Theatrical Technician
Encyclopedia
A theatrical technician, (variably known as a tech, techie, theatre tech or theatre technician) is a person who operates technical equipment and systems in the Performing arts
and Entertainment industry. In contrast to performers
, this broad category contains all "unseen" theatrical personnel who practice stagecraft
and are responsible for the logistic and production-related aspects of a performance including designers, operators, and supervisors.
A single theatrical technician may regularly do one or more of the above jobs during load in, load outs, rehearsal
and performance. Performance technicians are generally divided between those backstage
(stagehands, Stage Managers) and those in a control room
(lighting and audio technicians). During load in and load out additional crew members may be needed due to the amount of work required to be completed in a short time span. Larger and more complex shows require larger crews and often personnel with specialized advanced skills to perform these job functions.
The position may be volunteer or a paid position. It is not uncommon to receive compensation
(such as comp/free tickets to the current or future productions or items used in the show) in other forms than money
for pay
. This type of compensation allows the person working to receive value for their services while not costing the producer
more out-of-pocket expenses. Theatrical technicians are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes
in the United States.
), there will usually be designated riggers specifically trained in flying actors.
for a show. This usually includes furniture, weaponry and consumables (paper, food and drink) for a production. In addition to the above duties, the props department is responsible for the cleanliness of the stage floor, including sweeping and mopping of the stage surface.
Performing arts
The performing arts are those forms art which differ from the plastic arts insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, and presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some physical art object...
and Entertainment industry. In contrast to performers
Performing arts
The performing arts are those forms art which differ from the plastic arts insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, and presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some physical art object...
, this broad category contains all "unseen" theatrical personnel who practice stagecraft
Stagecraft
Stagecraft is a generic term referring to the technical aspects of theatrical, film, and video production. It includes, but is not limited to, constructing and rigging scenery, hanging and focusing of lighting, design and procurement of costumes, makeup, procurement of props, stage management, and...
and are responsible for the logistic and production-related aspects of a performance including designers, operators, and supervisors.
Typical Positions
Theatrical responsibilities taken by technicians include:- Set constructionSet constructionSet construction is the process by which a set designer works in collaboration with the director of a production to create the set for a theatrical, film or television production...
and theatrical carpentryCarpenter (theater)In theatre, a carpenter is a stagehand who builds sets and stage elements. They usually are hired by the production manager, crew chief or technical director and in some less common cases they may be hired by director or producer... - Sound systemSound reinforcement systemA sound reinforcement system is the combination of microphones, signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers that makes live or pre-recorded sounds louder and may also distribute those sounds to a larger or more distant audience...
configuration and operationSound operatorThe sound operator is the person responsible for the overall and total execution of all sound-related aspects of a theatrical performance... - Lighting design and light board operationLight board operatorThe light board operator 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...
, Followspot operation, hanging and maintenance of stage lighting instrumentStage lighting instrumentStage lighting instruments are used in stage lighting to illuminate theatrical productions, concerts, and other performances taking place in live performance venues. They are also used to light television studios and sound stages.Many stagecraft terms vary between the United States and the United...
s as well as various other electrical jobsElectrician (theater)In theatre, the term Electrician is generally applied to those that work with the various aspects of lighting. Some of the positions among Electricians include the Lighting Supervisor, Master Electrician, Deck Electrician, Light Board Operator, Moving Light Programmer, Followspot Operator, as well... - FlyingFly systemA fly system, flying system or theatrical rigging system, is a system of lines , blocks , counterweights and related devices within a theatre that enable a stage crew to quickly, quietly and safely fly components such as curtains, lights, scenery, stage effects and, sometimes, people...
of sceneryTheatrical sceneryTheatrical scenery is that which is used as a setting for a theatrical production. Scenery may be just about anything, from a single chair to an elaborately re-created street, no matter how large or how small, whether or not the item was custom-made or is, in fact, the genuine item, appropriated...
and occasionally even Actors - Stage ManagementStage managementStage management is the practice of organizing and coordinating a theatrical production. It encompasses a variety of activities, including organizing the production and coordinating communications between various personnel...
- RiggingRiggerRigger may refer to:* One who attends to the rigging of a sailing ship* Rigger , those who tend rigging in stage performance * Rigger , specializing in moving large/heavy objects* Parachute rigger...
