Mechanists and staging personnel apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. In this role they are responsible for the safe operation of a range of staging equipment, which requires a sound knowledge of stagecraft, as well as the types of issues that may arise during performance and how these affect the work of staging personnel.

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

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ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Make staging preparations

1.1. Rehearse technical staging aspects of the show and communicate relevant information to performers as required

1.2. Plot, rehearse and execute cues in accordance with directions from the relevant personnel

1.3. Implement any changes correctly and modify cue sheets accurately as required

1.4. Document all modifications in accordance with organisational procedures

1.5. Check the stage prior to performance to ensure that it is set in accordance with performance requirements

1.6. Run appropriate checks on all operable set elements as required to ensure that they are in working order

1.7. Identify and deal with problems and faults safely and effectively, and inform appropriate personnel as required

2. Operate staging elements

2.1. Execute any scene changes correctly and on cue according to performance requirements

2.2. Identify and rectify any staging problems or faults promptly or refer to relevant personnel

2.3. Identify and make emergency repairs quickly and efficiently as required

3. Carry out post performance requirements

3.1. Clear stage as required by production requirements and store materials appropriately

3.2. Identify any faulty set elements, repair to working condition or refer to specialist personnel for action to ensure readiness for next performance

Required skills

problem solving in relation to the types of staging challenges that arise during live performance

numeracy skills sufficient to calculate timings

literacy skills sufficient to both interpret and make modifications to staging documentation

Required knowledge

cue plots, their features, how to action them and make amendments to cues

operating techniques for a range of staging elements, including movement of flats, operation of trucks and revolves, movement of weight-bearing elements

knowledge of types of control desks which operate stage machinery

signals and other communication systems used when operating stage machinery

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 of the judgement of competence in this unit:

ability to operate staging to performance requirements

application of safe working practices to the movement of staging elements

effective communication skills to achieve efficient operation of staging during a performance.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must ensure:

practical demonstration of skills through the operation of staging elements during an actual performance and for more than one production

involvement of and interaction with a team to reflect the collaborative nature of staging operation during a performance.

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 a performance where the candidate is operating staging

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of issues to be considered in the operation of staging, typical problems which occur and how these can be addressed

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 for the staging of an actual production

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.

Technical staging aspects of the show may include:

checking that all staging elements meet operational standard for performance

quick costume changes

Relevant personnel may include:

designer

director

production manager

stage manager

technical staff

venue management

Staging faults or problems may relate to:

director making last minute alterations/additions

jammed machinery

last minute loss of crew team member needed for a heavy scene change

loss of communication

missing cues

Staging 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

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - staging

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

CUESTA01C

Install staging elements

CUESTA05C

Apply a general knowledge of staging to work activities

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

This unit contains employability skills.