Mechanists apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. In this role they are responsible for installing a range of scenery and set items for performances or events. These include soft scenery, as well as weight and non-weight bearing set items.

This unit has linkages with a range of other staging and technical production units, and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for installation of staging

1.1. Prepare venue at the appropriate time in accordance with bump-in schedule

1.2. Read, correctly interpret and apply stage plans to venue layout

1.3. Identify and liaise with relevant personnel to determine the sequence of installation for staging elements

1.4. Where there is an existing stage, communicate modifications clearly to relevant personnel and implement as required

1.5. Install other equipment and necessary structures in consultation with the relevant personnel

1.6. Pre-rig equipment as required within safety guidelines and licensing requirements

2. Install staging elements

2.1. Mark out ground plan accurately onstage in accordance with design specifications and venue requirements

2.2. Install staging elements in accordance with design specifications and requirements of the production

2.3. Install staging elements in the appropriate sequence as agreed with relevant personnel

2.4. Install staging elements in accordance with safety regulations and any manufacturer instructions

2.5. Select and use appropriate equipment to assist with staging installation, using safe working practices at all times

3. Check staging elements after installation

3.1. Check each staging element to ensure operational standards for performance are achieved and that all safety requirements have been met

3.2. Identify any problems with staging elements, take appropriate action to rectify or refer to relevant personnel for action

3.3. Identify any modifications required to improve suitability for performance and take appropriate action

Required skills

literacy skills sufficient to interpret stage plans

numeracy skills sufficient to take measurements required for installation

Required knowledge

types of control desks which operate stage machinery

techniques for working out load capacity of stage machinery

safe and efficient methods and procedures used in manoeuvring loads

techniques for handling scenic elements, eg toggling flats and pin hinging

relevant legislative and/or organisational health and safety requirements, including safe manual handling techniques, working at heights, moving loads safely

safety issues associated with using ladders

signals to be employed when using stage machinery

safety procedures to be followed in the event of lifting, revolving or trucking emergencies

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:

application of safe working practices for installing staging elements

knowledge of safety issues specifically associated with the installation of staging

ability to communicate effectively within a staging team.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must ensure:

practical demonstration of skills through the installation of staging elements for more than one production

installation of staging elements within realistic workplace timeframes

involvement of and interaction with a production team to reflect the collaborative nature of staging installation.

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 completing installation tasks

inspection of staging elements installed by the candidate

oral questioning/interview to assess knowledge of safety and equipment procedures

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 venue where the installation of staging can take place

staging equipment.

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 personnel may include:

designers

directors

production managers

stage managers

technical specialists

venue management

Staging elements may include:

framed scenery, e.g.:

flats

profiles

doors

windows

furniture and other set props

non-weight bearing scenery, e.g.:

columns

trees

revolves

soft scenery, e.g.:

canvas legs

borders

cloths

gauzes

cycloramas

trucks

weight bearing scenery, e.g.:

rostra

ramps

steps

Modifications to an existing stage may include:

altering grid and other structures under appropriate supervision

installing staging extensions

Equipment, used during installation may include the following, within regulation limits and licensing requirements:

cherry pickers

ladders and A-frames

maxilift or genie-type lifter

mobile scaffolding

scissor lift

tallescopes

Installing staging aspects of the show may involve setting up additional facilities for certain venues, particularly outside venues, and construction of extra requirements, which may include the following (within regulation limits):

cast and crew amenities, e.g.: dressing rooms

catering facilities

fences

front-of-house facilities

ground coverings

public amenities

scaffolding

seating

stage coverings

stages

tents

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - staging

It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following units:

CUESTA05C

Apply a general knowledge of staging to work activities

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

This unit contains employability skills.