CUASTA401
Operate show control systems


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to program and operate show control systems that store, play back and control audio, video, digital images and other inputs in a programmed sequence.

Individuals who apply these skills work autonomously in a team environment as they take responsibility for ensuring that technical elements of shows, presentations or installations deliver the desired effect.

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 show control operations

1.1 Liaise with relevant personnel to confirm timelines and show control requirements

1.2 Assess capabilities of available show control systems and reach agreement on ways to overcome shortcomings as required

1.3 Document plans that specify how show control requirements will be programmed to meet timelines

1.4 Discuss plans with relevant personnel and amend as required

2. Input sources

2.1 Establish file paths for video and audio cues using appropriate file formats

2.2 Set musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) or similar device cues

2.3 Set trigger points for cues

2.4 Test and confirm external connections

2.5 Review settings to ensure that show requirements have been met and amend cues as required

3. Undertake show control activities

3.1 Participate in technical run-throughs to test show control operations

3.2 Modify programming of show control systems to take account of faults identified during technical run-throughs

3.3 Confirm cues are executed at appropriate points during shows, presentations or installations

3.4 Monitor equipment for correct operation and resolve problems as required

4. Complete post-show operations

4.1 Identify and complete necessary equipment adjustments, including maintenance and re-setting if required, in preparation for the next performance

4.2 Amend documentation as required

4.3 Identify problems with show control systems, take appropriate action and report to relevant personnel as required

4.4 In consultation with relevant personnel, evaluate effectiveness of show control operations and note areas for future improvement

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

program and operate a show control system to create the sound, vision and movement effects required in a show, presentation or installation on at least two occasions

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 features of, and process for selecting, files in standard show control systems

describe issues and challenges that typically arise when setting up and operating show control systems, along with solutions to address them

explain musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) and show-based protocols and control mediums.


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 show control systems used for performances, presentations or installations.

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

Reading

1.2

Interprets information and specifications in user guides for show control systems

Writing

1.3, 4.2, 4.4

Generates documentation in relation to show control operations

Documents outcomes of evaluations

Oral communication

1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 3.1, 3.4, 4.4

Obtains information by listening and questioning

Discusses ideas and solutions in relation to show control operations

Numeracy

2.3

Makes precise calculations when setting show control timelines

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 1.3, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

Follows workplace protocols and safety procedures

Interact with others

1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 3.1, 3.4, 4.4

Works collaboratively with personnel involved in staging shows

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3,3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

Undertakes show control preparation and operations in a logical sequence

Assesses information about show control systems and devises the most effective way to meet creative requirements

Programs and operates show control systems to meet creative requirements

Recognises and takes responsibility for addressing predictable, and some less predictable, problems in show control operations

Meets work deadlines

Identifies improvement opportunities based on evaluations of show control operations


Sectors

Media and entertainment production - staging