Job Definitions – backstage jobs

Posted by Backstagejobs on November 11, 2009 · 2 Comments

Wanting to work backstage ? but not sure what you want to do !

BSJ have come across a website that has been set up by the Australian Government, backstagejobs.com.au recommend you check out this website and read the below job definitions.

Stage Manager

Stage managers plan and coordinate rehearsals and performances, including supervision of the plotting and rehearsal of technical cues, props, stage elements and moving scenery.

Stage managers may perform the following tasks:

analyse and interpret the script, plans, models and designs for all relevant technical and production information
talk with management, designers and the director to determine requirements for rehearsal and performance
undertake administrative functions including prioritising tasks and determining production resources such as time, finance, personnel and physical space
prepare for rehearsals and obtain all necessary resources, such as props, costumes and settings
prepare and distribute all necessary rehearsal, production and performance documentation
prepare the prompt copy, which defines actors’ calls and movements, technical cues, stage elements, props and moving scenery, and front-of-house communications
organise the rehearsal space and process, including final transfer to the theatre
supervise and direct backstage staff and members of the stage management team
give cues for lights, sound, cast entrances, moving scenery and other performance elements
make sure production resources are stored safely.

Stage managers work in all types of live performances. They work closely with production departments, management, the creative team and the performers. Stage managers may be required to travel extensively. They work long hours, which include nights and weekends.

Personal Requirements:

practical
artistic flair
authority and tact
able to work as part of a team.

Production Crew Member

Production crew members look after the setting up, dismantling, removal and maintenance of music and theatre production equipment for stage performances. They also transport and maintain equipment between shows.

Production crew members may perform the following tasks:

implement stage design under the direction of the stage manager
select and position sound and lighting equipment
carry, maintain and repair production equipment
arrange for transportation of equipment to remote locations
arrange and connect cables to electrical supply using portable junction boxes
monitor security and handle cash.

Production crew members may be required to travel long distances and to remote locations when on tour with a show. They work irregular hours or shifts.

Personal Requirements:

able to work as part of a team
physically fit
able to work under pressure and at heights
creative.

Sound Technician

Sound technicians operate technical equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound in support of performing arts, and may also assemble and maintain sound equipment.

Sound technicians may perform the following tasks:

determine sound requirements
set up, test and operate equipment in accordance with the acoustics of the area and select, place and adjust microphones
monitor audio signals to detect quality deviations or malfunctions
service, maintain and repair amplifiers, tuners, receivers, digital audio systems, turntables and pick-ups, reel-to-reel and cassette-type tape recorders, and speaker systems
build and install sound systems
dub and edit tapes or compact discs
operate controls to maintain correct sound levels
talk with performers and instruct them on microphone use
introduce pre-recorded special effects required by scripts.

Sound technicians may work in radio, television and recording studios, or in theatres and other live performance venues. They may also work in wholesale and retail businesses trading in sound reproduction, recording and public address equipment. In some cases, they specialise in operating or maintaining sound equipment.

Sound technicians may be required to work shifts that involve long hours in the evenings and on weekends. They often work under difficult conditions and, with outdoor concerts, in variable weather.

Personal Requirements:

a good ear for detail in all areas of sound
aptitude for working with computers and audio equipment
able to work under pressure.

Audiovisual Technician

Audiovisual technicians operate the equipment used in the development and delivery of audiovisual presentations.

Audiovisual technicians may perform the following tasks:

assist recording production engineers, program producers and presenters, and educators to produce sound, vision and multimedia products such as television and film productions, CDs, DVDs and video sequences
design, assemble, operate and maintain sound and vision recording, mixing and production equipment.

Audiovisual technicians work in workshops, production studios and at other locations where an audiovisual presentation is being delivered, such as lecture theatres and conference venues.

Personal Requirements:

interest in electronic sound and vision production and recording equipment
enjoy communicating information
normal eyesight and colour vision
technical ability.

Film and Television Lighting Operator

Lighting operators position, set up and operate lighting equipment to light sets or studios during stage performances, television broadcasts or film productions.

Lighting operators are responsible, both creatively and technically, for lighting interior and outside scenes and must achieve the desired effects through the placement, intensity and colour of lighting.

Lighting operators may perform the following tasks:

study scripts and discuss lighting effects with production staff
coordinate activities with electrical crew when putting up metal scaffolding to support lighting equipment
select and position equipment such as spotlights and floodlights
arrange and connect cables to electrical supply using portable junction boxes
operate lights during filming or broadcasting and vary intensity of light using various filters and reflective screens
maintain and repair lighting equipment
arrange for transportation of equipment to remote locations.

In film production, lighting operators are called gaffers and their assistants are known as best boys.

Lighting operators may be required to travel to remote locations. They usually work irregular hours or shifts.