People assisting with the construction of sets in the screen, media and entertainment industries apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. In this role they construct soft scenery which refers to set items where the main materials used are cloth, e.g. legs, borders, floor cloths, cut cloths and sky cloths. As such, this unit focuses on the materials and techniques particular to these set elements.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select equipment and materials for soft scenery construction

Correctly interpret set plans to determine soft scenery requirements

Identify and select appropriate materials for soft scenery in accordance with production requirements

Calculate correct quantities of materials required and minimise waste where possible

Select appropriate equipment and tools in accordance with materials being used and the type of soft scenery required

2. Use techniques to create soft scenery

Correctly use techniques to construct soft scenery elements

Complete the construction process in a logical manner

Follow appropriate safety procedures throughout the set construction process in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements

Work cooperatively with other team members to ensure work efficiency and quality of soft scenery

Identify any problems with the soft scenery construction process promptly and take appropriate action within the scope of individual responsibility

Required skills

literacy skills sufficient to interpret set plans

numeracy skills sufficient to calculate quantities and take measurements

Required knowledge

terminology used in relation to soft scenery, including types of soft scenery and associated parts

stage geography terminology

particular types of materials used for soft scenery construction, rationale for selection of these materials and their properties, applications and durability

particular techniques used to construct different soft scenery items and rationale

format and meaning of technical drawings used to inform set constructions

organisational and legislative occupational health and safety requirements, in particular with regard to safe manual handling techniques and working with hazardous substances

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:

understanding of the properties, applications and durability of different types of materials that can be used to make soft scenery

correct and safe use of techniques to construct soft scenery elements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through construction of soft scenery on more than one occasion

completion of soft scenery construction tasks within realistic workplace timeframes.

Method of assessment

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

direct observation of the candidate using techniques to construct soft scenery

evaluation of soft scenery items constructed by the candidate in terms of quality finishing and appropriate structural soundness

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of soft scenery construction techniques and stage geography terminology

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

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands 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

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

materials, tools and equipment required to construct soft scenery

a work space in which construction can take place.

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.

Soft scenery refers to any item where the main materials used are cloth, canvas or other pliable material. It must include:

borders

cut cloths

floor cloths

legs

sky cloths

Materials may include:

canvas

gauze

nessle

silk

synthetic fabric

velour

wool

Techniques for constructing soft scenery may include:

fastening

fixing of ties and fasteners

gluing

joining

reinforcing

sewing

Occupational and public health and safety legislative requirements may include:

Commonwealth, State and Territory occupational health and safety regulations

relevant local government legislation and regulation

relevant National and International standards, guidelines and Codes of Practice, e.g. the Building Code of Australia

Unit sector

Visual communication - sets

This unit has linkages with a range of other general technical and set construction units. It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following units:

LMTCL2001B

Use a sewing machine

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

This unit contains employability skills.