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:

Pre-production, including bump in
Production
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

Video full screen - Theatre terminology

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.