Crew Tree Worksheet Backstage Bosses
Theater Family Tree
Name:
Date:
Behind every actor on stage is a whole family of people making sure the show goes on! This is the "Hierarchy"—the chain of command that keeps everyone safe and organized. Fill in the boxes below to map out the crew.
Stage Manager
The "Boss" during the show. Calls the cues and manages everyone backstage.
These people move furniture and props during the show.
Run Crew
They help actors with quick changes and keep costumes clean.
Wardrobe Crew
They help the audience find their seats and stay safe in the lobby.
Front of House
Chain of Command Challenge
Scenario: Emergency!
During a performance, a light bulb explodes and starts a small fire near the props table. Who should the Run Crew member tell first? Why is it important to follow the "Chain of Command" instead of just shouting to everyone?
Technical Job Profiles
Stage Manager
The Stage Manager (SM) is the director's right hand. Once the show starts, they are in total control. They "call" the show by saying "Go" for every light, sound, and curtain cue.
KEY TRAITS: Organized, Calm, Loud Voice, Reliable.
Wardrobe Lead
Responsible for every button, zipper, and hat. They ensure actors are dressed correctly and on time for their entrances. They also fix torn costumes instantly with safety pins!
KEY TRAITS: Fast-moving, Detail-oriented, Patient.
Run Crew
The invisible ninjas of the theater. They move heavy furniture, sweep the stage between scenes, and handle props. They must be completely silent and wear all black clothing.
KEY TRAITS: Strong, Silent, Focused, Hardworking.
House Manager
The boss of the audience side. They manage the ushers, sell tickets, and make sure the lobby is clean. They tell the Stage Manager when the audience is seated and ready.
KEY TRAITS: Friendly, Helpful, Good with money.
Backstage Gear Bag
Match the tool to the person who would use it most often by drawing a line.
Headset & Clipboard
Flashlight & Black T-shirt
Safety Pins & Laundry Basket
Programs & Seating Chart
House Manager
Stage Manager
Run Crew
Wardrobe Lead
Backstage Bosses Slides Backstage Bosses
Roles & Hierarchy in the Theater
Tech Theater 101
Unit 1
Who's In Charge?
Option A
Everyone in the room has a different idea and starts doing it at the same time. No one is listening to anyone else.
CHAOS!
Option B
One person has the master plan. They give clear instructions. Everyone has a specific job to do.
SUCCESS!
"In theater, safety depends on knowing exactly who to listen to."
The Stage Manager
The Boss
The Communicator
Talks to every department using a headset.
The "Caller"
Says "GO" for lights, sound, and curtains.
Safety Leader
Makes the final call in an emergency.
// The Prompt
"Warning: Light Cue 45... Standby... GO!"
Invisible Ninjas: Run Crew
The Uniform
All Black Clothing
Closed-toe Shoes
No jewelry or noisy items
The Mission
Move heavy sets and props in total darkness, perfectly silent, without the audience ever seeing you.
Rule #1: If an actor is in your way, they have the right-of-way! (Unless it's an emergency).
The Hierarchy Map
Director (Rehearsal)
Stage Manager
Run Crew
Wardrobe
House Staff
Hierarchy Hero Teacher Guide Hierarchy Hero
Teacher Facilitation Guide
LESSON 01 // TECH THEATER
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to identify the key roles in a technical theater crew and explain the importance of a clear chain of command for safety and production quality.
Essential Questions
Who is the "boss" during a performance, and why?
How does a hierarchy prevent accidents backstage?
What happens when the chain of command is broken?
Materials Needed
Backstage Bosses Slides
Crew Tree Worksheets
4 Clipboards (for activity)
Set of "emergency cards"
The Hook: The Chaos Challenge
Round 1 (The Chaos):
Split the class into groups of 5. Give them a task (e.g., build a tower using only 10 books). Do NOT assign a leader. Tell them they have 2 minutes, but everyone must contribute an idea simultaneously.
Round 2 (The Hierarchy):
Assign one "Stage Manager" in each group. Only the Stage Manager can speak or give directions. The others are "Crew" and must follow the SM's calls exactly. Give them a similar task.
Discussion:
Which round was faster? Which tower was sturdier? How did you feel when everyone was talking at once?
