Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make public announcements and call cues during live performances in the entertainment and events industries.
Individuals who apply these skills are expected to display initiative, judgement and responsibility as they use high level communication and coordination skills to ensure that performances or events run smoothly from a logistical perspective.
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 performances | 1.1 Check production call reference material to ensure information is up-to-date and correct 1.2 Monitor schedules and passage of time to determine correct time to make announcements and time calls 1.3 Check that communication equipment is fully operational and take action to restore functionality prior to start of performances as required 1.4 Prepare scripts for emergency procedures and other public announcements |
2. Make announcements | 2.1 Make clear and accurate backstage time calls to ensure pre-performance work is carried out according to schedules 2.2 Identify and promptly communicate changes to pre-performance routine or performances as required 2.3 Liaise with front of house staff to ensure they are ready to act on public announcements and to open the house to audiences 2.4 Make appropriate checks prior to making public announcements 2.5 Make clear and accurate public announcements in a manner that appropriately represents production company and venue management |
3. Make calls during performances | 3.1 Use calling reference material to call cues for performers in a timely and appropriate manner 3.2 Make backstage calls to ensure performers and technicians are in place and ready to receive cues on time 3.3 Provide clear and accurate standbys and cues, using the most appropriate methods for communicating 3.4 Call cues according to plotting notation and in a manner that ensures timing is maintained 3.5 Monitor the performance, recognise variations in performers’ work and performances, and adjust calling appropriately 3.6 Identify problem situations promptly and respond appropriately to minimise negative impact on performances 3.7 Note aspects of own performance that could be adjusted to improve effectiveness in future productions |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
use call reference material to provide clear and accurate announcements, cues and calls for at least six performances over at least two different productions that have a range of technical and performance elements
monitor performances and respond to variations with appropriate adjustments to the timing of cues
manage a range of competing tasks within time constraints experienced during the running of live performances
work collaboratively.
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:
explain the purpose of a range of documentation used for calling performances
explain key factors involved in the effective calling of performances
describe the features and purpose of different ways of communicating backstage during performances
describe issues and challenges that can arise when calling performances, along with solutions to address them
explain the role of stage management personnel in the following production areas:
audio
costume
lighting
production management
show control
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 calling material, public performances and industry-standard communication equipment used to make announcements, cues and calls.
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 | 3.7 | Evaluates own performance in order to identify ways to improve it |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 | Interprets production documentation in relation to own role |
Writing | 1.4, 3.7 | Writes scripts for public announcements Documents self-evaluation results |
Oral communication | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Uses clear language to contribute information and express requirements Recognises the importance of taking audience, purpose and contextual factors into account when making decisions about how and what to communicate |
Numeracy | 1.2, 3.4 | Keeps track of timings during performances so that calls are made at appropriate times |
Navigate the world of work | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1 | Applies organisational procedures when calling performances Projects a positive image of production company through public announcements Stays calm under the pressure of calling live performances |
Interact with others | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 | Continuously checks that cast and crew are ready to act on cues Collaborates with cast, crew and front of house personnel to achieve joint outcomes, playing an active role in facilitating effective group interaction |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 | Adopts a methodical and logical approach to preparation and calling of live productions or events Manages time efficiently to meet work schedules Demonstrates initiative in dealing with unplanned variations during live performances Demonstrates initiative by anticipating and taking action to minimise potential problems that could disrupt performances Responds to problems requiring immediate attention, drawing on past experience to devise solutions Applies knowledge of technical equipment operation to stage management duties Uses standard word processing software to prepare scripts for public announcements |
Sectors
Media and entertainment production - stage management