Profession stage technician

Stage technicians control different aspects of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. They prepare and perform the setup, program the equipment and operate various  systems. Stage technicians take care of lighting, sound, video, sets and/or fly systems. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. They can work in small venues, theatres and other small artistic productions.

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Personality Type

• Conventional / Realistic

Skills

• Assemble truss constructions

  Use trusses, metal structures that derive strength from their construction involving triangular shapes, to construct stages for performances.

• Technically design a sound system

  Set up, test and operate a complex audio system, based on a given sound concept. This could be a permanent as well as a temporary installation.

• Set up light board

  Install, connect and try out light board in a live performance environment.

• Mark the information from the ground plans on the stage area

  Interpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.

• Work ergonomically

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

• Prevent fire in a performance environment

  Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.

• Run a projection

  Operate projection equipment safely and efficiently to project images on a background in an artistic or cultural context.

• Use personal protection equipment

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

• Pack electronic equipment

  Safely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.

• Install lighting

  Set up, connect and test lighting equipment in a live performance environment.

• Adjust projector

  Adjust the controls of projection equipment to obtain a clear and well-positioned image.

• Assemble the rehearsal set

  Put together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.

• Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

  Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

• Understand artistic concepts

  Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

• Handle scenic elements during rehearsal

  Handle and assemble equipment and scenery material during rehearsal or on stage.

• De-rig electronic equipment

  Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.

• Focus lighting equipment

  Focus already installed conventional lighting equipment, based on directions and information from somebody on the floor.

• Plot lighting states

  Set up and try out lighting states.

• Modify scenic elements during performance

  Change-over of scenic elements during performance, and follow the relevant documentation during performance.

• Operate an audio mixing console

  Operate an audio mixing system during rehearsals or during live performances.

• Assess power needs

  Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.

• Work safely with machines

  Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.

• Ensure visual quality of the set

  Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.

• 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.

• Keep up with trends

  Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

• Prepare personal work environment

  Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

• Prevent technical problems with lighting equipment

  Anticipate possible technical problems with lighting equipment.

• 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.

• Distribute control signals

  Distribute control signals between light boards, dimmers and other lighting equipment. Control systems can be either DMX or network based.

• Assemble scenic elements on stage

  Assemble scenic elements, dance and stage floors and stage cloths, based on written documents

• Fit up sound on stage

  Set up, rig, connect, test and tune audio equipment on stage.

• Prevent technical problems with scenic elements

  Anticipate possible technical problems with scenic elements.

• Draw stage layouts

  Manual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.

• Draw up lighting plan

  Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.

• Manage personal professional development

  Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.

• Hang chain hoists

  Install chain hoists in building constructions.

• Light a show

  Light a show based on concrete production needs.

• Dismantle the rehearsal set

  Take apart all prepared scenic elements after the rehearsal.

• Operate stage movement control system

  Operate control systems for stage movement, e.g. flying mechanisms. Use manual or electric systems.

• Operate dimmer equipment

  Set up, connect and operate dimmer equipment (with plug and socket) in a live performance environment.

• Set up equipment in a timely manner

  Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.

• Provide power distribution

  Provide power distribution for light, stage, sound, video and recording purposes.

• Adapt to artists' creative demands

  Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB