Staging fundamentals - extension activities

Develop knowledge and skills in the basic 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:

apply knowledge and understanding of staging elements
explore production roles and troubleshooting scenarios
learn about knots used in theatre.

Schools Spectacular 2012 - Sydney Entertainment Centre

Staging in context

Outline how staging requirements and operations vary in the following production contexts:

live performance
theatre
festival events
multi-media presentations
indoor venues
outdoor venues

Watch the following video 'Step in time from Mary Poppins on Broadway'.

"Step in Time" from MARY POPPINS on Broadway

Duration: 07:07

Observe the different stage machinery used throughout the song.

Complete a risk assessment for at least 4 of the staging elements you observe.

Discuss the process the stage crew would need to coordinate the positioning of the drum truck and equipment on the stage floor for this item.

Ensure you consider:

team work
communication
manual handling
safety
time management.

Schools Spectacular 2019

Task:

Using the following performance images from School Spectacular performances analyse the staging elements used and the processes involved in the planning and operation of each example.

2. Production roles

Role and responsibilities of various personnel in relation to staging operations:

creative director
producer
production manager (PM)
production assistant (PA)
stage manager (SM)
deputy stage manager (DSM)
assistant stage manager (ASM)
fly operator
mechanist
stage hand
venue manager.

3. Troubleshooting

Using problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues as they happen during a production is a vital skill when working in the entertainment industry.

Outline the processes to resolve the following typical issues and challenges that may arise during a live performance or event:

A staging truck holding a piano is positioned in the incorrect position on stage by the crew moments before the item begins.
As a stage crew member, the stage manager has asked to paint the stage floor according to the stage plan. As you prepare, you notice the paint is the wrong colour.
As you prepare to release the break on a fly bar to lower a set piece onto the stage you see an actor has positioned themselves incorrectly directly under where the set piece is going to fly in.
The stage crew move on stage to strike a large band truck between item performances and notice the audio multi-core has become stuck in on of the wheels and it will not move.

The problem-solving cycle diagram. 1. Define the problem 2. Brainstorm solutions 3. Pick a solution 4. Implement the solution 5. Review the results

4. Knots

When you are working to assemble, rig and fly flats and masking, a knowledge of basic knots is useful. Natural or synthetic rope can be used to join flats together, fly equipment, and lash objects to each other.

Task: