@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.
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.
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: 06:40Define 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: 20:51Identify 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: 05:08Lesson 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.
Third-party content attributions
Schools Spectacular images, photographer: Anna Warr.
Entertainment Industry Curriculum Framework Stage 6 Syllabus, © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2020, copied under s113P, accessed 30 July 2020.