Elements and Performance Criteria
- Install follow spots
- Position follow spots and accessories according to relevant documentation and ensure safety for the operator and audience
- Set up stands securely and adjust for height as required
- Check and adjust balance, focus and sights of follow spots
- Install follow spot dimmers as required
- Secure follow spot cabling safely
- Install manual colour changer correctly and colour according to lighting plans
- Test follow spots to ensure they are operational and that accessories are in working order
- Focus follow spots and check multiple spots for consistency of focus and colour temperature
- Participate in technical or creative run-throughs
- Participate in technical or creative run-throughs as required, noting required equipment deficiencies or technical adjustments
- Rehearse technical aspects of production and communicate to performers and relevant personnel as required
- Set back-up options in the event of an equipment malfunction and test to ensure that they are in working order
- Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant personnel and according to equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements
- Make necessary changes to cues and modify cue sheets as required
- Execute necessary changes to equipment according to modifications required
- Prepare for follow spot operations
- Power up follow spots and check height, balance, sights, focus, operation of iris, operation of additional follow spot accessories and dimmer
- Check colours and operation of colour changer
- Check that final requirements for equipment operation have been identified, implemented and documented
- Check communication equipment to ensure that it is in working order
- Correctly identify and rectify faults or problems and inform relevant personnel of ongoing problems
- Operate follow spots
- Operate follow spots on cue or direction from relevant personnel or running sheet
- Operate spots so that beam diameter, shape, edge, colour and intensity level meet performance requirements
- Synchronise follow spot operation with other lighting and staging effects
- Modify follow spot cues and operation as required to cater for unexpected contingencies and creative requirements
- Operate spots in a manner that does not distract the audience and maintains reasonable comfort for the operator
- Identify and rectify problems safely, using logical problem solving techniques and according to venue procedures, and inform relevant personnel as required
- Correctly identify the need for the use of back-up systems and implement as required
- Recalibrate follow spots correctly after changing lamps as required
- Shut down and disassemble equipment
- Turn off power to follow spots according to cool-down procedures and dismantle, store or cover equipment according to enterprise procedures and performance requirements
- Note changes to cue sheets and update and file documentation as required according to enterprise procedures
- Participate in reviews of overall performance to maximise creative outcomes in future productions