Profession stage machinist

Stage machinists manipulate sets and other elements in a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the stage machinists work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Stage machinists prepare and perform the setup, execute changeovers and operate manual fly bar systems. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations.

Personality Type

• Conventional / Realistic

Skills

• Interpret artistic intentions

  Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.

• Draw up artistic production

  File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.

• Work ergonomically

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

• Work safely with machines

  Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.

• Modify scenic elements during performance

  Change-over of scenic elements during performance, and follow the relevant documentation during performance.

• 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.

• Use personal protection equipment

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

• Set up technical stage equipment

  Install mechanical and technical stage equipment. Test the installation to make sure everything is in working order.

• Consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production

  Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.

• Keep up with trends

  Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

• Adapt artistic plan to location

  Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.

• 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.

• Communicate during show

  Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

• Support a designer in the developing process

  Support designers in the course of the developing process.

• Prevent technical problems with stage equipment

  Anticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.

• Prepare personal work environment

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

• Perform quality control of design during a run

  Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

• Organise resources for artistic production

  Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.

• Interact with actions on stage

  Take cues from actions on the stage and interact with them. Decide on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to produce a fluid and consistent performance.

• Understand artistic concepts

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

• Set up equipment in a timely manner

  Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.

• Use communication equipment

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

• 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 technical documentation

  Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

• 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.

• 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.

• Prevent fire in a performance environment

  Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.

• Operate stage movement control system

  Operate control systems for stage movement, e.g. flying mechanisms. Use manual or electric systems.

• Safeguard artistic quality of performance

  Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

• Mark the information from the ground plans on the stage area

  Interpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.

• 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.

• Draw stage layouts

  Manual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB