CUASMT301
Work effectively backstage during performances


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide staging, organisational and technical support backstage during performances in the entertainment and events industries.

At this level, individuals are required to use some discretion and judgement and operate under broad supervision within an established framework of plans and procedures.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for work backstage

1.1 Identify production documentation and confirm job requirements with supervisor

1.2 Prepare own draft running sheet based on production documentation and information from supervisor

1.3 Use theatre terminology correctly and observe protocols in dealings with others involved in productions

1.4 Set up own work area in line with job requirements

1.5 Ensure that areas of responsibility backstage are free of hazards and meet work health and safety requirements

2. Participate in technical and dress rehearsals

2.1 Follow own running sheet, and action on cue during rehearsals

2.2 Take notes on changes and adjustments made during rehearsals and update running sheet according to rehearsal notes and instructions from supervisor

2.3 Observe theatre etiquette and work cooperatively with relevant personnel during rehearsals

2.4 Take direction and instruction and participate in notes sessions

2.5 Complete work assigned as a result of rehearsals prior to next rehearsal or performance

3. Assist backstage during performances

3.1 Set up backstage area for performances in line with requirements

3.2 Complete pre-show checks as required and assist with rectifying technical faults in line with own level of responsibility

3.3 Refer problems beyond scope of own job or skill level to supervisor

3.4 Complete tasks on running sheet on cue

3.5 Maintain quiet in the backstage area during performances

3.6 Contribute to maintaining backstage area, paying particular attention to exits and hazards

4. Complete post-performance procedures

4.1 Advise supervisor of repairs, faults or technical issues that need to be addressed prior to next performance

4.2 Shut down technical equipment according to procedures

4.3 Tidy stage and backstage area

4.4 Complete workplace documentation as required

4.5 Seek feedback on own work performance to identify areas for future improvement

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

provide assistance backstage for at least two productions

meet work deadlines

work collaboratively with others involved in productions

follow health and safety procedures when working backstage

use stage and production terminology correctly.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements the individual must describe:

the purpose of different types of documentation typically used backstage during rehearsals and performance

the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the following areas:

audio

costume

lighting

production management

stage management

staging

vision systems.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to rehearsals and live performances.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Learning

4.5

Seeks the views of others to identify ways to improve own performance

Reading

1.1, 2.1, 3.4

Obtains information from written sources

Writing

1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 4.4

Prepares and updates own running sheets and other workplace documentation

Oral communication

1.1, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1, 4.5

Obtains information by listening and questioning

Uses clear language to contribute information and express requirements

Understands what to communicate, with whom and how in routine work situations

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4

Identifies and follows procedures and expectations associated with own role

Understands the purpose of own role and associated responsibilities, and how they contribute to the work of others in the immediate work context

Takes responsibility for meeting organisational requirements within scope of own role

Interact with others

1.1, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1, 4.5

Works collaboratively to achieve team goals

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

Undertakes backstage work in line with production requirements and directions from supervisor

Recognises and takes responsibility for addressing predictable, and some less predictable, problems in familiar work contexts

Uses standard word processing and spreadsheet applications to update production documentation

Applies knowledge of equipment operating procedures to backstage work duties


Sectors

Media and entertainment production - stage management