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Elements and Performance Criteria

Install follow spots.
Participate in technical or creative run through.
Prepare for follow spot operation.
Operate follow spots.
Shut down and disassemble equipment.
- Turn off power to the follow spot in accordance with cool-down procedure and dismantle store or cover equipment in accordance with organisational procedures and performance requirements.
- Note changes to cue sheets and update and file documentation as required in accordance with organisational procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

handeye coordination skills

literacy skills sufficient to interpret a lighting plan

Required knowledge

knowledge of the main types of lanterns including profile fresnel pebbleconvex flood moving lanterns and PAR their uses and operations optical and mechanical and accessories

different types of follow spots and their features including incandescent and discharge units

the relationship between follow spot operation and other lighting and stage effects

techniques for the operation of follow spots including how to adjust for colour temperature and beam

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit

application of excellent handeye coordination skills to follow spot operation for productions with extensive movement on stage

knowledge of different techniques for effective follow spot operation

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for

practical demonstration of skills through the operation of a follow spot for an actual production on more than one occasion and for more than one production

involvement of and interaction with a production team to reflect the collaborative nature of the process

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge and might include

direct observation of the candidate installing or operating follow spots

evaluation of a performance where the candidate is responsible for follow spot operation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of follow spot equipment operating techniques or specific OHS issues

review of portfolios of evidence or third party workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups eg people with disabilities and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English remote communities and those with interrupted schooling

Assessment of this unit requires access to

follow spots and accessories as identified in the Range Statement

a production and production venue

Range Statement


The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Follow spots may include:	discharge units incandescent.

Follow spot accessories may include:	% power selection switches ballasts colour magazines
	gobos irises mechanical blackouts mechanical dimmers shutters stands.

Documentation may include:	colour lists cue sheets emergency procedures equipment lists focus notes patch sheets.

Appropriate personnel may include:	designer director stage manager supervisor, head of department other follow spot operator other specialist staff.

Faults and problems with follow spots may include:	blown globe defective colour defective iris/sights/dimmer differences in colour temperature between different units faulty balance incorrect height adjustment mis-aligned sights problems with manual colour changer unexpected changes by performers, eg moving out of range, behind scenery.