Hierarchy Scenarios
Scenario A: The Missing Prop
A crew member realizes the main actor's crown is missing 30 seconds before their entrance.
Scenario B: The Wardrobe Malfunction
An actor's zipper breaks during a quick change. The actor starts panicking.
Tech Talk: Vocabulary
Hierarchy
A system where people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
Cue
A signal (as a word, phrase, or bit of stage business) to a technician or actor to begin a specific action.
Running Crew
The technical crew who are responsible for the operation of a show during a performance.
Chain of Command
The line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed within an organization.
Common Misconceptions
"The Director is the boss during the show."
Actually, the Stage Manager takes over once the show begins. The Director's job is done when the curtain rises!
Character Threads Slides Character Threads
Costume Design & Storytelling
Lesson 2
The Visual Language of Clothes
Shoe Detective
Before a character even speaks, their clothes have already told the audience a story. Let's look at the clues.
👢
Pair A
Muddy, worn-out work boots.
👠
Pair B
Sparkly, high-heeled slippers.
👟
Pair C
Bright neon running shoes.
What is their job? How do they feel today?
The Designer's Checklist
1
WHO are they?
Age, job, personality, and social status.
2
WHERE are they?
The climate, the time of day, and the country.
3
WHEN is it?
The year, the season, and the historical period.
Color Conversations
RED
Power, Anger, Danger, or Love.
BLUE
Calm, Sadness, Trust, or Loyalty.
YELLOW
Joy, Energy, Caution, or Sunshine.
BLACK
Mystery, Evil, Elegance, or Strength.
"A character in all red feels very different from a character in all blue!"
Function over Fashion
A costume doesn't just look good—it has to WORK for the actor.
Can they dance in it?
Is it too heavy/hot under stage lights?
Can they change out of it in 30 seconds?
Does it hide their microphone pack?
Shoe Detective Cards Shoe Detective
Hook Activity Cards
Lesson 02 // Hook
Cut out these cards. Show one at a time to the class and have them guess the character's story based only on their shoes.
Card 01
🥾
The Work Boots
Muddy, scuffed, with one broken lace.
Discussion Prompts:
What is their job?
How long have they been awake?
What is the weather like outside?
Card 02
🩰
The Ballet Flats
Silk ribbons, slightly frayed at the edges.
Discussion Prompts:
Is this character rich or poor?
Are they graceful or clumsy?
Where are they going right now?
Card 03
👟
The High-Tops
Neon green, perfectly clean, with lights.
Discussion Prompts:
How old is this character?
Do they like to be noticed?
What is their favorite hobby?
Card 04
👞
The Shiny Loafers
Polished to a mirror shine, no socks.
Discussion Prompts:
What is their social status?
Are they serious or funny?
Do they follow the rules?
Teacher Note:
Use these as a physical "warm-up" for character analysis. After the guesses, reveal that "Costume Designers" are the ones who make these specific choices to help the audience understand the world of the play.
Costume Closet Worksheet Costume Closet
Character Design Lab
Name:
Date:
Your Mission:
Choose a character from a story you know (or invent a new one!). You are the Costume Designer. Use the clues below to plan their outfit for the stage.
Character Name
Their Job / Role
Personality (3 Words)
The Setting (Place/Time)
Main Color Palette
← Pick your colors!
Costume Sketch & Swatches
Draw your character here
Hat / Headwear
Main Garment
Footwear
Important Prop
Designer's Choice
Explain ONE choice you made (color, fabric, or accessory) and why it helps tell the character's story:
Wardrobe Wizardry Slides Wardrobe Wizardry
The Art of the Costume Rack
Lesson 3
Organization & Speed
Rack Rules
Left to Right
Costumes are hung in the order they appear in the show. Act 1, Scene 1 starts at the far left.
The Hanger Rule
All hangers face the same direction (the "question mark" faces away from you).
Label Everything
ACTOR: Alex // SCENE 3 // OUTFIT: Cape
ACTOR: Sam // SCENE 1 // OUTFIT: Armor
Station Set-Up
The "Preset"
Placing clothes exactly where they need to be before the actor arrives.
Shoes are "puddled" (socks inside, open wide).
Shirts are unbuttoned.
Capes are spread out.
60 Seconds
In professional theater, some changes happen in less than a minute. If the station isn't organized, the actor misses their entrance!
Professionalism
Gentle Hands
Costumes can be expensive and fragile. Never pull or rip.
Keep Calm
Actors are nervous. The Wardrobe Crew is there to be the "calm center."
Cleanliness
No food, drinks, or makeup near the costumes!
Quick Change Relay
Are you fast enough to manage a wardrobe emergency? Let's find out.
Prepare for Battle!
Quick Change Checklist Quick Change
Station Prep Checklist
Crew Member:
ID: WARDROBE-UNIT-03
"Presetting" means getting everything ready BEFORE the actor arrives. Follow this checklist to ensure your station is professional-grade.
1. The Rack Setup
Costumes are hung in order: Act 1 → Act 2 (Left to Right).
Every hanger faces the same way (away from the crew).
Labels are visible: Actor Name, Scene #, and Item Name.
2. The Floor (Presets)
Shoes are "Puddled" (opened wide, socks inside and ready).
A clean towel or mat is on the floor for the actor to stand on.
Props needed for this scene are placed on the "Prop Table" nearby.
3. Garment Readiness
All buttons and zippers are unfastened for fast entry.
Small accessories (hats, gloves) are pinned or clipped to the hanger.
Emergency Kit is ready: Safety pins, lint roller, and scissors.
The "Quick Fix" Thinking:
If an actor arrives and their shoe lace breaks, what is your first move?
Wardrobe Relay Guide Quick Change Relay
Teacher Facilitation Guide
GAME GUIDE // LESSON 03
The Mission
Students work in pairs (Actor and Wardrobe Crew) to complete a costume change as quickly and neatly as possible. The goal is speed, but in theater, a messy costume is a broken costume!
Needed Per Team:
• 1 Oversized Shirt (button-down)
• 1 Pair of large pants (or skirt)
• 1 Hat or Cape
• 1 Hanger
• 1 Chair (The "Station")
Victory Conditions:
• Under 60 Seconds: Gold Medal
• Neatness: No buttons missed, hat straight.
• Cleanup: Original clothes hung correctly.
Game Rules
1
The Preset: The Wardrobe Crew has 2 minutes to set up their "station" (chair) using the checklist. Hanger ready, shirt unbuttoned, shoes puddled.
2
The Change: On "GO!", the Actor runs to the station. The Crew helps them put on the costume. Rule: The Crew must do all the buttons/zippers!
3
The Reveal: The Actor strikes a pose. The Teacher checks for "Neatness."
4
The Strike: Actor takes it off, Crew hangs it back up perfectly. Clock stops only when the hanger is back on the rack.
Backstage Debrief
• "What was the hardest part to do quickly?" (Usually buttons or socks).
• "How did the 'Preset' help you?"
• "If you were the Actor, how did it feel when the Crew was rushing?" (Emphasize the need for calm communication).
Glow and Go Slides Glow and Go
The Science of Backstage Safety
Lesson 4
Spatial Awareness & Markings
What is Spike Tape?
In theater, we don't use pens to mark the floor. We use Spike Tape.
The Purpose
It tells the crew exactly where furniture and props go. No guessing in the dark!
The "X" Marks the Spot
"If you are off by even 2 inches, a light might miss the actor or a door might not open!"
Glow in the Dark
Edge Markers
Marking the edges of stairs, stages, and walls so people don't fall.
Traffic Lanes
Showing the path where it is safe to walk while the stage is dark.
Low Light Vision
The Danger Zones
Cables
Lighting and sound wires on the floor. Must be "taped down" with gaff tape.
Props
Leftover furniture or boxes in the hallway. Put them on their spike marks!
Darkness
Your eyes take time to adjust. Never run in the dark backstage.
Backstage Rule: "If you didn't put it there, don't move it. If you did put it there, make sure it's on the mark."
Safety Mapping
It's time to create your own "Safe Zone" map. Find the hazards before they find you!
Start the Scan
Safety Map Activity Safety Map
Hazard Identification & Safe Lanes
Safety Inspector:
Date:
Your Mission:
Look at the stage floor plan below. There are 5 major safety hazards hiding in the dark. Mark them with a RED X. Then, draw a GREEN LINE showing the safest path for an actor to walk from the dressing room to the stage center.