- CostumeCostumeThe term costume can refer to wardrobe and dress in general, or to the distinctive style of dress of a particular people, class, or period. Costume may also refer to the artistic arrangement of accessories in a picture, statue, poem, or play, appropriate to the time, place, or other circumstances...
and propTheatrical propertyA theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is an object used on stage by actors to further the plot or story line of a theatrical production. Smaller props are referred to as "hand props". Larger props may also be set decoration, such as a chair or table. The difference between a set...
management - Operation of Special effects including fog machines and pyrotechnicsPyrotechnicsPyrotechnics is the science of using materials capable of undergoing self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions for the production of heat, light, gas, smoke and/or sound...
A single theatrical technician may regularly do one or more of the above jobs during load in, load outs, rehearsal
Rehearsal
For other uses, see Rehearsal or Dress rehearsal A rehearsal is a preparatory event in music and theatre that is performed before the official public performance, as a form of practice, and to ensure that all details of the performance are adequately prepared and coordinated for professional...
and performance. Performance technicians are generally divided between those backstage
Backstage
Backstage may refer to:* Backstage , by Cher* Backstage , an Australian drama* Back Stage , a silent film starring Oliver Hardy* Back Stage , a silent film starring Buster Keaton...
(stagehands, Stage Managers) and those in a control room
Control room
A control room is a room serving as an operations centre where a facility or service can be monitored and controlled. Examples include:*in television production, the master control is the technical hub of a broadcast operation common among most over-the-air television stations, television networks...
(lighting and audio technicians). During load in and load out additional crew members may be needed due to the amount of work required to be completed in a short time span. Larger and more complex shows require larger crews and often personnel with specialized advanced skills to perform these job functions.
The position may be volunteer or a paid position. It is not uncommon to receive compensation
Remuneration
Remuneration is the total compensation that an employee receives in exchange for the service they perform for their employer. Typically, this consists of monetary rewards, also referred to as wage or salary...
(such as comp/free tickets to the current or future productions or items used in the show) in other forms than money
Money
Money is any object or record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts in a given country or socio-economic context. The main functions of money are distinguished as: a medium of exchange; a unit of account; a store of value; and, occasionally in the past,...
for pay
Wage
A wage is a compensation, usually financial, received by workers in exchange for their labor.Compensation in terms of wages is given to workers and compensation in terms of salary is given to employees...
. This type of compensation allows the person working to receive value for their services while not costing the producer
Theatrical producer
A theatrical producer is the person ultimately responsible for overseeing all aspects of mounting a theatre production. The independent producer will usually be the originator and finder of the script and starts the whole process...
more out-of-pocket expenses. Theatrical technicians are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, or I.A.T.S.E., is a labor union representing technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, motion...
in the United States.
Stagecraft Classifications
Stagecraft and technicians can be classified into departments and jobs as follows. Please note that not all productions will have all departments and/or jobs filled, and, in many cases, one technician will perform multiple jobs (even if only possessing one title).- Technical DirectorTechnical directorThe Technical Director or Technical Manager is usually a senior technical person within a software company, film studio, theatrical company or television studio...
- This person will typically oversee the carpentry, rigging, lighting and props departments as a liaison to the performance's primary director. Depending on the production, a "TD" may also supervise the audio and pyrotechnics departments. In smaller performances and venues, this position is commonly taken by the show's director, assistant director, or stage manager. In addition, non-resident venues (those that host touring or temporary performances rather than long-term productions) generally have a in-house Technical Director who oversees incoming event load-in, and a technical liaison between the venue's owner/manager and the director of the performance.
Carpentry
This is the general name for all work involving scenery, including the deck (floor) of the stage.- Master CarpenterCarpenter (theater)In theatre, a carpenter is a stagehand who builds sets and stage elements. They usually are hired by the production manager, crew chief or technical director and in some less common cases they may be hired by director or producer...
- Although there may be multiple Master Carpenters in a scene shop, typically a performance or tour will only have one. This technician will typically report directly to the Technical Director. - Carpenter - Multiple carpenters may be attached to a single show, and report to the Master Carpenter. These technicians are responsible both for assembling and building the scenery as well as moving scenic elements during scene shifts. Often these technicians also function as stagehandStagehandA stagehand is a person who works backstage or behind the scenes in theatres, film, television, or location performance. Their duties include setting up the scenery, lights, sound, props, rigging, and special effects for a production.-Types of stagehand:...
s.
