Overview

This standard is about managing the stage and off-stage areas during a performance for a theatre or live production. This includes setting up backstage, checking dressing rooms, distributing props, completing after performance checks and scheduling maintenance. This also includes working closely with the Stage Manager and crew.

This standard is for anyone who manages stage and off-stage areas during productions.

 

Performance Criteria

You must be able to: 

  1. check that technical and stage preparations have been completed prior to performance or during intervals as required
  2. confirm required layout of on-stage and off-stage areas
  3. set up off-stage areas to meet performance requirements, maintaining them in a suitable condition for use
  4. mark-out clear pathways and steps to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of performers and personnel between areas
  5. achieve the required layout and dressings of on-stage areas to achieve the intended effect
  6. arrange and set props according to props plot, taking account of performer preferences whilst maintaining the intended effect
  7. arrange props as required, passing personal props to responsible people
  8. handle props and set in a way that minimises risk of damage
  9. label off-stage areas and resource stores to be used during productions
  10. monitor the security of people and resources in off-stage areas
  11. identify hazards and take action to minimise risks
  12. maintain the continuity of props positions over scene changes
  13. check the props operate as expected and are in compliance with safety requirements
  14. organise how consumable items will be replaced and/or where spares can be found

 

Knowledge and Understanding

You must know and understand: 

  1. how to communicate with production team during a performance
  2. stage terminology and its meanings including upstage, downstage, stage left and stage right
  3. how to monitor activities against performance requirements
  4. the sorts of problems that might occur in maintaining the performance as directed and the appropriate action to take in response to these
  5. how to use dressing room lists and work schedules to identify people's locations
  6. how to store resources and equipment for safe-keeping and ease of access
  7. the importance of maintaining the condition of off-stage areas and your role and responsibility in relation to this
  8. the range of problems that may occur in maintaining off-stage areas and the appropriate actions required to deal with these
  9. the importance of monitoring the condition and safety of the performance area and your role and responsibility in relation to this
  10. how to achieve the required lay out and dressings in the performance area
  11. the importance of accurately recording settings and your role and responsibility in relation to this
  12. the performance schedule and how to plan activities to meet the schedule requirements
  13. the performance requirements for the position and movement of items on the stage
  14. the requirements for alternative uses of the performance area and the actions needed to prepare the area for these activities as well as for performance(s)
  15. details of the setting plot and the function of props in the realisation of plot design intentions
  16. different performance styles and their requirements/restrictions
  17. stage prop terminology
  18. who the responsible person for personal props is and why they need to have them
  19. how to handle props safely and without causing damage
  20. the importance of prop continuity and how to maintain it over scene changes
  21. how to check props for safe and correct operation
  22. how to organise a prop table to assist actors and needs of the production