organise stage
Making sure the scene elements like props and furniture are placed according to specifications, procuring the costumes and wigs and making sure everybody is ready in the right time and place.
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.
Competences and skills
90 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 48 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceSector-specific
35 competencesadapt 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.
adjust projector
Adjust the controls of projection equipment to obtain a clear and well-positioned image.
assemble scenic elements on stage
Assemble scenic elements, dance and stage floors and stage cloths, based on written documents
assemble the rehearsal set
Put together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.
assemble truss constructions
Use trusses, metal structures that derive strength from their construction involving triangular shapes, to construct stages for performances.
dismantle the rehearsal set
Take apart all prepared scenic elements after the rehearsal.
distribute control signals
Distribute control signals between light boards, dimmers and other lighting equipment. Control systems can be either DMX or network based.
digital
draw stage layouts
Manual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.
draw up lighting plan
Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.
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.
find a replacement for stage manager
Take over tasks from the stage manager as required. Indicate key standby moments. Indicate when the house is open. Confirm that the performers are in position. Indicate the start of the performance. Indicate the entrances and exits of scenery elements when necessary.
focus lighting equipment
Focus already installed conventional lighting equipment, based on directions and information from somebody on the floor.
handle scenic elements during rehearsal
Handle and assemble equipment and scenery material during rehearsal or on stage.
hang chain hoists
Install chain hoists in building constructions.
identify technical resources for performances
Identify the technical equipment required for rehearsals and performances and the necessary production elements such as sets, props and costumes.
mark the stage area
Interpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.
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.
digital
operate dimmer equipment
Set up, connect and operate dimmer equipment (with plug and socket) in a live performance environment.
operate stage movement control system
Operate control systems for stage movement, e.g. flying mechanisms. Use manual or electric systems.
- Scope note
- Excludes the operation of automated stage movement control systems.
pack electronic equipment
Safely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.
perform soundchecks
Test the sound equipment of a venue to ensure smooth operation during the performance. Cooperate with performers to make sure the venue equipment is adjusted for the requirements of the performance. Check instrument setup and ensure correct functioning of the audio equipment. Anticipate possible technical problems during a live show.
plot lighting states
Set up and try out lighting states.
prepare sound equipment on stage
Set up, rig, connect, test and tune audio equipment on stage.
digital
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.
prevent technical problems with lighting equipment
Anticipate possible technical problems with lighting equipment.
prevent technical problems with scenic elements
Anticipate possible technical problems with scenic elements.
read lighting plans
Read the instructions on the light plan to determine the light equipment needed and the right placement.
run a projection
Operate projection equipment safely and efficiently to project images on a background in an artistic or cultural context.
set up equipment in a timely manner
Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.
set up light board
Install, connect and try out light board in a live performance environment.
set up projection equipment
Install and connect equipment for projection in an artistic context.
understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
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.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
Cross-sector
12 competencesassess power needs
Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.
de-rig electronic equipment
Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.
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.
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.
provide power distribution
Provide power distribution for light, stage, sound, video and recording purposes.
rig lights
Rig, connect, try out and de-rig lighting equipment.
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
use technical documentation
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
work safely with machines
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
- Scope note
- Includes more generally used small electrical and mechanical tools like drills, manual sawing machines, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. that are also used in non professional 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.
Optional skills and competences 42 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceinstruct on set up of equipment
Instruct others on how to properly and safely set up equipment according to specifications and regulations.
Sector-specific
32 competencesadapt artistic plan to location
Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
adapt designers’ work to the performance venue
Reorient the work of performance collaborators, such as musicians, dancers, actors as well as artistic and technical collaborators, such as set designers, lighting operators and stage managers.
consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production
Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.
coordinate pre-show checks
Coordinate the final checks before a performance in order to ensure a safe, optimal functioning environment that is fully ready to start the show.
document your own practice
Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
draw up artistic production
File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.
draw up stage layouts digitally
Draw and design stage settings and layouts using software like CAD.
digital
edit recorded sound
Edit audio footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as crossfading, speed effects, and removing unwanted noises.
digital
ensure safety of mobile electrical systems
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, working independently is related to a specific degree or certificate.
focus stage lights
Focus, direct, adjust and tune stage lights, either alone or leading a group. Coordinate with the team to determine the optimal lighting.
maintain dimmer equipment
Check and operate dimmer equipment. Take the appropriate steps if the equipment is defective, correcting the defect yourself or forwarding it to a specialised repair service.
maintain lighting equipment
Check, maintain and repair electrical, mechanical and optical lighting elements.
maintain sound equipment
Set up, check, maintain and repair sound equipment for a live performance establishment.
maintain system layout for a production
Establish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.
manage performance light quality
Perform light checks and adjust for optimal light quality before and during performance.
manage signoff of an installed system
Make sure an installed technical system is adequately transferred and signed off for.
manage technical resources stock
Manage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
operate a chain hoist control system for entertainment
Operate a chain hoist control system for live stage performances.
operate a lighting console
Operate a light board during rehearsal or live situations, based on visual cues or documentation.
operate follow spots
Operate follow spots during a live performance based on visual cues or documentation.
operate sound live
Operate sound system and audio devices during rehearsals or in a live situation.
digital
plan act lighting
Lay out the lighting of your act. Work together with technicians to make sure the lighting of your act conforms with the artistic vision.
prepare the floor for performance
Check the state of the floor, making sure that its absorption of impact, restitution of energy and adherence properties are adequate. Check the surface for cleanliness, any sharp edges, level differences, holes. Take into account these conditions when planning the rehearsal and training sessions in order to avoid health problems. Notify the appropriate person or people of any problems. Remove unwanted or unnecessary material. Clearly indicate the performance area. Position the props. Determine the optimal viewpoint.
prevent technical problems with stage equipment
Anticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.
safeguard artistic quality of performance
Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
set up follow spots
Set up and test follow spots in different types of locations.
set up technical stage equipment
Install mechanical and technical stage equipment. Test the installation to make sure everything is in working order.
store performance equipment
Dismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.
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.
digital
work safely with pyrotechnical materials in a performance environment
Take necessary precautions while preparing, transporting, storing, installing and operating with pyrotechnical materials and explosives of class T1 and T2.
work safely with stage weapons
Take necessary precautions while preparing, transporting, storing, training and operating stage weapons (stabbing weapons, shooting weapons, etc).
write risk assessment on performing arts production
Assess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.
Cross-sector
9 competencesadvise client on technical possibilities
Recommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.
develop professional network
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
- Scope note
- This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
keep personal administration
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
maintain electrical equipment
Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.
manage consumables stock
Manage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
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. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
research
perform first fire intervention
Intervene in the case of a fire in order to extinguish the fire or limit the effects pending the arrival of emergency services according to training and procedures.
set up stage lights
Set up and test stage lighting systems and technology, according to their specificity.
translate artistic concepts to technical designs
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.