The Theater Company Trivia Quiz

Answer: Box Office Manager

While the producer is in charge of hiring many positions, such as the general manager, production manager, and stage manager, the owner of the theater usually requires that the producer use some of his employees, including the box office manager. The producer will set the ticket prices, and net box office revenues will be turned over to him.

Answer: Choreographer

Choreographers can be used in a wide variety of events, including cheerleading, fashion shows, and marching band. First used as a credit in 1936 for George Balanchine in "On Your Toes", a choreographer practices the art of choreographing, which literally means "dance writing".

Answer: Chorus

Although its function has changed, the chorus has been part of a theater company for centuries. The ancient Greek chorus was a group of performers who were all dressed alike, and spoke or sang together at the same time. Their function was to comment on what was happening in the play and let the audience know what a particular character was thinking.

The number of chorus members varied according to the type of play.

Answer: True

Plays may be written in order to be performed by actors, or they may be a closet play, a literary work which is not meant for performance. It appears the first use of the term "playwright" was made by Ben Johnson, in his "To Playwright". Johnson, who preferred to call himself a "poet", used the term in a derogatory way to denote an ordinary tradesman who wrote plays for the theater.

The term later lost its negative connation.

Answer: Dresser

The costumer is in charge of costumes for the show, while the property master is in charge of all the props, and usually works with them during a show. In charge of planning the theater's season, the artistic director can also be in charge of hiring personnel and have other management responsibilities.

Answer: Front of House

The front of house is the part of the theater that is open to the public and is managed by the house manager. It generally consists of the foyer and auditorium. The members of the theater company who are considered front of house would include ushers, ticket sellers, and those who work with refreshments.

Answer: Set Designer

After working with the director and other managers, the set designer creates a complete set of drawings and scale models that show both the stationary and moving elements of the set. It is his job to portray all the visual elements that are conveyed to the audience to support the story that is being told.

Answer: Stage Manager

While responsibilities may vary, the stage manager generally organizes and coordinates the theatrical production, providing for a smooth execution. Lighting, sound, and set change cues are developed. Props must be available when needed, and the prompt book attended.

While smaller productions may employ one individual, larger ones may hire a team. A stage manager may also hire an assistant, but once the production begins, the stage manager is in charge!

Answer: Technical Director

In a theatrical production, the technical director is in charge of making sure the sound and lighting equipment properly functions. He may also be in charge of constructing the set, including buying materials and hiring a construction crew. In some theaters, the technical director may also be the master carpenter and/or chief designer.

Answer: Wrangler

Interestingly, in North America film making a wrangler is also in charge of any animals that are used on the set. In addition, he may be the one responsible for finding a custom car if needed.