Profession flying director

Flying directors design people flying effects for a performance and supervise or perform the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. They train the actors for the flying choreography and manipulate them during the performance. Therefore, the flying directors work closely with artistic directors, operators, performers and the artistic team. Flying directors prepare and supervise the setup, perform security checks and operate the person fly systems. They are trained to react appropriately to emergencies that may occur in connection to performance flying. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. The manipulation of persons on height, close to or above performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.

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Personality Type

• Conventional / Realistic

Skills

• Train artists in flying

  Train artists in operating fly harnesses and flying systems by rehearsing fly movements.

• Evacuate people from heights

  Safely evacuate people from heights using rope access techniques.

• Promote health and safety

  Promote the importance of a safe working environment. Coach and support staff to participate actively in the continuous development of a safe working environment.

• Work with respect for own safety

  Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

• Design flying movements

  Design flying movements for artists in a live performance.

• Write risk assessment on performing arts production

  Assess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.

• Maintain flying harnesses

  Check, maintain and repair the harnesses and flying systems used to move actors through the air, giving the impression of flying.

• Use personal protection equipment

  Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

• Rehearse artist fly movements

  Help the artist rehearse their flying movements using the appropriate equipment.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Maintain artist flying system

  Install, operate, maintain and repair artist flying systems for onstage purposes.

• React to emergency situations in a live performance environment

  Assess and react to an emergency (fire, threat, accident or another calamity), alerting emergency services and taking appropriate measures to safeguard or evacuate workers, participants, visitors or audience according to the established procedures.

• Follow safety procedures when working at heights

  Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

• Manage technical resources stock

  Manage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.

• Provide first aid

  Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.

• Test artist flying systems

  Monitor or try flying systems to ensure health and safety conditions are adequate.

• Prevent technical problems with flying equipment

  Anticipate technical issues with flying equipment and prevent them where possible.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB