@The Arts Unit Creative Classes

Staging fundamentals

Develop knowledge and skills in the technical elements of production staging

Student VET entertainment resource developed by The Arts Unit

Years 11 and 12 VET entertainment

What will I learn?

You will:

  • learn stage terminology and the stages of productions

  • discuss different stage types, stage geography and masking

  • explore stage scenery and its development through technology

  • discover various staging elements and machinery

  • explore staging process and procedures

  • learn about stage production documentation

  • apply knowledge and understanding of staging elements

  • explore production roles and troubleshooting scenarios

  • learn about knots used in theatre.

Qudos Bank Arena - Schools Spectacular

Before you begin

Welcome to this @The Arts Unit Creative Class on staging fundamentals.

Lessons 1 and 2 explores the stage space, production operations and documentation.

Lesson 3 has further staging extension activities directed at VET Entertainment students.

Each lesson has theoretical and practical components for you to complete.

School Spectacular 2019 Photo credit: Anna Warr

Stages of a production

When putting together a production in the entertainment industry there are 3 key stages:

  1. Pre-production, including bump in

  2. Production

  3. Post-production, including bump out.


Pre-production

This includes:

  • concept

  • development of production teams and casting

  • rehearsals

  • publicity

  • design – lighting, sound, vision, costume, set

  • construction – set, costume, sound, props

  • bump in - transfer and set up everything in the performance venue including set, lighting, sound, vision, costumes, props

  • lighting and sound final set up, check and cued for the production

  • technical rehearsal

  • dress rehearsal

  • final directors notes.

Production

This includes:

  • front of House and venue management

  • publicity

  • SHOW TIME!

Post Production

This includes:

  • bump out - pack up or strike the production and remove from the performance venue

  • store or return all costumes, props, lighting and sound equipment

  • finalise all budgets

  • evaluate the production.

Staging terminology

Watch the video 'Theatre terminology' from Union House Theatre.

Theatre terminology

Duration: 06:40

Define the following key staging terms:

  • backstage

  • stage left

  • stage right

  • prompt side

  • opposite prompt

  • downstage

  • upstage

  • wings

  • safety curtain

  • bump in

  • bump out

  • technical rehearsal

  • dress rehearsal.

Theatrecrafts.com also provides a detailed glossary of technical theatre terms for further reference.

Safe work procedures and practices

When working in theatre, safety is paramount.

Watch this video 'Backstage - Is it safe?' from 1983.

Theatre Fundamentals: Backstage - Is it safe?

Duration: 20:51

Identify and discuss the key safety elements in theatre and how they have evolved in the past 40 years.

Considerations for discussion include:

  • undertaking specific staging operations

  • working with electricity

  • manual handling

  • using stage machinery and equipment

  • use of personal protective equipment.

Live Performance Australia (LPA) provide detailed resources on the Safety Guidelines for the Entertainment and Events Industry.

Risk management when undertaking staging operations.

Identifying foreseeable hazards and risks throughout the various stages of a production and then implementing control measures is the vital process of risk management.

Watch the video Hazards in the Theatre.

Make a list of the hazards and risks identified and ways of controlling them in the theatre environment.

Complete a detailed risk assessment for each identified risk.

Hazards in the theatre

Duration: 05:08

Lesson 1 - The stage space

Lesson 2 - Production operations and documentation

Lesson 3 - Staging Extension activities

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.

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