Backstage Left
Backstage Right
The Stage (Center)
Dressing Rooms
Loose Cables
Prop Box
Stairs to Wings
Orchestra Pit (The Edge)
Quick Change
Hazard Checklist:
Loose Electrical Cables
Props blocking the hallway
Edge of the Stage / Pit
Dark corner near stairs
Spatial Awareness Question:
Why did you choose your "Green Line" path? How does it avoid the most dangerous areas?
Hazard Spotter Checklist Hazard Spotter
Safety Inspection Checklist
Unit 04 // Simulation
Backstage Inspection
It is the job of the Run Crew and the Stage Manager to walk the stage before every show. Your goal: Find everything that could cause an accident.
Electrical & Cables
Are all cables taped down with gaff tape?
Trip hazards should be covered by black tape so they don't move.
Are light stands secured with sandbags?
Heavy lights can tip over if they aren't weighted down.
Visibility & Marks
Is there glow tape on all stair edges?
The "glow" helps people find the steps in a blackout.
Are "Spike Marks" clear for all furniture?
Check that the table and chairs are exactly on their neon tape marks.
Clear Passageways
Is the path to the fire exit completely clear?
No boxes, chairs, or costumes should ever block an exit.
Is the "Off-Stage" area quiet and tidy?
Loose paper or trash can make noise when people step on it.
Stage is Safe for Performance
Inspector Signature
Time
Calling Cues Slides Calling the Shots
The Voice of the Theater
Lesson 5
Mastery & Command
The 3 Pillars of a Cue
1. WARNING
Happens 1 minute before the cue.
"Warning: Light Cue 12."
2. STANDBY
Hands are on the button. Everyone is silent.
"Standby: Light Cue 12."
3. GO!
The moment of action. The magic happens.
"Light Cue 12... GO!"
How to Talk Tech
A
Be Precise
B
Stay Calm
C
Wait for "Standing By"
// The Loop
SM: "Standby Light Cue 5."
Light Op: "Light 5 Standing By."
SM: "Go."
The Final Challenge
Today, you will take turns being the Stage Manager. You will have a script and a crew.
Headsets On
Script Ready
Voice Clear
Places!
The House is Dark. The Curtain is Ready.
Call the Show
Master Cue Script Prompt Book
Master Cue Script: "The Space Launch"
Role: Stage Manager
The words in BOLD are what you say out loud into your headset. The instructions in [brackets] are for your crew.
SCENE START: Darkness
"Warning: Sound Cue A (Launch Countdown) and Light Cue 1 (Deep Blue)."
[Wait 10 seconds]
"Standby: Sound Cue A and Light Cue 1."
Wait for: "Sound ready." "Lights ready."
"Sound Cue A and Light Cue 1... GO!"
[The music starts and the stage turns blue.]
ACTION: The Rocket Ignites
"Warning: Light Cue 2 (Bright Orange Flash) and Smoke Machine Go."
[Wait 5 seconds]
"Standby: Light Cue 2 and Smoke."
"Light Cue 2 and Smoke... GO!"
[The stage flashes orange and smoke fills the air.]
ACTION: Blast Off
"Warning: Curtain Close."
"Standby: Curtain."
"Curtain... GO!"
[End of Show. Silence.]
Self-Reflection:
Which cue was the hardest to time? Why is it important for the Stage Manager to stay calm even if a cue is late?
Crew Commander Rubric Crew Commander
Stage Manager Assessment Rubric
ASSESSMENT // LESSON 05
Student Name
Final Score
Criteria Novice (1) Practiced (2) Master (3) Terminology
Uses "Warning, Standby, Go" correctly.
| Often skips steps or uses wrong words. | Uses all words, but occasionally out of order. | Flawless use of the SM protocol. |
|
Vocal Clarity
Voice is loud, clear, and confident.
| Too quiet or mumbled. Hard to hear. | Clear, but occasionally hesitant or rushed. | Strong, steady "theater voice." |
|
Timing
Cues are called in sync with the script.
| Calls cues too early or way too late. | Timing is mostly correct with some small gaps. | Perfectly timed "GO" signals. |
|
Leadership
Maintains control of the crew/room.
| Loses focus or gets distracted. | Focused, but may struggle with crew questions. | Total command of the backstage area. |
Teacher Notes & Observations:
"A Stage Manager doesn't just call the show; they lead the family."
