sound, costumes and props, as required
• Works with the STAGE MANAGER and the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR to pre-plan the necessary scenery, costume, lighting, sound, projection and prop changes
• Runs the strike of the production for their area, in consultation with the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR; ensures that all crew members are informed regarding strike procedures and schedule; participates in the strike as a general crew member when specific department obligations are met
• Submits to the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR any documentation deemed necessary to the TECHNICAL BOOK (the technical archive of the production)
• Attends and participates in the Post Mortem
• Submits written evaluations of all crew members within the department, and any other production personnel with whom they had regular contact, no later than the start of the Post Mortem

This information is intended as a guideline only. It is not intended to replace the required reading or research in your area, or information gained in the classroom.

To be used in conjunction with specific department job descriptions.

The demands of this position, and the hours worked, will vary with each production

THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION MAY BE ALTERED WITHOUT NOTICE BY THE RESIDENT STAFF AND FACULTY