Designers and technicians are responsible for creating and constructing sets, costumes, lighting, and sound that are consistent with the director's vision of the production. These areas of theatre require a strong artistic sense and in some areas technical knowledge. Many designers and technicians begin as volunteers working as costume dressers, production assistants, or stagehands until they have demonstrated their skills and dedication to the industry to other professionals in their field. There are many jobs in the theatre industry that do not require working daily on the set of a production. Some individuals with a theatre background, but also a focus on entrepreneurship, may turn to production.
Producers have financial and administrative control over the making of plays, movies, and TV shows.
They are responsible for raising money, deciding on size and content of productions, and overseeing the budget. Other business areas of the theatre industry include managing theatres, promoting events, handling the press, and working as a theatrical agent. Working in any of these areas requires a thorough understanding of the theater industry, good financial management and negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate with a variety of personalities in sometimes stressful situations. Every dramatic production begins as the project of a writer who has a story to tell. Playwrights and other scriptwriters usually are self-employed, and only a small percentage can write successfully enough so that the production of their work is their sole source of income.