Theatre Technology Career Description
Theatre technicians are responsible for all the technical aspects of a production. This includes decor, sound, make-up, lighting, costume construction, theatre props as well as maintenance of technical equipment.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Stage managers
Are responsible for all aspects of a production and are in charge of the stage staff. Stage managers must ensure that dancers, actors and the orchestra are present
and appear on stage as scheduled. They also organize the decor changes during acts.
Lighting technicians
Are responsible for installing and operating the lighting apparatus according to the specifications of lighting designers. The skilful handling of lighting equipment can accomplish special effects in plays, operas, performances and music concerts. There are several different kinds and colours of lights that can be used. Lighting technicians must have an artistic aptitude to cast the perfect lighting effect for every performance. Equipment that is used for lighting purposes must be well looked after and always be in perfect working condition
Sound technicians
Are responsible for the sound in productions. They install equipment such as microphones, speakers and amplifiers. They must be aware of the acoustics, adjust sound volumes and prevent echoing. Sound technicians make taperecordings of sounds such as the sound of a motor car, piano, horses or a mixture of various sounds, which are to be used in performances. Such recordings must be precise and played back at the right moment during a play.
Props include all articles that are used on stage during a production and that form part of a set, for example eating utensils, weapons, pillows, candles, ornaments and portraits. Property masters make or purchase all the props needed for a production. Research is a very important component of their job, because articles used in a production must be historically correct.
Mechanicians
Are responsible for operating and moving technical equipment and stage machinery. They must be responsible persons since the lives of the actors can be endangered if apparatus is not managed carefully. Mechanicians must therefore be trained and certified by competent trainers and safety officers.
Scene-painters
Paint the decor according to the specifications of the designers. They must have an excellent knowledge of painting techniques and materials and be able to make reliable replicas of items.
Costumers
Make all the costumes used during productions. Research about materials and costumes from the different historical periods is essential.
Make-up artists
Must be able to apply makeup according to the designs given to them and according to the character the artist represent, for example, a clown or an old man. They must have a good knowledge of the various make-up techniques, materials and the historical era in which the production is taking place. Prospective make-up artists also receive training in hairdressing and the different hair-styles.
Theatre technicians
Must be prepared to work long and irregular hours. Most of the work takes place in the theatre and behind the stage. Theatre technicians must also be willing to travel a lot since they go on tours quite often.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Theatre technicians must have a technical aptitude. They must be dextrous and hardworking. They must be able to function under pressure and adjust to changing circumstances. Theatre technicians are part of a team and must therefore have good interpersonal skills.
Where can I work?
Theatre technicians are employed by theatrical companies.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Theatre technicians can work on a free-lance basis.
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