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Running crew is a collective term used to describe the members of a technical crew who are required to fulfill ("run") any particular technical function during a performance. Running crew members generally refer to crew members and not crew heads. This group may also include onstage performers functioning in technical capacities while not onstage. A typical running crew usually includes persons in the following capacities (jobs, titles and roles vary depending on the type of performance and the professional level at which the production is done):

• Assistant Stage manager: Assists the Stage Manager in their duties. Generally one Assistant Stage Manager is in charge of running backstage operation during a show.
• Light board operator: operates the lighting control system. Sometimes this is integrated with the show control system.
• Sound operator (A1): operates the sound board and/or audio control system specified by the sound designer, computerised or otherwise. Sometimes this is integrated with the show control system.
• Mic wrangler (A2): manages microphones and maintains headsets as a show runs.
• Flymen (or rail crew): operate the fly system, a system of ropes or wires, pulleys and counterweights by means of which scenery is "flown" in and out (down and up, respectively) during scene changes.
• Deck carpenters: responsible for moving scenery at the stage level, often by rolling pieces on and offstage to and from the wings.
• Deck electricians: responsible for placing, connecting and/or operating "practical" electrical fixtures or effects.
• Followspot operator (or spotlight operator): operates a type of lighting instrument called a Follow spot, which allows a performer to be lit evenly no matter where on stage they may go (particularly practical for those performers who are unable to "find their light").
• Props: responsible for maintenance and placement of hand props before scenes as well as their subsequent retrieval after the scene.
• Wardrobe: responsible for maintenance and placement of costumes, as well as assisting performers in getting into and out of costumes.
• Wigs/Makeup: responsible for applying or assisting in the application of face and body paints, wigs and hairpieces, etc.