What is a PA?

[MNC77]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 9:35am

I've heard the term floated around but I don't know what it is. I work on the business side of theatre so I assume it's someone who works in the actual theatre itself. Any help would be appreciated.

[Jane2]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 9:38am

Production Assistant.

On film shoots it usually means gopher.

[Patash]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 9:41am

The old guy at the stagedoor?
A public address system?
The location of Bucks County Playhouse?
A Personal Assistant?
A Press Agent?

[MNC77]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 9:44am

Thanks Jane2, do you know if their job differs at all in live theatre?

[Kad]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 9:52am

Not really. You're doing whatever odd jobs (typically) the stage manager needs done.

[Jane2]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 9:52am

Yes, really, MN. basically they provide assistance to anyone on the production team, in whatever help they need. It's the first step in moving up the ladder in the industry.

Updated On: 3/3/15 at 09:52 AM

[NotTheComfyChair]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 10:05am

Most (though not all) PA's I've met are looking to become Stage Managers. Most seem to be either recent grads from Stage Management training programs or have some SM experience in college.

[Nateben2]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 10:42am

Yes, typically a PA (Production Assistant) is in the the stage management department (although there are at times Music Department PA's, Scenic PA's, etc.) .

In stage management, they are a non-union position.

On Broadway, the PA position is often held by someone who has their union card in hopes of being moved up in the AEA Contract position either as Sub or replacement.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 10:57am

A Prince Albert?

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 9:55pm

Most enjoyable job I ever had in the theater: lots of drama and interesting tasks; admission to the various cast parties and the opportunity to meet fascinating people; and relatively little pressure.

Yes, it could be hectic in the day before tech, but if, say, I got to a shop and discovered they didn't have the promised prop, I simply had to call the designer and say, "What do I do now?"

Great experience for anyone interested in a production career in the theater.

Updated On: 3/3/15 at 09:55 PM

[Tag]

Posted: 3/3/15 at 10:06pm

aka. the bitch

Coffee runs, photocopying, etc.

But yes often a gateway to stage management/technical direction/production management/etc.