The creative team is the artistic engine of any Broadway show. While the producer handles the business, the capitalization, and the logistics, the creative team handles the storytelling. This group typically includes the director, choreographer, book writer, composer, lyricist, and the designers responsible for sets, costumes, lighting, sound, and hair. In a musical, it also extends to the music director and orchestrator. Each member brings a specific expertise, but they must work in lockstep to ensure the production has a cohesive 'language'—a unified look and feel that serves the script.
The Reporting Relationship to the Producer
As a producer, I view my relationship with the creative team as a partnership of trust. While the director is the 'CEO' of the rehearsal room, they ultimately report to the lead producer. This means the creative team must balance their artistic ambition with the financial realities of the production's budget. My job is to provide the resources they need to succeed while ensuring the vision remains aligned with the show's brand and the expectations of our investors. We communicate constantly about everything from casting choices to the cost of a specific set piece, making sure the art is spectacular without being fiscally irresponsible.
Key Roles and Collaboration
The collaboration usually begins long before the first day of rehearsal. Here is how the core members typically function within the team structure:
- Director: The visionary who integrates all artistic elements and leads the actors.
- Designers: Specialists in scenic, lighting, and costume design who build the world the characters inhabit.
- Writers: The playwright or the book writer, composer, and lyricist who provide the 'DNA' of the show.
- Music Director: The person responsible for the musical integrity of the performances and the orchestra.
- Choreographer: The artist who creates the movement and dance language of the piece.
According to the Broadway League, the success of a production often relies on the early alignment of these professionals during the development phase to avoid costly changes during the preview period.
The best creative teams are those where everyone feels safe enough to disagree, knowing we are all chasing the same goal: a show that resonates with the audience and honors the work.
Sue Gilad
See the productions → /producer