Electrics
This department is responsible for all of the onstage lighting for a show including, but not limited to, practicals, stage lighting and followspots. Electricians are responsible for the assembly, installation, operation and maintenance of the lighting for a production. The Electrics department is also typically in charge of any fog or haze machines used during a production, as well as the configuration of pyrotechnics and other special hardware.- Lighting designerLighting designerThe role of the lighting designer within theatre is to work with the director, choreographer, set designer, costume designer, and sound designer to create an overall 'look' for the show in response to the text, while keeping in mind issues of visibility, safety and cost...
- The person who designs the light plotLight plotA light plot, lighting plot or just plot is a document similar to an architectural blueprint used specifically by theatrical lighting designers to illustrate and communicate the lighting design to the director, other designers and finally the Master Electrician and electrics crew...
for a show, and therefore is responsible for the artistic design of the show's lighting and visual elements. - Master ElectricianMaster electricianThe Master Electrician in a theatre is responsible for implementing the lighting design for a production drawn up by the Lighting designer. This involves overseeing the preparation, hanging, connection and focusing of stage lighting fixtures.This can be done on a show by show basis, or as a...
- The head of the Electrics department on a show, who typically reports directly to the Technical Director, but also sometimes to the Lighting Designer during the development phase of a show.- Head Followspot OperatorSpotlight operatorThe Spotlight Operator, Followspot Operator, Followspot, Spot Op, Dome Operator or Domie is a theatrical technician, defined as a lighting technician, who operates a specialized stage lighting instrument known as a followspot. A followspot is designed to move, change size, beam width, and color...
- In some shows, a separate technician gives all cues to the follow spot operators to reduce the stage manager's workload. - Light board operatorLight board operatorThe light board operator 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...
- The person who operates the light board and controls all the stage lights during a show. In smaller performances and venues, may be the Lighting Designer or the Master Electrician. - ElectricianElectrician (theater)In theatre, the term Electrician is generally applied to those that work with the various aspects of lighting. Some of the positions among Electricians include the Lighting Supervisor, Master Electrician, Deck Electrician, Light Board Operator, Moving Light Programmer, Followspot Operator, as well...
- Multiple electricians may be assigned to a single show. On touring shows, this can be a general designation, with specific positions as follows:- Deck Electrician - Responsible for all electric elements on the stage floor, including roving instruments, fog machines, practicals or lighting installed into scenic pieces. Also, in some shows (usually dance productions), where it is sometimes necessary to swap the color media on lighting instruments during the performance, the Deck electrician may be responsible for these swaps.
- Followspot Operators - These technicians operate one or more followspots to track performers during a show.
- Head Followspot Operator
Rigging
This department is responsible for all equipment hung (flown) in the theater space. This department varies greatly from show to show, sometimes being absorbed into the Electrics and/or Carpentry departments. If the production incorporates personnel flying (such as in the staging of Peter PanPeter Pan
Peter Pan is a character created by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie . A mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the Lost Boys, interacting with...
), there will usually be designated riggers specifically trained in flying actors.
- Rigger - The general term for persons in this department. If a rigger is specifically assigned to a certain department, they will have a title referencing that department (Electrics Rigger).
- Flyman - Specific term normally used with counterweight rigging system for an operator of the linesets for those systems.
- Head Flyman - The senior technician in charge of the operations of a counterweight rigging system.
Properties
The properties department is responsible for all hand and scenic propsTheatrical property
A theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is an object used on stage by actors to further the plot or story line of a theatrical production. Smaller props are referred to as "hand props". Larger props may also be set decoration, such as a chair or table. The difference between a set...
for a show. This usually includes furniture, weaponry and consumables (paper, food and drink) for a production. In addition to the above duties, the props department is responsible for the cleanliness of the stage floor, including sweeping and mopping of the stage surface.
- Propsmaster/Propsmistress - The head of the Properties department. Will also usually be in charge of purchasing or building the props for a show.
- Prop Runner - Those who must move scenic props on (and off) stage or supply actors with their props during the show. This job is often unnecessary in small shows.
- This position may also be referred to as a Set dresserSet dresser-In Film:Set dressers arrange objects on a film set before shooting. They work under the direction of a leadman, a set decorator and a production designer. Set dressers place furniture, hang pictures, and put out decorative items. They are also responsible for some light construction and assembly...
