Stage managers apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. In this role they are responsible for ensuring that production documentation is up to date, in particular documentation related to prompting and cueing performers.

This unit has strong linkages to the following units, and combined training and/or assessment with those units may be appropriate:

CUESMT09B Plot and rehearse cues

CUESMT08B Call the production/event.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine requirements for production reference documents

1.1. Read and interpret production and design documentation to achieve an understanding of the artistic and technical aspects of the project

1.2. Liaise with relevant colleagues to determine precise documentation requirements and scope of individual responsibilities

2. Create and maintain production reference documents

2.1. Draft production reference documents using the appropriate format for the type of production and in accordance with organisational requirements

2.2. Accurately and appropriately record information required to stage the production on the script

2.3. Confirm drafts with relevant colleagues and make correct adjustments as required

2.4. Copy and circulate copies of document in accordance with production requirements, maintaining accurate records of distribution

3. Use production reference documents during rehearsals

3.1. Provide accurate prompts and cues at the appropriate time in accordance with technical and director's requirements

3.2. Adjust physical elements in accordance with the setting and running documents

3.3. Provide prompts and cues sensitively ensuring appropriate timing accuracy and audibility for performers

3.4. Use documents appropriately to stand in for absent cast members when required

3.5. Update documentation as required to ensure currency of versions being used

Required skills

documentation requirements for different types of production

documentation requirements of different cast and crew

Required knowledge

broad understanding of artistic and technical elements of the production/event such as staging, lighting and sound elements, including roles and responsibilities of different cast and crew

the features and formats of source documents used to create production reference documents including scripts

the features of and formats used for different production reference documents, including production script, cue sheets and running sheets

communication techniques for the provision of prompts and cues

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:

correct interpretation of artistic and technical requirements of the production/event

ability to create accurate, clear and technically correct production reference documents

knowledge of the range of documentation used in different types of production.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the creation and use of documents for at least two different productions

interaction with and involvement of a technical and performance team to reflect the collaborative nature of the process

presence of time pressures in the creation and updating of documents.

Method of assessment

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

review of production reference documents prepared by the candidate

project activity which allows the candidate to create documents for different productions

written or oral questioning to assess knowledge of artistic and technical requirements of the production/event

review of 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:

a production

source documentation on which production reference documentation can be based

a rehearsal venue.

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:

artistic specialist

artists/performers

choreographers

conductor

designers

director

musical director

production manager

technical director

technical staff

Production reference documents must include:

cue sheet

production script

running sheet

Production reference documents may include:

'doubling' list

cast list

cast/character/costume/props matrix

directors notes

extract lists

notated score

quick change lists

rehearsal scene breakdown

scene-by-scene principles and extras lists

Information for the production script may include:

backstage calls and announcements

cues and standbys to performers and technicians

cuts and additions to script

front-of-house calls

location, use and movement of props, costumes and set pieces

musical score requirements

other performer movements, eg entrances, exits, moves 'on stage'

performer calls

repeats, pauses, vocal dynamics and other notations relating to performance

Prompting may take place:

during a technical run through

in dress rehearsal

in ordinary rehearsals

in the live production/event

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - stage management

This unit contains employability skills.