In technical theatre, who typically handles the budgeting and finance aspects of a production?

In a production's structure, the individual responsible for managing budgeting and finance is the business manager. This role encompasses overseeing the financial planning, tracking expenses, and ensuring that the production stays within its budgetary limits. The business manager collaborates closely with the producer and other key personnel to allocate funds appropriately to various departments, including set design, costumes, and marketing, and to ensure that all financial transactions are accounted for.

While the producer does play a critical role in securing funding and making high-level financial decisions, the business manager is the one who meticulously handles the finances on a day-to-day basis. The stage manager focuses on the logistics of running the production during rehearsals and performances, while designers are primarily concerned with the artistic elements of the show rather than the financial side.