Theatre Job roles

Unit 2 – Producti on Arts Workshops

PMD 1Alex Boakes

I have researched two different Job roles within

the Industry I have used the internet to research this assignment – http://theatre.uoregon.edu/production/light-board-operator/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_board_operatorhttps://theatre.barnard.edu/sites/default/files/inline/light_board_operator_0.pdf

http://www.stagejobspro.com/uk/search_all.php?294=4232http://www.stagejobspro.com/uk/view.php?uid=703423&position=3&page=1

Lighting Board OperatorThe light board operator is responsible for operating the lighting control system for a specific production. The light board operator is responsible for

knowing how to turn on and boot up the computer(s) used to control the lighting. He/she must know some basic programming commands. He/she participate in the light check held before each performance.

The light board operator attends all technical rehearsals and performances. Technical Rehearsals usually begin the weekend before opening. The entire weekend should be kept clear. On performance days, the light board operator’s call is usually 1 1/2 hour before curtain time. He/she are expected to participate in any strike following the closing performance.

Average Light Board Operator Salaries. The average salary for light board operator jobs is £27,433 a year. Average light board operator salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.

Basic Job Description:

The light board operator is responsible for operating the lighting control system for a specific production.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES;

The light board operator is responsible for knowing how to turn on and boot up the computer(s) used to control the lighting. He/she must know some basic programming commands. He/she participate in the light check held before each performance.

The light board operator attends all technical rehearsals and performances. Technical Rehearsals usually begin the weekend before opening. The entire weekend should be kept clear. On performance days, the light board operator’s call is usually 1 1/2 hour before curtain time. He/she are expected to participate in any strike following the closing performance.

The light board operator (commonly referred to as the "Light Op" or "Board Op") is the electrician who operates the light board. Depending on the scale and type of production, the board op may be responsible for conventional or automated lighting fixtures, as well as practicals and, in some instances, controlling video as well.Sometimes, most commonly in small productions, the Light board Operator will also be the stage manager. Another variation in smaller productions has the responsibilities of Light board Operator and Sound operator combined into one position. In the smallest productions, all three of these functions are done by one person. For productions where lighting and sound are operated by a single person, as well productions where sound needs to be exactly timed with lighting, it is not unusual to use MIDI Show Control (MSC) or Timecode (SMPTE Time Code) to synchronize the lighting and audio consoles.

ResponsibilitiesThe light op has many responsibilities in theater, especially in small productions. For small productions, the light op may also be the lighting designer and master electrician, and is therefore required to create a lighting plot, and perform a complete hang and focus in addition to their duties as board operator. In more professional environments, the light board operator is a highly specialized professional who is usually well versed in the intricacies of a wide variety of lighting instruments and control consoles, and able to easily program complex lighting cues involving multiple fixtures and other components.During the technical rehearsals, the light board operator usually programs the lighting console with the assistance of the lighting designer and stage manager. In situations where manual boards are being used, the light board operator will work with the lighting designer and the stage manager to practice the timing of the lighting changes.During the performance, the light board operator is often on headset with the Deputy Stage Manager, and multiple other members of the running crew. Their responsibility lies primarily in advancing the cues under the direction of the deputy stage manager. It is important that light board operators be familiar with the light plot, as they may be called upon to make "on the fly" changes to accommodate unexpected circumstances that occur during the production.

As a member of the run crew for a production, you are an important and integral partof the production team. It is crucial to the success of the rehearsal and performanceprocess that you conscientiously fulfill your responsibilities. This sheet is intended tohelp you understand your duties during the rehearsal and performance process—it isnot intended to be comprehensive, and the Lighting Designer, Technical Director, orProduction Manager may have other specific assignments for you.The Light Board Operator (Op for short) is responsible for assisting the LightingDesigner in the recording and adjustment of lighting cues and for operating the lightboard on cue during technical rehearsals (“tech”) and performances.

