Individuals responsible for contributing to the lighting and spatial design of performance spaces apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. At this level, performances would usually be those staged by performing arts schools in community venues.
People in design assistant roles work under the direct supervision of experienced personnel, such as directors, choreographers and designers responsible for different aspects of productions, like lighting, sets and sound.
Not applicable.
1. Develop an understanding of the dynamics of performance spaces | 1.1. Clarify the essential geography and terminology of performance spaces 1.2. Discuss the dynamics of space and direction with relevant personnel 1.3. Consider the differing dynamics of space for a single performer and a group in relating to an audience 1.4. Clarify specific work practices and OHS relevant to preparing performance spaces 1.5. Determine the range of possibilities for arranging performances in open spaces |
2. Develop skills for applying lighting and design aesthetics to performance spaces | 2.1. Determine how the space can be manipulated using simple set elements 2.2. Clarify the way in which performance lighting systems function 2.3. Discuss design aesthetics which may be applied to lighting performances with relevant personnel 2.4. Consider ways in which lighting design concepts contribute to a performance |
3. Prepare performance spaces | 3.1. Determine the design elements that best apply to specific performances 3.2. Determine the range of choices for adequately lighting performances with relevant personnel 3.3. Collaborate with relevant personnel to develop design briefs for specific performances, taking into account event or production requirements 3.4. View space and lighting design in rehearsal and contribute to critical analyses and revision of designs |
Required skills
communication skills to:
discuss performance space issues with others
communicate performance design requirements to designers and technicians
initiative and enterprise skills to:
approach the designing of performance spaces with confidence and focus
contribute to innovative approaches to designing performance spaces
learning skills to:
make connections between technical and artistic elements of productions
adjust performance space designs in response to peer analysis
planning and organising skills to prepare performance space designs that take into account a range of variables
teamwork skills to:
work collaboratively with others involved in planning performances
work in an artistic team making positive contributions to analyses of performances.
Required knowledge
well-developed knowledge of:
stage geography terminology
staging elements
differing potentials of a range of indoor and outdoor performance spaces
issues and challenges that can arise in the context of designing performance spaces
overview knowledge of:
design aesthetics associated with lighting performances and manipulating performance spaces
OHS principles and procedures related to designing performance spaces.
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.
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the ability to: contribute to developing at least one brief for designing a performance space incorporate into briefs an understanding of: interaction between the technical and artistic elements of productions range of different possibilities for designing performance spaces use terminology associated with stage and production design. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: access to a flexible performance space or range of alternative spaces with equipment that can be used to reshape the space and manipulate lighting such spaces should include: basic rig and control system allowing for lighting from a range of different angles, intensities and colours performance studio that can be blacked out range of materials for transforming a space, such as rostra, flats, curtains and treads performers working stage and lighting equipment opportunities to work as a group on collaborative projects. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance evaluation of performance space design briefs to which the candidate has contributed verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit review of documents or models prepared to support design briefs analysis of contribution to discussions direct observation of interaction with performers and relevant personnel. Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. 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). |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: CUASTA301A Assist with production operations for live performances. |
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.
Essential geography and terminology may include: | existing architectural elements of the performance location stage geography terminology, such as: centre stage off stage back stage up stage right and left downstage right and left opposite prompt prompt stage types, such as: proscenium arch in the round traverse end on thrust arena staging elements: drapes or borders flats ramps risers rostra structural objects capable of being moved about the space and creating changes in dimension and height treads fly tower. |
Performance spaces may include: | outdoor stadium or suitable site stage studio theatre community or school hall. |
Relevant personnel may include: | actor camera operator choreographer comedian community member dancer designer director manager musician OHS representative producer production manager sound director supervisor teacher technician venue proprietor or manager. |
Simple set elements may include: | basic lighting drapes or borders flats elevation props. |
Way performance lighting systems function may relate to: | electrical issues equipment operations licensing requirements performer and audience safety issues. |
Performance lighting systems may include: | animation disks bars or truss above the performance space booms dimmer racks domestic lighting floods floor stands foggers fresnels hazers lighting control boards looms pebbled convex (PC) lamps peripherals: barn doors gobos shutters profiles range of gel colours. |
Ways in which lighting design concepts contribute to a performance may relate to: | abstract elements environment focus mood. |
Design elements may include: | shape direction form texture brightness dark shadow colour size perspective illusion dimension height angle line. |
Design briefs may be presented by: | drawings illustrations plans model box photographs. |
Event or production requirements may include: | director’s specifications length of the run of the show organisation standards performers’ requirements production schedule relevant organisational and legislative OHS requirements resource constraints venue requirements. |
Performing arts - production management
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.