.
Audio
The audio department is responsible for all sound production for a show, including the configuration of microphones, speakers and control equipment, as well as the production of any necessary audio tracks. Personnel in this department include:- Sound designer or Audio Engineer, responsible for the configuration of the venue's sound system as a whole, including the placement and designation of microphones, monitors, loudspeakers, and control hardware. This position is often held by an acoustician, especially in large performances requiring musical or orchestral sound reinforcement.
- Sound operatorSound operatorThe sound operator is the person responsible for the overall and total execution of all sound-related aspects of a theatrical performance...
, responsible for the live mixing of the performance's audio at a master sound board. Often referred to as A-1 to designate the first (highest) position of the production Audio department. This technician is generally positioned in the back of the audience space, so as to hear the performance's audio directly rather than be forced to use a monitoring system, and is responsible for maintaining volume for performers and musicians while avoiding feedbackFeedbackFeedback describes the situation when output from an event or phenomenon in the past will influence an occurrence or occurrences of the same Feedback describes the situation when output from (or information about the result of) an event or phenomenon in the past will influence an occurrence or...
and other problems.
-
- A-2A2 (theater)A2 is an abbreviation for Audio Assistant, Second Audio Assistant, or Second Assistant Audio Engineer. Any of these three terms, or any similar term such as Mic Wrangler, may be used to describe the same set of duties....
, or audio assistant, responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of audio equipment used by the sound operator (specifically any lavalierLavalierA lavalier is a type of jewelry, consisting of a pendant, sometimes with one stone, suspended from a necklace.-General jewelry:A lavalier is named for the type of pendant popularized by the Duchesse de la Vallière, a mistress of King Louis XIV of France. Within the fashion world, the name was...
microphones used in the performance). Depending on performance size, this technician may perform other duties, including the operation of audio media devices. In smaller performances, this position is often taken by a stagehandStagehandA stagehand is a person who works backstage or behind the scenes in theatres, film, television, or location performance. Their duties include setting up the scenery, lights, sound, props, rigging, and special effects for a production.-Types of stagehand:...
rather than a technician trained in audio.
- A-2
Pyrotechnics/Special Effects
A rarely seen department in theatre due to the heavy restrictions on the use of true pyrotechnics. This department is sometimes combined with others (usually the Electrics department). Responsible for the production and operation of explosives, special effects and illusions. On sufficiently large productions may be responsible for duties usually assigned to other departments (e.g.: fog and haze)Stage Management
The Stage manager is in control of a production during its run. Responsibilities include calling the cues and determining the starting time of the show and ensuring the safety of all persons involved. Depending on circumstances, multiple positions are possible:- Production Manager - Typically seen on touring shows or larger permanent venues, this is usually the most senior member of the stage management staff.
- Stage Manager - The usual title applied to the head stage manager assigned to a specific production. This will also be the person who will run a show during performances.
- Assistant Stage Manager - Reports to the Stage Manager, usually assisting backstage or onstage during a production.
- Repertory Stage Manager - Used occasionally if one stage manager oversees multiple productions being performed in repertory. During any one production, would fulfill the duties assigned to the Stage Manager as above.
- Production Assistant - Used in Equity houses (Actor's Equity Association is the union for Stage Managers), this is the non-union equivalent of an Assistant Stage Manager
- Deck Stage Manager - Used in some shows to specifically refer to the Assistant Stage Manager on the deck during a performance.
Wardrobe
Responsible for the creation and maintenance of costume pieces and dressing the performers.- Costume Designer
- Assistant Costume Designer
- Wardrobe Mistress/Master - The head of the wardrobe department during a production
- Dresser/Wardrobe Crew - General Wardrobe technician during a show that assists the performers in dressing and performing quickchanges.
- Draper
- Tailor
- Costumer - Person responsible for the creation of all costumes for a show. Similar to a Technical Director for the Wardrobe, Hair and Makeup departments.
- Milliner - Seen occasionally, this person is responsible for the creation of headwear for a show.
- Wardrobe Crafts - Sometimes found as a separate department or a sub-department of Wardrobe, this department is responsible for the creation of masks, headdresses or non-standard costumes for a production.
- Hair/Makeup - Twin departments responsible for the makeup, wigs and hair stylings for a show.
External links
- Job Description for a city theatrical technician.