Profession followspot operator

Followspot operators control follow spots based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Follow spots are specialized lighting instruments, designed to follow performers or movements on stage. Movement, size, beam width and color are controlled manually. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the light board operators and performers. Their work is based on instructions and other documentation. Their work can include working on heights, in bridges or above an audience.

Personality Type

• Conventional / Realistic

Skills

• Communicate during show

  Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

• Translate artistic concepts to technical designs

  Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

• Manage personal professional development

  Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.

• Prepare personal work environment

  Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

• Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

  Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

• Operate follow spots

  Operate follow spots during a live performance based on visual cues or documentation.

• Assemble performance equipment

  Set up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.

• De-rig electronic equipment

  Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.

• Understand artistic concepts

  Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

• Store performance equipment

  Safely dismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event. Make sure the equipment is correctly stored away.

• Work with respect for own safety

  Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

• Use personal protection equipment

  Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Follow time cues

  Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.

• Follow safety procedures when working at heights

  Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

• Set up follow spots

  Set up and test follow spots in different types of locations.

• Adapt to artists' creative demands

  Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

• Use communication equipment

  Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB