@The Arts Unit Creative Classes

Spectacular entertainment

Using Schools Spectacular to apply safety, lighting, audio, staging and vision knowledge

Student VET entertainment industry resource developed by The Arts Unit

Years 11 and 12 VET entertainment industry

What will I learn?

You will:

  • view performances from Schools Spectacular 2014

  • apply knowledge and understanding of technical elements of production

  • discuss the use of specific production elements.

Before you begin

This Creative Class requires prior knowledge and understanding in the areas of:

    • audio

    • lighting

    • safety

    • staging

    • vision systems.

Each task is based on an item from the 2014 NSW Public School 'Schools Spectacular' as a stimulus for discussion of the technical production elements.

The style of questions will also prepare you for the HSC written examination. Ensure you understand and respond correctly to the key verbs at the start of each question.

Photo credit: Anna Warr

  1. Burn

Watch the video of 'Burn' from Schools Spectacular 2014.

Complete the activities linked to each image from the item.

Burn

Duration: 01:56

  • Describe the lighting equipment that would be used to create the various lighting effects in these images.

  • Outline the lighting design process that would have been undertaken for this item.

Arena floor with pink general wash and blue beam lights focused on floor
Arena floor with orange general wash lighting and yellow beam lights

  • Describe the safety and staging considerations for this item, especially the elements in this image.

Arena floor with orange general wash lighting and yellow beam lights and pyrotechnic flames

  • Explain why the drum kit has a perspex screen surrounding it.

  • Discuss how microphones have been placed on the drum kit.

Drum kit surrounded by perspex screen and microphones on each drum

2. Joker and the Thief

Watch the video of 'Joker and the Thief' from Schools Spectacular 2014, featuring the tap ensemble.

Complete the activities linked to each image from the item.

Joker and the Thief

Duration: 03:03

  • Identify at least 5 potential safety hazards in this item.

  • Complete a detailed risk assessment for these safety hazards identified.

risk assessment table with 5 columns labelled activity, hazard/risk, risk rating, control measures and risk rating
Scaffolding with tap ensemble dancing and pyrotechnics in background
Photo credit: Anna Warr

  • What type of microphones would be used in front of the tap ensemble and why?

  • Why would dedicated foldback speakers have been brought onto the stage for this item?

  • Describe the processes involved in a stage crew successfully moving and building this scaffold set on the tarkett floor during the show.

Side view of scaffolding with tap ensemble dancing and foldback speakers in front
Back view scaffolding with tap ensemble dancing

  • Describe how a lighting designer would use specific equipment and techniques to achieve this lighting state.

  • Discuss the technical requirements that need consideration when installing moving light fixtures.

Front view of scaffolding with tap ensemble dancing with white beam lights and gobo patterns on floor

3. When you believe

Watch the video of 'When You Believe' from Schools Spectacular 2014, featuring the NSW Public Schools Primary Dance Company.

Complete the activities linked to each image from the item

When You Believe

Duration: 03:26


  • Explain the safety regulations and legislation governing the use of pyrotechnics in this item.

Singers with pyrotechnics in front
3 singers on stage with pyrotechnics either side

  • Describe the relationship between lighting and vision in this item to create the effect and mood on the video screens and the floor.

  • Discuss the importance of team work and communication between all departments throughout a live production.

Arena stage with blue general wash and images of words lit on the floor

  • Discuss the role of the audio technician throughout this item to mix the vocals effectively.

  • Outline the procedures and documentation a radio microphone technician would use in their role during such an event.

3 singers on arena stage

4. Let it be

Watch the video of 'Let It Be' from Schools Spectacular 2014, featuring the NSW Public Schools Drama Ensemble.

Complete the activities linked to each image from the item.

Let It Be

Duration: 03:36

  • Describe how the use of vision can effectively create mood in a performance.

  • Outline the process you would follow if you lost the main vision feed prior to this item.

Ensemble singers on stage and large screen behind with soldier silhouette
Drama students standing behind image of 'Lest we Forget' lit on the floor

  • Describe the audio equipment used in these images.

  • Outline the features and uses of dynamic and radio microphones.

Boy holding dynamic radio microphone with in ear foldback
Teenage boy holding a dynamic microphone with mic sock

  • Discuss the follow spot techniques an operator would be undertaking in a large arena event.

  • Describe the role of the stage manager and how they work with each technical department during the live show.

3 boys on stage with follow spot on them

  • Identify the different staging elements used in this image and their purpose.

Student performing as dying soldier on stretcher with nurse taking his notebook and photo


Congratulations!

You have completed this @The Arts Unit Creative Class.

Be sure to explore all of our @The Arts Unit VET Entertainment Creative Classes:









HSC Hub

To assist with your HSC exam preparations you might like to also visit the Department of Education's HSC hub.


Audio fundamentals - Learn the fundamental elements of a basic audio system.
Lighting fundamentals - Develop knowledge and skills in the basic technical elements of lighting.
Staging fundamentals - Develop knowledge and skills in the technical elements of production staging.
Customer service in the entertainment industry - Develop knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with customers and provide quality service.
Safety in the entertainment industry - Explore safety requirements within the entertainment industry.
Vision systems fundamentals - Develop knowledge and skills of vision system fundamentals.
Lights up! - Stage lighting design basics with Lincoln Gidney.
Spectacular entertainment - Using Schools Spectacular to apply safety, lighting, audio, staging and vision knowledge.
Working effectively in the entertainment industry - Develop skills and knowledge required to work effectively in the entertainment industry.

Third-party content attributions

  • School Spectacular images, 2014, photographer: Anna Warr.