Duties specific to the Light Board Op include: Programming and operating the light board under the supervision of theLighting Designer, Assistant Lighting Designer, and/or Technical Director; Following instructions from the Stage Manager to execute light cues duringtech rehearsals and performances; Working with the Master Electrician to perform a dimmer check before eachperformance and to fix any problems encountered; Powering down equipment after techs and performances as directed by the TD; During strike, sorting and packing rental equipment for return, coiling cables,striking instruments and other tasks as assigned by the TD.

Jordan Wilson

Lighting OperatorLighting TechnicianLocation : City of Edinburgh

Equipment

I can operate: Pro-tools, Qlab, multplay sound queing software, Pearl Tiger lighting desk, GrandMA ultra-light, ETC lighting desks

About meI am a conscientious and determined worker with experience in all aspects of technical theatre. I am a proven team-worker with good communication, listening and practical skills. I have good problem-solving abilities and work equally well on my own initiative when required. I am always looking for new ways to expand my skills and qualifications and am flexible in my approach to my career. I see every opportunity as a challenge to be tackled head-on and embraced. I enjoy being challenged in my work. I am particularly interested in all areas of lighting and am passionate about lighting design/operation. Having just completed my HNC in Technical Theatre/Lighting I am looking for a job which allows me to put my enhanced skills into practice.

Industry AwardsHNC Technical Theatre grade A

Additional Skills•Good communication skills ( expanded through several years of voluntary coaching with children)•Effective planning skills and good time management skills•Proven leadership abilities•Proven determination in overcoming adversity to succeed•Practical skills in wood-working and product design•Good mathematical/computing skills •Experience using word processing packages•Experienced in the use of ETC lighting desk, Qlab, Pro-tools programming and operations

I am a conscientious and determined worker with experience in all aspects of technical theatre. I am a proven team-worker with good communication, listening and practical skills. I have good problem-solving abilities and work equally well on my own initiative when required. I am always looking for new ways to expand my skills and qualifications and am flexible in my approach to my career. I see every opportunity as a challenge to be tackled head-on and embraced. I enjoy being challenged in my work. I am particularly interested in all areas of lighting and am passionate about lighting design/operation. I also enjoy sound operation roles and have a variety of experience. Having completed my HNC in Technical Theatre/Lighting I have since been employed as a solo lighting/sound operator which has added significantly to my experience. I am now looking for a job which allows me to put my enhanced skills into further use.

Personal Profile

Sound EngineerThe sound engineer uses the sound equipment to play back sound effects for a specific production.

The sound engineer is responsible for knowing how to use each piece of sound equipment involved in the production. He/she must be able to create and maintain clear cue sheets.

There can be complicated sound effects, which require quick thinking and hand/eye coordination.The sound engineer attends all technical rehearsals and performances. Technical Rehearsals usually begin the weekend before opening. The entire weekend should be kept clear. Some productions may have complicated sound effects. For those shows, he/she should expect to start even a week earlier than techs. On performance days, the sound engineer’s call is usually 1 1/2 hour before curtain time. He/she are expected to participate in any strike following the closing performance

The average salary of an Audio Engineer is £37,000. Salaries start from £14,180 and go up to £67,840. Please note that the average salary for an Audio Engineer may vary depending on several factors, like level of education, amount of experience, industry, company size and location.

Work activities

As a sound engineer, you would control the sound at live events such as theatre performances and music concerts. You would operate microphones, amplifiers and control desks to balance the sound levels, and you might also provide background music and sound effects.

Your job might include:

discussing the production’s sound needs with the director or sound designerexactly where in the script any sound effects, music and changes in sound level are neededpre-recording any sound effects and music to be usedchoosing suitable microphones and equipmentpositioning and rigging up microphonesdoing sound checks before a performanceoperating the sound desk during showsfollowing a sound plan (known as a 'plot') and cues from the deputy stage managerlooking after and repairing the equipmentunloading, setting up, dismantling and loading equipment at each venue when on tour.You could also help to set up and operate lighting equipment as part of a sound and lighting crew.

Working hours and conditions

Hours can be long and irregular, and you would need to be flexible about when you could work. Evening and weekend work is common, as this is when most theatre performances and concerts take place. You may also work during the daytime for rehearsals, sound checks and maintenance.

You could work in theatres, concert halls, arenas, and outdoor concerts and festivals. You would spend a lot of your time sitting at a control desk.

Working on theatre or concert tours can involve a lot of travel in the UK and possibly overseas.

Income

Experienced sound engineers can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 a year.

Sound designers can earn £40,000 a year or more.

Freelance rates can vary widely. You could negotiate fees based on the type of production and your own track record, or you may be paid according to BECTU guidelines.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You will need a good knowledge of music and sound technology, and you may find it useful to understand physics and electronics.

Many sound engineers start by taking a course in technical theatre, music technology or sound engineering, to develop skills before looking for work. Courses include:

City & Guilds Level 1, 2 and 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Sound and Music Techniques (7603)BTEC Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Production Arts or Music TechnologyBTEC Level 4 HNC/Level 5 HND in Performing Arts (Production)foundation degrees or degrees in sound engineering, music technology or technical theatre arts.Check with colleges or universities for course entry requirements.

Several drama schools also offer degrees and diplomas in technical theatre accredited by Drama UK. Some of these courses include lighting and stage management as well as sound. See the Drama UK website for more details.

When looking for your first job, you should have practical experience of using sound equipment. Taking a relevant college course could help with this, or you could also build experience through:

• helping backstage in a theatre• being a roadie for a band• rigging sound in amateur or student

theatre, or for local bands• recording or mixing music, for example as a

DJ• working for a sound equipment

manufacturer or hire company.

Skills and knowledge

good hearing, for judging sound qualitya good sense of pitch, timing and rhythma knowledge of electronics and acousticsgood practical skillspatience and concentrationa keen interest in music and soundthe ability to cope with long hours and tight deadlinesgood communication and ‘people’ skillsawareness of health and safety.

More information

Creative & Cultural Skills (Opens new window)www.ccskills.org.ukCreative Choices (Opens new window)www.creative-choices.co.ukCreative Skillset (Opens new window)www.creativeskillset.orgCreative Skillset (Opens new window) (Young creative talent)www.creativeskillset.org/careersDrama UK (Opens new window)www.dramauk.co.ukAssociation of British Theatre Technicians (Opens new window)www.abtt.org.ukPLASA (Opens new window)www.plasa.orgInstitute of Sound and Communications Engineers (Opens new window)www.isce.org.ukGet Into Theatre (Opens new window)www.getintotheatre.orgBroadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) (Opens new window)www.bectu.org.uk

A professional Sound Engineer in the industry

Geln Thrower Sound Engineer

Glenn Thrower

Sound EngineerSound TechnicianLocation : West Sussex

Education2011, Music ProductionNorthbrook College Sussex, Brighton University

EquipmentI own and can operate: Analogue Desks, I can operate: Allen & Heath Qu Series, Allen & Heath iLive, Soundcraft Vi Series, Soundcraft Expression/Performer Series, Soundcraft Vi 3000, Yamaha ProMix01, Midas Pro2c

Additional SkillsSkills Summary

• Working knowledge of audio equipment including analogue and digital mixers, amplifiers, microphones, speakers.

• Software knowledge including Apple Logic, Garage band, Pro Tools, Qlab.

About meLive sound engineer working in and around the South East and London.

Using my studio knowledge and on the road experience I've become a competent live sound engineer making quick decisions and ensuring that artists performing have confidence in me to get the best possible sound for them - as well as staying calm throughout to make sure the performance is at its best.

Over the last 6 years I've been lucky enough to work on some great contracts ranging from smaller productions to large contracts with some great people.

These include working with larger bands on front of house and monitors, festivals, corporate work all around the country, and theatre touring productions including medium scale touring shows to children's shows in the UK and the middle east.

From these I have doubled up on jobs working sometimes as stage manager, company and tour manager.

I always believe that a challenge is what keeps the job interesting!