Props makers in the entertainment and screen and media industries apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. The props department may be supervised by a props manager and the props team works closely with set designers, directors and continuity personnel before and during productions.

This unit has linkages to a range of other general technical and props construction units, and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate, e.g.:

CUESET17B Develop props construction plans to meet design requirements

CUESET04C Use research, innovation and experimentation to create props.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess the need for mechanical props

1.1. Liaise with relevant colleagues to confirm props production requirements

1.2. Read and correctly interpret the props production schedule, props specifications, lists and scale drawings when available

1.3. Assess the precise nature of mechanical prop requirements based on review of documentation and in consultation with relevant colleagues

2. Select techniques and equipment for making mechanical props

2.1. Select the most appropriate construction technique and mechanical device based on an analysis of how the prop is to be used

2.2. Correctly identify any budgetary or other constraints when making mechanical prop construction decisions

2.3. Select correct tools, equipment and materials for mechanical props in accordance with construction plan

2.4. Calculate correct quantities of materials, avoiding wastage where possible

3. Make mechanical props

3.1. Use techniques, tools and materials correctly and safely to create mechanical props

3.2. Correctly interpret and follow construction plans

3.3. Check mechanical prop in terms of required durability, quality of finish and suitability for production requirements

3.4. Identify the need for adjustments and action accordingly

3.5. Prepare items in readiness for finishing in accordance with production requirements

Required skills

literacy skills sufficient to interpret production documentation

numeracy skills sufficient to calculate measurements and quantities and to interpret construction plans

Required knowledge

typical ways in which mechanical props may be used as a prop in different production/event contexts, including the use of cable-controlled, mechanically-controlled, pneumatically-controlled and electrically-controlled props

types of mechanical props that might be constructed and those most likely to be acquired by other means

properties and applications of devices commonly used for mechanical props, including an understanding of cables, levers, fulcrums and issues associated with electrically-controlled props

commonly-used mechanical devices and their ability to create different effects on stage

safety issues associated with the use of materials, tools and equipment in mechanical props

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

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

safe and correct use of techniques to integrate the use of mechanical devices within props

knowledge of specific mechanical devices, their uses and associated safety issues.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the creation of mechanical props for a production/event

construction of mechanical props within a commercially-realistic timeframe.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

evaluation of props constructed by the candidate in terms of suitability for production and quality of finish

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety issues and particular construction techniques

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit requires access to:

equipment, tools and materials used to construct mechanical props

work area where mechanical props can be safely constructed.

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.

Relevant colleagues may include:

designers

directors

performers

technical colleagues, e.g. costume, lighting

other props personnel

other workshop personnel, e.g. set builder, scenic artist

Mechanical props are those props, which include the use of any mechanical device and may be:

cable-controlled

electrically-controlled

pneumatically-controlled

Nature of mechanical construction may be impacted by:

availability of mechanical devices

how the item will be used

number of times to be used

proximity of audience

safety issues

simplicity of the device

style of rest of the set

the level of movement required

visibility by audience, e.g. only front will be seen

Devices used for the creation of mechanical props may include:

cables

fulcrums

levers

Unit sector

Visual communication - props

This unit contains employability skills.